It is easy to think of music as mere entertainment, an escape or even a diversion from our current state of mind. However, throughout history, we can see that music has had a larger social impact on society than we might realize. Paul Simon's album, Graceland, really captures the weight music can have on an individual and on a cultural level. A sort of a mid-life crisis feeling underscores many of the songs, but musically there is a trans-Atlantic musical connection that celebrated South African musicians and their American counterparts. This was a particularly important time as South African apartheid was beginning to crumble. I find that this moment coalesces in "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" at the concert in Zimbabwe.
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Great album! I listened to a whole lot of Simon & Garfunkel records while growing up, thanks to my Mom. I remember when Graceland came out, especially that video for You Can Call Me Al with Chevy Chase... hilarious for a 9 year old.
ReplyDeletehilarious yet sad at the same time, not necessarily from the lyrics, but in realizing that Chase was on the long slow decline. Long live the days of Fletch
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