Bobby Womack -- "Please Forgive My Heart"

It goes without saying that Bobby Womack is a legend. However, many soul legends end up putting records out at the end of their careers that are just super lame. Fortunately, I don't think this notion is the case with Bobby Womack. Following in the footsteps of Mavis Staples (working with Jeff Tweedy on her last solo record) and the late great Gil Scott-Heron (PLEASE listen to his last record, I'm New Here) - legends who have put out fantastic records in the last few years, Bobby Womack is teaming up with the amazing Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) and XL Records boss Richard Russell on his forthcoming album, The Bravest Man In The Universe. The first song to be released from the record, "Please Forgive My Heart," is an absolute knockout. It is a song that is just so unbelievably inventive. I have never in my life heard something so classic sounding and yet also so fresh. The production is just out of this world. This is a song that couldn't come out in any other year than 2012. The combination of a super angular and dope production, along with a fantastic and honest performance by Womack makes this easily the best song I have heard all year.