Reviewed by Tony Cummings

I bought the 'Uncloudy Day' album on Fontana in the 60s and it was ancient then.  It's been a part of my staple diet (pun intended) ever since, so now that clever old Charly offer us 21 tracks from that era ('55 to '58) plus some more 'modern' cuts ('59 to '60) I'm at last able to dispense with my scratchy old vinyl and enjoy these brooding, bluesy gospel masterpieces in all their power and glory.  Mavis Staples was a stunning vocalist, the way she slurs, slides and octave-leaps would make most dance and soul singers sound strictly Third Division while Pop Staples' eccentric, reverberating blues guitar and  his daughter's impeccable blue note backups are delicious.  Forget the primitive recording quality (the ultra-rare live recording "Too Close" sounds like it was cut in a biscuit tin) and certainly forget the sad spectacle of Mavis compromising her talent and faith to tour with Prince. Catch the Staples as they were before the lure of Big Buck took its toll..."

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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