I watched a new doculmentary on A&E recently on the making of Paul Simon’s “Graceland” CD. Anyone else see it? Curious about your thoughts.
The doc covered the music as well as the controversy surrounding Simon’s going to South Africa despite the ANC’s boycott.
My opinion - at the time I couldn’t understand why the controversy blew up. Seemed the exposure of the South African music & musicians was worth it. But on the other hand, I get what the ANC rep was saying about how a boycott has to be 100% to be effective.
As for the music, whatever anyone says about Paul Simon (and I’ve read lots of negative things on this board) I think “Graceland” is a masterpiece.
I haven’t seen it, but I’m curious. Did they touch on the Paul Simon / Los Lobos feud regarding “The Myth of Fingerprints”?
I don’t want to dredge it up here, because I don’t know who’s right. There’s some more info on the album’s Wikipedia page – go down to “Songwriting credit dispute with Los Lobos.”
I only bring it up because, like you, I’ve always considered “Graceland” to be a masterpiece, and ever since I read about this incident, it’s kind of tarnished it in my mind. I was wondering if maybe the documentary put a new light on the issue.
Nope, Meltdown, that wasn’t touched on at all
I caught this the other night as well and really enjoyed it. I’m a big fan of the Graceland album and had no idea about the controversy surrounding it at the time. The doc was really fascinating and well-made.
What’s the name of this? I want to watch/DVR it if possible.
p.s. I think the album is phenomenal.
Netflix streaming has a Classic Albums episode about Graceland, too.
It’s called “Under African Skies”
Edited the thread title so it includes the name of the documentary.
I thought that episode was excellent. It didn’t come off like a “whitewash” but did make Graceland seem non-exploitive and almost a miracle of goodness. It went into the sociology of the United States/South Africa collaboration and made it seem beneficial to both.
My other favorite classic album episode was Steely Dan’s Aja. Like Graceland, Aja has many fascinating instrumental parts that are buried deep in the mix.
I also liked the shows on Rumours and The Band, which again had a lot of semi-hidden flourishes, altho not as many as Aja or Graceland.
Good news - it’s available on Hulu.
I saw it an international film festival a few months ago and REALLY enjoyed it - great music, interesting interviews, and an uplifting message. One of the best documentaries I’ve seen in quite awhile.
There was a panel discussion afterwards with a producer of the film, a longtime musical collaborator of Simon’s, and some local cultural mavens who knew the backstory to the album (don’t remember any names, sorry), and that was also worthwhile. The producer said that the royalties that all of Simon’s South African musicians and song co-writers have gotten over the years really changed their lives, in the great majority of cases for the better.
I just got the deluxe 25th anniversary edition of “Graceland” . In the liner notes Simon seems to credit Los Lobos’ contribution. (reference to post #2 in the thread).
Thank you! Awesome documentary for a perfect album! 
I see that the documentary will be broadcast on PBS’s “Great Performances” on Jan. 4. Highly recommended:
Thank you!!! I wanna see this really badly!
Well, I’d say you’re in for a treat!
Thanks! I’ll tell my parents, they are not very good with the whole “wathing streaming video on the internet”, but they’ll watch PBS!
It’s not going to be on here 
I recommend John Forster’s satirical take “Fusion” as excellent counterpoint on the Graceland phenomenon.
you have to have hulu plus to see it, or do a free trial (hmmm…)
I loved Graceland but thought Rhythm of the Saints was even better.