They Played It Live | Paul Simon – Graceland

Today, we present the first installment of a new column called They Played It Live in which we share video featuring our favorite live performances of each tune off a classic album. Now, bear in mind many albums contain tracks which the original artist never played live, but if there’s a video on the ‘nets, we’ll share ’em.

We start off by looking at Paul Simon’s live performances of songs off of 1986’s Graceland LP. Over the years the NYC native has played every tune from Graceland with the exception of its closing track -“All Around the World or the Myth of Fingerprints.” Videos below include clips from 1987’s The African Concert, Simon’s 1992 appearance on MTV’s Unplugged, a fantastic take on “You Can Call Me Al” featuring David Byrne and more. Let’s get down to business:

1. The Boy In The Bubble -1987 The African Concert

2. Graceland -1992 Unplugged

3. I Know What I Know -1991 Concert For Central Park

4. Gumboots -2011 iTunes Festival

5. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes -2007 Award Ceremony w/ Ladysmith Black Mambazo

6. You Can Call Me Al -2011 Webster Hall w/ David Byrne

7. Under African Skies -1987 The African Concert w/ Miriam Makeba

8. Homeless -1987 The African Concert w/ Ladysmith Black Mambazo

9. Crazy Love Vol. II -2013 Live In Australia

10. That Was Your Mother -2011 iTunes Festival