Album: Mavis Staples, You Are Not Alone (Anti-)

Andy Gill
Thursday 09 September 2010 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Now into her seventies, Mavis Staples remains in fine fettle on this follow-up to 2007's civil-rights themed We'll Never Turn Back.

As on that project, a guest producer does Staples proud, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy replacing Ry Cooder, and devising a sublime blend of traditional gospel songs and several unusual cover versions, the best of which is surely her tender interpretation of the unbearably poignant "Losing You", the standout composition of Randy Newman's recent years, which could draw tears from a stone. Tweedy brings an offbeat guitar lurch to her father's "Downward Road" and punctuates "Creep Along Moses" with an abrasive electric guitar figure; but as ever, it's Staples' voice that's the star here, its smoky tone imposing a burnished grace on everything.

DOWNLOAD THIS Losing You; Creep Along Moses; Downward Road; Last Train

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in