Paul Simon's Graceland is the kind of record that seemingly everyone can agree on. It's the one thing you have in common with your slightly eccentric college roommate. It's the moment you first realize your parents might actually be kind of cool after all. Its appeal is about as universal as it comes. But lurking just behind this masterpiece of musical amalgamation is another hands-down, if slightly less recognizable, classic. The Indestructible Beat of Soweto is the definitive document of South African mbaqanga, mqashiyo, and various other musical forms which, prompted by a cassette tape from a friend, captured Simon's attention and led him to Johannesburg to record Graceland's initial tracks. You'll undoubtedly recognize the heavenly choir of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, but don't stop there. Be prepared for the perfect-summer-day, sunshine-and-smiles bounce of Nancy Sedibe's "Holotelani" to inhabit your head for days to come, and on "Qhwayilahle," Moses Mchunu will give a pretty good idea of why Paul Simon got so excited in the first place.
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