Graceland - Paul Simon (1986)

Ideated from: August albums

Paul Simon has made some monster records, but this is the only one that’s come out while I’ve been conscious of music.

It makes heavy use of both the musicians and the styles of South African pop. There are certainly those who say Simon is appropriating African music, and on one level it’s hard to argue against. But he also did a lot to bring that sound to American audiences, and it seems like he genuinely loves the music and isn’t just parading African musicians on the stage. Any time a famous white guy features an African or African-American musician, there’s all kinds of baggage about appropriation and minstrelsy, and it can be hard to sort out whether it comes from a place of love or exploitation.

I don’t know Simon’s heart. But to me, this isn’t appropriative. Appropriative is the father who has a blue lives matter bumper sticker and votes republican, but thinks it’s his right to bust a move to Nelly at his daughter’s wedding. You accept the culture and why it’s important and special, or you treat it like you bought a ticket to the zoo and you’re going home later. That’s at the heart of the issue for me.

Meanwhile, Paul Simon made a hopping little record that has been one of my favorites for about 30 years.

Tracks I Liked

Boy In The Bubble - an all time classic.

Diamonds On The Soles of Her Shoes - a gorgeous choral intro and a fun song after

You Can Call Me Al - grocery store music (In fact I just heard it at the grocery store a few days ago), but as with a lot of grocery store music, it’s famous for a reason.

That Was Your Mother - I dare you not to dance.