Given his recent activity, collaborating with first Kanye and then Kanye and Rihanna, I would like to suggest 5 more collaborations Sir Paul could explore to further his reach in culture:
1. Bon Iver: Kanye could actually introduce Paul, for he collaborated with Justin Vernon back in 2010 and again in 2013. Bon Iver as always worked well with Vernon as the band leader and I think it could also exist with two musicians leading the way. I picture Paul and Justin writing together and then turning to the rest of the outfit to bring some indie-synth ambient folk to life, spiced with just the right amount of some Paul punch. He would deliver a key verse, coming to the forefront of the sound making it know that for this project, he's in charge.
2. The Roots: Once again, there is a friend with a connection. Elvis Costello, a past collaborater with Paul, cut an album with Quest Love and crew last year. As much as he can function as a solo artist, Paul does well with a band. One as talented and able to transform as The Roots would allow Paul to explore a full scope of genres. I see an album with both original work and covers from his early years.
3. Morrissey: Deep within the lore of The Smiths is the story that the late Linda McCartney almost came into the studio to play piano on a track for Meat is Murder. Unfortunately, it never worked out. Today, Paul and Morrissey could connect on their thoughts about eating animals. Together they could make a track protesting the act. There would undoubtedly be tension between pop accessibility and musical uniqueness but I feel that it could be worked out for at least four minutes, with shared vocals on a chorus while taking turns with the verses.
4. Ringo: As long as these two are alive, they should collaborate. I envision something grander than a cameo on a track on the latest release. Never once was a Beatles track credited as "McCartney-Starkey". To invoke a recent Starr album, "Y Not Now?" They could call back to the music they first heard in Liverpool, while possibly covering some of their band mates' better known solo songs. Just for the novelty, it would be noteworthy. It wouldn't be called "Beatles" but it would be close.
5. Brian Wilson: In many ways, his American counterpart, these two songwriting bass players have developed an immense amount of respect for and friendship with each other over the years. So the story goes, Paul was inspired by Pet Sounds to make Sgt. Pepper's. Today, in the Beach Boys museum you can find an autographed copy of each album signed by the other person. Both masters of their craft, also known for not always being in full agreement with their former band mates yet able to reunite when the time calls for it, they could make an album that would stand alone in music history and only serve to add to their legend. Another chapter written together in a big book of being original and innovative. There is enough talent between them to make something worth listening to.
