Under African Skies

[chippewa]

Watched the documentary Under African Skies on A&E last night, that was the best thing I've seen on television in ages. It's about the making of Paul Simon's Graceland album in the mid 80s, how he went to South Africa to record with musicians he had never met and their influence on him. He caught a lot of grief, as there was a cultural boycott of South Africa at the time. Many were accusing him of circumventing the boycott when his intention was quite the opposite, as he was trying to introduce the music world to these oppressed people and their music.

I don't see any more viewings on the TV schedule, but if it comes around again or shows up at a theater near you, it's a great show. 25 years later, that album is still one of the most original things I've heard.

[phjrsaunt]

I'd like to see that. I recently read Harry Belafonte's autobiography in which Mr. Belafonte had some not so kind words to say about Paul Simon for the very reason you referred to. That's not the only reason I'd like it, of course. I really think Paul Simon was onto something by doing that album. Call it "going back to your roots" or whatever. Not entirely unlike one Mr. Jimmy Buffett and his album "Far Side of the World."