‘Graceland’ is my favorite record and also the best that I have ever recorded in my entire career”, says Paul Simon on this DVD that reveals the creation of his album ‘Graceland’. The DVD showcases the soloist who was once part of the duo Simon and Garfunkel and who gave us hits like Sound of Silence and Scarborough Fair and a few others that are still vivid in music history as some of the most requested tracks ever.

Simon has recorded ‘Graceland’ as the music happened. It was recorded as the musicians were playing, no much re – recording nothing major in its setup. This 1986 album was recorded in New York and South Africa and was named Album of the Year at the 1986 Grammy awards. With its South African touch, the album brought dashes of South African music complete with traditional instruments to audiences around the world. The album topped the charts at many places.

The DVD is an eye opener on the making of this great album told in Simon’s own words as he sits behind the music console and tells you just how each song was recorded and the work that went behind it. Interesting footage shows Simon performing a few tracks including the magnimous Graceland, Under African Skies (a duet with Miriam Makeba), and Diamonds on the soles of her shoes (with Ladysmith Black Mambazo) among others in the heart of Africa and to an African audience. It also plays footage from unforgettable videos such as the very lovable and infectious You can call me al and Boy in the Bubble. African backup singers who double up as dancers make for a very interesting watch especially the leg kicking on Diamonds on the soles of her shoes.

The video also has some interesting interview tidbits with African singers, session musicians and music videos, basically all who were part of the project. It also shows that despite Simon’s unfortunate breakup with Garfunkel, it shows the other side of his collaboration with African singers and how the album got created. Don’t miss out on the neat duet with Linda Ronstadt or even the fun side of You can call me Al, that has excellent opening bars and neat bass guitaring. Simon talks in length about this song and how relevant it is to the common man. The lyrics ring loud”You can be my bodyguard, I can be your long lost pal…….” go the chorus lyrics of the song.

“It had a younger generation very ready to face the outside world”, says Simon whose album ‘Graceland’ can be termed as one of the greatest albums of all time.

Rating: ****

Reviewed By Verus Ferreira