Paul Simon: The Obvious Child

Following the success of "Graceland" with Paul Simon turning his ears and attention to world music, his next release "The Rhythm of the Saints" had him going after Brazilian music and sounds that echoed the drumming of African tribal rhythms. That's when he met with popular drum group Olodum, that end playing in some of Simon's tracks and among them "The Obvious Child" got a clip made, directed by Mozanbique born-Brazilian based director Ruy Guerra, one of the most important filmmakers of the Cinema Novo movement ("Os Fuzis", "Os Cafajestes").

Simon performs the song while walking around the historical Pelourinho, in Bahia state, alongside Olodum and their drums and movements, and a kid follows the singer in his routine knowing the city.

A sort of exotic experience for audiences to see a different side of Brazil and its sound apart from Rio de Janeiro landscape or Bossa Nova style of music. Quite a novelty back then and Olodum got worldwide recognition recording with Michael Jackson a few years later.

Fine song but a little far off from what I like to hear from Simon. The video simply offers performance style, a few memorable moments and that's it. Good view. 7/10.