Paul Simon

Album review

Graceland - 25th Anniversary Edition

added: 15 Jul 2012 // release date: 4 Jun 2012 // label: Sony Records Entertainment
reviewer: Claudia A

Printable version

While the controversy surrounding this album has long waned, the brilliance of the songs stood the test of time and will continue to do so.

This 25th Anniversary edition includes the Joe Berlinger directed documentary �Under African Skies� which follows Paul Simon back into a liberated Africa.

Simon recorded only five tracks in Apartheid South Africa � not exploiting but honouring the sounds of that troubled nation by introducing it to a worldwide audience. From the classic title song to the harrowing �Homeless�; from the oddly titled love song �Gum Boots� to �She Got Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes�; from �The Boy In The Bubble� to �You Can Call Me Al� � none of the tracks need any further introduction!

Blending traditional ethnic and roots music with his own unique sound, Simon crafted a groundbreaking masterpiece that also throws in beats and rhythms inspired by Sun Records 50�s artists (Elvis and Johnny Cash in particular). Especially interesting is the track �That Was Your Mother� - a fiery Cajun number almost identical with �My Baby She�s Gone� by Rockin� Dopsie.
The 2012 Graceland edition furthermore offers five demos as well as the interesting �The Story of Graceland� (narrated by Paul Simon).

As for the accompanying DVD: apart from the aforementioned docu, the disc contains interviews with Whoopi Goldberg, Harry Belafonte, Ray Phiri, Barney Rachabane and Hugh Masekela.

In addition, the following four music videos are also included:
1. You Can Call Me Al
2. The Boy In The Bubble
3. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
4. � � (Saturday Night Live � Nov 1986)

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