By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 17:19:05 +0000

The other controversy around the record (which the film didn’t cover at all) was that the first edition of the album gave all music and lyric credits to Paul Simon, and none to the South African musicians or Los Lobos (who still claim to have completely written the music of All Around The World). Later editions of the album and CD give more shared credits (but none to Los Lobos).

Peter Gabriel was also impressed by the occasional ironic disconnect between the lyrics and the music on Graceland, especially with “The Boy In The Bubble,” which is why he covered it on his Scratch My Back album with a very somber musical backdrop. In return, Paul recorded “Biko.”

I think Paul has done better records since Graceland, actually: The Rhythm Of The Saints is more musically unified, and You’re The One may be the magnum opus of all time. But Graceland really is an amazing album, and it does contain the song Graceland, which easily ranks with Bridge Over Troubled Water as one of the best songs he’s ever written. I love the extended explanation behind that tune on the anniversary reissue.

Cheers!

By: Shira

Shira — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:49:22 +0000

This is such a great entry. You write so beautifully. Uncle Paul would be proud.

By: Deborah Blake

Deborah Blake — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:35:06 +0000

I grew up on Simon and Garfunkel (big folk people, my parents, but they also loved everything from blues to rock to opera to classical). But of all his solo albums, I think this was my favorite.

I’m sure you are related. Because you are just that cool.

Comments on: 25 Years of Graceland

By: Matt

By: Shira

By: Deborah Blake