Simon & Garfunkel - Bookends Value Guide

Released in 1968, Bookends is the fourth studio album by Simon & Garfunkel, known for its sophisticated blend of folk-rock and orchestral arrangements. This defining 1960s record features the hit Mrs. Robinson and is instantly recognizable by its stark black-and-white portrait cover.

What affects the value of Simon & Garfunkel - Bookends?

• Condition of the vinyl surface, specifically the absence of scratches or surface noise on quieter tracks.
• Presence and condition of the original large-scale promotional poster.
• The specific pressing variant, with original 360 Sound labels typically fetching higher prices than later reissues.
• The state of the cardboard sleeve, particularly looking for ring wear or seam splits on the black-and-white artwork.

How to Identify Simon & Garfunkel - Bookends?

• Look for the Columbia Records two-eye label on original 1968 US pressings.
• Verify the presence of the iconic black-and-white close-up portrait of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel on the front cover.
• Check for the specific catalog number KCS 9529 on the spine and label of stereo versions.
• Ensure the inclusion of the large fold-out poster that was originally packaged with early pressings.

History of Simon & Garfunkel - Bookends

Bookends is the fourth studio album by American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. Released to wide acclaim, it features reflective, tightly arranged songs blending folk, rock and orchestral elements. The album produced classics like "Mrs. Robinson" and showcased the duo's lyrical maturity and studio experimentation, becoming a defining record of late 1960s popular music.