Paul Simon’s “Graceland” Turns 25

Paul Simon: Under African Skies

In 1986, Paul Simon released Graceland, his groundbreaking album which took the world by storm, leading to 14 million copies sold and a five-year tour.

For many of us, this record also introduced another great discovery: bassist Bakithi Kumalo. His fretless bass work – particularly his iconic bass on the album’s “You Can Call Me Al” was as remarkable then as it is today. Kumalo and Simon have been close since, and continue to tour together to this day.

Paul Simon: Graceland 25th Anniversary EditionSimon is celebrating the anniversary with new releases in multiple formats, from a single CD all the way up to a deluxe box set (and a few in between).

Graceland is an album that did a lot: it helped proper the idea of World Music and it influenced the political process in South Africa (and not without controversy).

The line up for Graceland 25th Anniversary includes a deluxe box set, including the original album with bonus tracks, the documentary Under African Skies, concert footage and video clips, a deluxe book featuring previously unreleased photos, new liner notes and a replica of Simon’s handwritten lyrics pad. The set contains five previously unreleased live tracks, recorded in San Sebastian, Spain from the 1989 tour for Graceland and Rhythm of the Saints.

A CD/DVD combo edition offers up the album and documentary, and the album is also available as a single CD and vinyl release.

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