triptych 6 - Unlikely Pair

One of the great surprises of 2010 is the exquisite new release by Mavis Staples, You Are Not Alone, produced by Jeff Tweedy.  If you can believe their joint appearance and interview on The Colbert Show, Staples' and Tweedy's record label was the driving force behind their arranged marriage.  Of course, it was quickly evident Tweedy was more than familiar with the back history of Mavis Staples and The Staple Singers oeuvre.  That respect is especially evident on the title track (below).

The Staple Singers

The Staple Singers were one of the greatest gospel, soul and R&B acts of all time.  Pop Staples formed the group in 1948 with his children Cleotha, Pervis, Yvonne and Mavis.  1971's reggae-inflected hit "I'll Take You There" reached number one on the charts, and it sounds every bit as fresh today.
I'll Take You There - The Staple Singers 

Wilco circa 1995

Tweedy's Wilco arose from the smoldering ashes of St. Louis's Uncle Tupelo in 1994 (with former sidekick Jay Farrar moved on to Son Volt).  The first Wilco album, A.M., was considered perhaps a bit lightweight and overly poppy for some alt-country purists, but it spoke promisingly to the songwriting development that Tweedy would exhibit in subsequent release after release.  "I Must Be High" is a standout from their 1995 debut album.
I Must Be High - Wilco 

Mavis Staples

Still, for all the talent involved, who could have predicted such a fortuitous pairing as can be heard on "You Are Not Alone"?  Open up -- this is a raid.
You Are Not Alone - Mavis Staples (Jeff Tweedy)