Mavis Staples has released the title track of her upcoming album, a cover of a Sparklehorse song. Staples’ cover of “Sad and Beautiful World” is subdued, and features more instrumentation than the Mark Linkous original. Her version includes a pedal steel and horns on top of a steady drum beat. That said, the somber, reflective mood of the song remains, and both versions are incredibly effective.
And that emotion is a key to this album as well as all of Staples’ work. In a press release, she said, “I just have to deliver the compassion I feel. I want to share the song the way I feel it.”
Staples’ new record, (also titled Sad and Beautiful World), finds Staples working with some familiar friends, alongside producer Brad Cook. The album features appearances by Buddy Guy, Jeff Tweedy, Katie Crutchfield (aka Waxahatchee) and Bonnie Raitt. Sad and Beautiful World will be released November 7th.
