Imagine : Graceland

[Rob Hall]

'Soweto' is an interesting comparison. Also recorded in South Africa, also, presumably, in breach of the cultural boycott. Also (according to Wiki) subject to claims that the principal artist ripped off the musicians involved: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duck_Rock

[Willy]

great vinyl cull of 88.

Sounds horrific!

[Gordon Neill]

Adam said:

Interesting. We may have hit upon an obvious but subtle faultline here. I was astonished to see the record described here by intelligent music lovers as "dull". Over-polished, yes, in some senses ridiculous in the incongruity of the lyrics with the music, but surely a record with such sublime musicianship as "Graceland" could not be dull. And then I realised, you make your evaluations almost entirely upon the quality of the songs. I make mine almost entirely on the quality of the musicianship. This explains much. Sorry if this is blindingly obvious but I've only just thought of it.

Spot on! I've been aware of this for years. But I'm happy to accept that the fault line is all mine! I had the good fortune to have some musical friends (cetainly they could B sharp - ha ha); they had the misfortune to have me around (hit me over the head, and you just get A thud). It quickly became obvious that they liked records for all the right reasons (musicianship, arrangements etc...). Usually I just found those records ...well...dull. Me, I just liked records just because they sounded good.

[Adam Blake]

Ah but "the quality of the musicianship" doesn't just mean people who play really well. That would be dull. It can also mean people who play really badly. It's quality in the broadest sense, not just a measure of someone else's idea of excellence.

[Gordon Neill]

Adam explained in reasonably short words:

Ah but "the quality of the musicianship" doesn't just mean people who play really well. That would be dull. It can also mean people who play really badly.

Argh! You're starting to mke me feel like Mr Gumby. Certainly my head is starting hurt. Eh, but I think I know what you mean. I think it's why I don't much care for Graceland (too smooth and polished, too calculated) and why I much prefer Indestructible Beat of Soweto (rough as hell sometimes, but all heart). It's why my favourite CD is still John Lennon's "Plastic Ono Band" (and, for that matter, why Lennon is my favourite singer). There. My head is starting to feel better already. Thanks.

[Adam Blake]

my favourite CD is still John Lennon's "Plastic Ono Band" (and, for that matter, why Lennon is my favourite singer)

Blimey, Gordon, that's bitter fare for a man who likes a good laugh. But yes, Lennon's guitar playing on, say, "I Found Out" or "Well Well Well" from that record is infinitely preferable to almost any accomplished session player who, actually, wouldn't be able to play like that even if they wanted to.

"Plastic Ono Band" eh? ...(chuckles wryly to self)

[Gordon Neill]

Us fools can be very bitter when no-one takes us seriously....

But, yes, I love the guitar on I Found Out. You couldn't get BB King to play like that, for love nor money.

[Adam Blake]

Actually B B could probably get closer than most, but your point is well taken.

[garth cartwright]

Was Graceland the album with You Can Call Me Al on? that was a a huge hit and I always found it hugely irritating. Never listened to the rest of the album tho I think I know the title track through repetition. I like some Paul Simon - 60 Ways, Mother & Child - but there's lots i find a bit saccharine. He never played NZ but the controversy certainly made its way there - we almost had a civil war due to a sporting tour by apartheid era rugby team. I'm with Andy - McLaren and The Specials held my ears more than PS in the 80s. Not seen the TV programme. Must admit I can't get too excited about it.

[AndyM]

I think it just fell off the iPlayer map, though doubtless it'll get repeated. But I have to say it is an extremely well-made doc, and a range of views are aired, though as Simon himself is behind the making of it, the eventual outcome is never in doubt.

[NormanD]

Say, don't you remember, they called me Al; it was Al all the time.
Why don't you remember, I'm your pal? Buddy, can you spare a dime?

"Brother, Can You Spare a Dime," lyrics by Yip Harburg, music by Jay Gorney (1931)

[AndyM]

Norma Waterson did a lovely version of that.

[Chris P]

trivia: wasn't it some leading classical composer or conductor (Boulez?) who insisted on calling Simon and his then wife: Al and Betty. I'm assuming that predated & inspired the song lyric. Being as this is SOTW, someone in short notice will probably correct me if wrong

[Chris P]

just googled this:

stems from a 1970 party that Simon hosted with his wife, Peggy Harper. Simon's friend, the composer Stanley Silverman, brought along another composer named Pierre Boulez, and when he made his exit, Boulez called Simon "Al" and his wife "Betty." Boulez was French, and he wasn't being rude - it was just his interpretation of what he heard - Paul=Al Peggy=Betty.

[NormanD]

Thanks for that, Al. I thought it was a Bing Crosby reference.