Graceland

Charm of folk-music and rock’n’roll

Paul Simon is well-known to all connoisseurs of sincere music. That performer established a good reputation of an outstanding composer, who is interested in several genres at the same time, from rock to ethnic music. In fact Simon started a career as a rock artist in collaboration with another, not less famous singer Art Garfunkel, however with time the musicians’ roads went different directions. Anyways, while performing as a duo, they managed to find faithful fans, who continued to follow Art’s and Paul’s creativity even after the duo’s disbandment. Paul’s debut solo studio attempt saw the light in 1965 and it had obvious motives and attitude of folk-music. That was the very beginning of Simon’s creative path, however even back then it was clear as a day that the artist is capable of much. Gradually, step by step Paul was mastering his performing skills and studied peculiarities and signature features of ethnic music from all over the Earth. Latin-American motives, Jamaican reggae and many other genres found their place in Simon’s solo albums. Three of Paul’s long plays were honored by the highest award in the world of music – Grammy Award. In the year 2012 listeners will be able to enjoy one of the best and the most significant creations of Paul Simon in a little bit renewed shape - Graceland (25th Anniversary Edition).

Graceland – a trip around the world

The official release of one of Paul Simon’s best creations titled Graceland took place in the year 1986. The time showed that this album turned into something much bigger than just an excellent long play. The point is that Graceland was recorded in several places, including Africa. Back then the apartheid regime was still ruling in the area, and Paul Simon made his contribution to its liquidation. The artist was successfully working together with local performers, and thereby he managed to destroy the barrier between cultures. However the listeners’ attention was concentrated on Paul’s compositions, of course – that was the musical component that made Graceland so called for and even legendary. All the long play’s songs, from The Boy In The Bubble and title track Graceland, proved to be fascinating, remarkably charming, simple (in a good way) and truly rememberable. It goes without saying that they all are united by a general style, but at the same time these songs do not copy each other. For example, Under African Skies and Crazy Love, Vol. II, which are no doubt great samples of slow reggae music, are quite distant from vivid and clockwork That Was Your Mother. Graceland’s compositions were time-tested, and this test is definitely a strong and tough one. Thus, these songs remain called for, which is the best possible proof of their highest quality.

Paul Simon and his part in the development of contemporary music

There is not a single doubt that Graceland became a notable creation in maestro Simon’s career. However it is possible to state that this long play proved to be one of the most significant and bright records of the twentieth century. Magazines Rolling Stone and Time, whose experts have well-deserved reputation and respect, included Graceland into their lists of the best works of all times. Well, it does not seem that anyone would ever like to argue with that. Graceland impresses with its inhomogenuity and, simultaneously, with its wholeness. The anniversary edition is finished by an interesting story from Paul Simon about the process of the long play creation. With accompaniment of guitars, drums and all kinds of various exotic instruments Paul shares the story of Graceland creation with his listeners. Well, how many albums do you know where you can enjoy the composer and author’s comments about the entire long play? That pleasant addition became the best possible bonus. If you like original music, then be sure that Graceland will bring you a lot of joy and positive emotions. And it does not really matter if you already know that amazing album or if you are just going to explore its incredible exotic atmosphere.