Paul Simon – Graceland [180g Black Vinyl]

Paul Simon's Graceland revolutionized popular music when it arrived in 1986, weaving together American folk traditions with South African township jive and mbaqanga rhythms. The album emerged from Simon's collaboration with South African musicians during the apartheid era, creating a groundbreaking fusion that transcended political boundaries through the universal language of music. Featuring contributions from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ray Phiri, and Bakithi Kumalo, among others, the record became a cultural phenomenon that introduced millions of listeners to African musical traditions while showcasing Simon's gift for melody and storytelling.

The title track "Graceland" sets the tone with its buoyant accordion and intricate guitar work, weaving personal reflection with spiritual journey. "You Can Call Me Al" became an instant classic with its memorable bass line and playful lyrics, while "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" opens with a cappella harmonies before exploding into joyful celebration. "The Boy in the Bubble" addresses technology and violence with urgency, and "Under African Skies" features Linda Ronstadt's vocals alongside shimmering mbaqanga guitars. Each track demonstrates Simon's ability to blend complex rhythms with accessible songwriting, creating music that feels both exotic and familiar.

This 180g black vinyl pressing captures the album's rich sonic landscape with remarkable detail. The intricate interplay between instruments, from Kumalo's fretless bass to the layered vocal harmonies, benefits from the warmth and depth of the heavyweight vinyl format. The pressing preserves the clarity of Roy Halee's production, allowing every percussion accent and guitar flourish to shine through.

• Format: 180g Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Graceland," "You Can Call Me Al," "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes"
• Pressing details: 180g heavyweight black vinyl pressing
• Genre/style: World Music, Folk Rock, Pop Rock, Afro-Pop
• UPC: 886919147216

Graceland on 180g vinyl delivers one of the most celebrated albums of the 1980s, capturing the warmth and joy that made it a milestone in popular music.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. The Boy In The Bubble
2. Graceland
3. I Know What I Know
4. Gumboots
5. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes

Side B:

1. You Can Call Me Al
2. Under African Skies
3. Homeless
4. Crazy Love, Vol. II
5. That Was Your Mother
6. All Around The World Or The Myth Of Fingerprints