Paul Simon and Chevy Chase in the video for "You Can Call Me Al"
In keeping with the spirit of this week’s Afropop theme, we direct you to the music video (that might as well be a comedy bit) for “You Can Call Me All,” a hit song from Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland. Much of the album was recorded in South Africa and featured South African musicians. However, the album was a melding of styles, including pop and rock, and its unique sound earned it the 1986 Grammy for Album of the Year.
Enjoy the pennywhistle solo by Jy Morr Goldberg, vocal rhythms by South African group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and a bass run by Bakithi Kumalo that packs a palindromic punch (it was recorded, then played backwards for the second half of the solo).
Humor takes center stage in this video, as a ready-to-sing Paul Simon is “upstaged” by eager comedian Chevy Chase, whose expressive lip-synching is nothing short of brilliant.
As you watch, be on the lookout for:
- fitted jackets with T-shirts underneath–it wasn’t just for Crockett and Tubbs, folks…
- many scene-stealing moments by the 6’4″ Chevy Chase, whose plays the clueless troublemaker like no other
- equally scene-stolen moments by the understated Paul Simon, whose deadpan expressions speak volumes
Enjoy this festive track as you have a festive Friday!
Leave a Reply