NPR’s First Listen series is premiering the new
POPS STAPLES album
Don’t Lose This this week. This anticipated posthumous recording by the iconic singer- guitarist arrives in stores February 17th via dBpm/Anti-.
Preview the album here:
NPR
Don’t Lose This was recently profiled in
The New Yorker, which detailed the record’s dramatic history. “During the summer of 2000, six months before his death, Pops called his youngest daughter to his sickbed, on the top floor of his duplex. “Mavis,” she recalls him saying with a light voice, “bring the record up here. I want to hear it.” So Mavis went downstairs—there were exactly seven steps from his bedroom to the living room—and fetched a large boom box. She took it to her father, hit play, and left him alone. When she returned, the recording was nearing the end. “Mavis,” he said, “don’t lose this.” “I won’t, Pops,” she replied.”
The album, which was originally recorded and produced by Pops and Mavis in 1999, now boasts new production as well as bass and guitar by Jeff Tweedy, and new drums by Spencer Tweedy. Jeff previously collaborated with Mavis on her solo releases,
One True Vine and the Grammy-winning
You Are Not Alone.
Early Acclaim For Don’t Lose This:
“He sang about darkness, and he sang about light. He's done it again, it's a total gift to hear one of the greats completely owning his lane.” - Pitchfork
“Luckily for the listener, these recordings weren’t lost, and the love and care exhibited by Mavis Staples and Tweedy is a testament to just how “found” they were.” - Aquarium Drunkard
“However much work Tweedy needed to do to complete this record, the result is never lacking in sensitivity, authenticity or integrity.” - Uncut