The 2018 project succeeded because it did not attempt to erase the original elements. Instead, it invited a diverse roster of global electronic music producers to use Simon’s master stems as a playground. Icons of the electronic scene—including , Thievery Corporation , Sharam , MK , and Joris Voorn —stepped up to curate a tracklist that honors the past while pushing into dancefloor territory. Track-by-Track Highlights: When Electronic Meets Afro-Pop
The album received some critical support. Publications like musicheadquarter.de gave it 5 out of 9 points, acknowledging that while purists might see it as blasphemy, it could serve to introduce a timeless work to a younger generation. The project was described as gathering international stars to present "trend-setting reworkings of a timeless century album".
Rather than simply adding a generic house beat over the original vocals, the artists involved treated the source material as sacred. They dissected the original multitrack tapes, isolating Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s haunting vocal harmonies, Bakithi Kumalo’s iconic fretless basslines, and Simon’s poetic lyricism, weaving them into contemporary electronic landscapes. Track Highlights and Producer Contributions
The sharp "click" of an African percussion instrument or the crisp snap of a digital snare drum requires fast transient response. Lossless audio ensures these transients remain sharp and impactful, giving the music its infectious, foot-tapping energy. Track-by-Track Audiophile Breakdown paul simon graceland the remixes 2018 flac
The shimmer of Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s harmonies is easily muddied. FLAC preserves the delicate sibilance and overtones of their vocals, as well as the metallic ring of the original album’s accordion and guitar harmonics. This clarity allows you to appreciate how the remixers wove these signature elements alongside synthetic textures.
What's your take on the Graceland remixes—a bold reimagining or a misstep? Let's discuss.
Released on June 1, 2018, Graceland: The Remixes is a track-by-track electronic reimagining of Paul Simon's seminal 1986 album. Curated by executive producer Michael Gaiman (The Duke of New York), the project features contributions from legendary dance music producers such as Paul Oakenfold, Groove Armada, and Thievery Corporation. High-Fidelity Audio (FLAC) The 2018 project succeeded because it did not
The legendary electronic duo Groove Armada takes the album's biggest hit and stretches it into a hypnotic, groove-heavy dancefloor anthem. They keep the driving energy of the original bassline while introducing modern house synths.
To understand the significance of The Remixes , one must first appreciate the monumental stature of the original Graceland . Released in 1986, Paul Simon's seventh solo studio album was a groundbreaking fusion of pop, rock, a cappella, zydeco, and, most notably, South African musical styles like .
Other critics were far less kind. A review in Rolling Stone Germany described it as a " soulless and directionless collection " of deep house and dance versions that strip away the album's ambiguity. The review further critiqued Groove Armada's take as " nothing but a bad joke ". A user review echoed this sentiment, calling it a " terrible record " where the remixers took "a lot of liberties" with the original source material. The general consensus seemed to be that while the project was interesting, it was far from essential listening for fans of the original album. Rather than simply adding a generic house beat
The project features a mix of veteran electronic producers and contemporary house DJs, giving every song a unique flavor.
From that day forward, Alex made it a point to share his discovery with fellow music enthusiasts, ensuring that the 2018 remixes of "Graceland" would reach a wider audience. For in the world of music, where creativity and innovation knew no bounds, it was clear that Paul Simon's "Graceland" – and its remarkable remixes – would continue to captivate listeners for years to come.
The remixes, crafted by various artists and producers, took Alex on a sonic journey through different interpretations of Simon's timeless classics. From the deep house-infused beats of "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (Marcel Theo Hall Remix)" to the melancholic string arrangements of "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side (Bon Iver Remix)", each track offered a fresh perspective on the original album.
4. "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" (Thievery Corporation Remix)