Import from Italy. Vinyl plays nicely (play-graded). Cover looks great; a few creases near edges; light-scuffing and faint surface impressions (front/back). Laminate removed from sticker near top-left. Inner-sleeve is original (lyrics/credits/photo). Spine is mostly readable, with wear, especially near top. Shelf wear along top-edge; developing split near center and heavier wear along bottom-edge. Wear to corners. Opening is crisp with signs of light use. Factory applied Italian stamp on one side of label. (Not a cut-out.)
The Rhythm of the Saints, by Paul Simon, gained commercial success, received favorable reviews from critics and earned two nominations for the 34th Grammy Awards — Album of the Year and Producer of the Year. Following the success of 1986's Graceland, on which he worked principally with South African musicians, Simon broadened his interests in diverse forms of music from around the world. He turned to Latin America for the musicians and rhythms which characterize much of this album, partnering with Afro-Brazilian superstars Grupo Cultural Olodum, masters of the heavily percussive sub-style of samba called Batuque or Batucada. The group's drumming is featured on the opening song and first single, The Obvious Child. Brazilian singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento co-wrote Spirit Voices and contributed some vocals. Guest appearances were also made by mandolin- and "guitarra baiana" master Armandinho, another Bahia musician, and by Afro-Cuban drummer Francisco Aguabella, and Puerto Rican-born drummer Giovanni Hidalgo. Another collaborator was jazz percussionist and master of the berimbau, Naná Vasconcelos; jazz guitarist Rafael Rabelo also played on the album, along with many other Brazilian musicians.