The Civil Wars are two powerful voices with a handful of good songs. What more could you want? Ken Shane reviews their new album.
Ken Shane
844 Articles
Ken Shane lives in Narragansett, R.I. He is a freelance writer and far and away the oldest Popdose writer. In fact, he may be the oldest writer, period. He wants you to know that he generally does not share his colleagues' love for the music of the '80s, and he does not forgive them for loving it. (Ken passed away in November 2022. R.I.P. —Ed.)
Ken Shane
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After decades as a renowned sideman, Klaus Voormann has released his first solo album, featuring many of his famous friends. Win the Super Deluxe box set.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Last summer Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings blew away a Newport Folk Festival crowd. Last week they were back in Rhode Island, and Ken Shane was there.
Ken Shane
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In 2006, Ken Shane called the Twilight Singers album Powder Burns the year’s best album. Now there’s a new album. Ken lets us know how it measures up.
Ken Shane
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After a stunning debut album, Nicole Atkins lost her band, her boyfriend, and her record deal. Now she’s returned with a new label, and an impressive new album.
Ken Shane
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The Temptations’ hit “My Girl” is the very definition of a Motown standard. This week Ken Shane unearths a rare a cappella version of the soul classic.
Ken Shane
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Eddie Holland had moderate success as a recording artist, but his greatest contribution came as a member of one of the leading songwriting teams in history.
Ken Shane
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By 1968 Dusty Springfield’s career had stalled. Then she signed with Atlantic Records and released the classic Dusty in Memphis.
Ken Shane
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The life of Linda Jones was cut short far too soon, but she left behind some of the most powerful performances in the history of soul music.
Ken Shane
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In 1966 the stunning voice of Tim Buckley emerged. Rhino Handmade has reissued his debut album, along with the early Buckley music that preceded it.
Ken Shane
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Whether he was atoning for racial intolerant comments or simply following his muse, Elvis Costello’s 1980 album “Get Happy” remains among his finest efforts.
Ken Shane
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In 1956 the Dells struck gold with their hit “Oh, What a Night.” Thirteen years later they recorded it again, and it made them stars.
Ken Shane
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In 1964, Bessie Banks released the great soul ballad “Go Now.” Before her version had a chance to climb the charts, the Moody Blues had it covered in a big way.
Ken Shane
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We’ve come to expect reissue brilliance from Rhino Handmade. Their new Percy Sledge release is no exception. One lucky reader has a chance to win a copy.
Ken Shane
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With a new manager hired to make the Beach Boys back relevant again, the band’s 1971 album “Surf’s Up” proved to be a powerful artistic statement.
Ken Shane
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In 1967, Stevie Wonder co-wrote a classic song of romantic longing, but it remained largely unknown until the Queen of Soul released her smash cover in 1973.
Ken Shane
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Leave it to the enigmatic Ryan Adams to release one of the year’s best albums after most year-end lists are already put to bed.
Ken Shane
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In case you missed the sly double entendre in John Lennon’s lyrics for “Come Together,” Ike & Tina Turner released their own version to drive the point home.
Ken Shane
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Back in September, I wrote about the Ryan Bingham & the Dead Horses album Junky Star. I think it’s fair to call my review a rave. To quote, you know,…
Ken Shane
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Sly & the Family Stone released their breakthrough album in May 1969. This week Ken Shane fondly remembers the album’s title track.
Ken Shane
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The latest entry in the esteemed PBS series American Masters covers the post-Beatles years that John Lennon spent living in New York City.
Ken Shane
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In the true spirit of what the holiday has become, Ken Shane serves up a musical feast full of Thanksgiving flavor.
Ken Shane
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You’ve heard about her on our Twitter stream. You’ve wondered what all the fuss was about. Amy Petty’s new album has been released, and it’s time to find out.
Ken Shane
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The 1972 blaxploitation film “Across 110 Street” has been largely forgotten, but Bobby Womack’s indelible title song lives on.
Ken Shane
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In 1966 the Young Rascals rocked the world with their #1 hit “Good Lovin’.” The single spurred their debut album into the upper reaches of the charts.
Ken Shane
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In 1966 the legendary songwriter/producer Jerry Ragovoy found himself with a full orchestra and free studio time. He certainly made the most of it.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Daniel Lanois is well known as a brilliant producer. His band Black Dub has released their debut album and Ken Shane thinks it’s one of the highlights of 2010.
Ken Shane
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To make up for the inexcusable absence of the King of Soul from his Soul Serenade column, Ken Shane offers up a double shot of James Brown.