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Yes, he did. And yes - pretty well everything he did has worked. The other new song was "Stranded in a Limousine." Paul Simon has written many fine songs - but for albums, I think "Graceland" is his triumph. "Mississippi Delta, shining like a National Guitar" -- wow, I can see it! What a simile! My kind of song-writing!

But of all his good songs - I get the greatest feeling from "Slip-Slidin' Away." Every verse. I know what he's saying, but even at my advanced age (77) I'm pleased to report I don't find it at all morbid. It's Zen-like, and finely crafted story-telling, at least for me.

 

Yes, Graceland was a hammer. But it was also very controversial. He was (and still stands) accused of cultural appropriation. He didn't give songwriting credit where it was due to African musicians (but later relented). And the guys from Los Lobos will tell you he completely ripped them off on "Myth of Fingerprints." Then there was the trip to South Africa to record when the cultural ban was still in place (because of apartheid). Personally, I think his breaking of the ban was a good thing overall, but there it is.

One of my favorites is the soundtrack to his not-so-good movie, One Trick Pony. They say his follow-up, Hearts and Bones, was hurt because he waited 5 years to release it while working on the movie and musical tastes had moved on. I liked it anyway. In fact, I have and like everything from Paul Simon through Rhythm of the Saints. I have what he's done since, but there was a huge drop-off in quality, IMHO with Songs from the Capeman. I don't think he really recovered.

 

I'm glad I didn't read about the controversy then - just listened. The African musicians who played on the record were fantastic. I still remember the accordionist from Lesotho. Left hand of G*d, that guy! I play a bit myself. I managed to be somehow unaware of the songwriting credit fracas. A shame. But, I agree, as far as breaking the cultural ban -- good for him. Such repressive bans should not exist anywhere - but they continue to do so.

And about the dropoff in quality -- Paul Simon is even older than I am - he's almost 79. Maybe he should consider retirement. I know it's really difficult for some musicians, because often, the head goes on, full of ideas, when the fingers or the pipes have begun to fail. Or, for others, the ideas may no longer be of the same high quality as in years gone by. He had a great career. There comes a time...

And now, back to our regular programming...

 

One more thing I forgot - about Los Lobos and the ripoff allegations - If Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo showed up at my door - I'd give them whatever they wanted. They look like they could make short work of me. Apology - Yessir! Where do you want it printed? Compensation? Just tell me how much!

Ok - thread back to normal... I promise.

 

Just Another Band From East L.A.

 

Back to our normal programming. . . Nomaduser brought me back to reality about the cost of Community Colleges. I did manage, however, to find a reference to this Kansas school on the other forum. The per credit rates posted (out of State and International are a direct steal from the Pratt College site
Pratt Online – Non-Kansas Residents

• Tuition $77
• Fees $51
• Total $128
• An additional $100 fee is required for each semester in attendance if enrolled in 12 credit hours or more

Pratt Online – International

• Tuition $95
• Fees $51
• Total $146
• An additional $150 fee is required for each semester in attendance if enrolled in 12 credit hours or more

You can see what they have available here: http://www.prattcc.edu/summer

 

That link is suddenly not working - misdirects to Pratt Institute in NY . Sorry. Only way I could get to Pratt CC site was to Google Pratt Community College, Kansas, hit the link shown and add /summer when the page came up.

Not the best of signs, maybe - but for now I'll just put it down as a cyber-fluke.

 

Thanks, Steve - you got it, so I tried again and the link works fine. 27 years and I'll never be able to figure the ol' Interweb!