0249. Paul Simon
Graceland
Going to South Africa to record an album in a time when it wasn't really okay to do so (you've heard about apartheid, right), and then recording with people the local government didn't think you should record with (that apartheid-thing again) was kind of a big deal. But, Paul Simon did it and he did it well.
Graceland is a far cry away from his solo debut and also an eclectic mix of South African and roots American that livens up the stereo.
But as exciting as it may be to hear the creole-guitars and mbaqanga it's still the isicathamiya (i.e. traditional Zulu soft-acapella based on harmonies (yes, I had to look it up)) sung with Ladysmith Black Mombaso that is the most original on this album.
Along with the extensive list of collaborations (including Zydeco, and a beef with Los Lobos about songwriting credits) it makes Simon almost a guest on his own album. Or at least the sidekick (interestingly also the way he was portrayed beside Chevy Chase in the hit single You Can Call Me Al).
