The classic lineup of the Blues Project, led by Al Kooper and Steve Katz, made just one studio album. Fortunately, that album was the ’60s classic “Projections.”
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
1 Min Read
When General Norman Johnson died on Oct. 13, the world of soul music suffered another incalculable loss. Ken Shane remembers the great singer.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
In 1982 Richard and Linda Thompson released what some saw as a devastating breakup album. The truth is complicated. A brilliant reissue gets to the heart of it.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Philadelphia’s War On Drugs follows up their 2008 album “Wagonwheel Blues” with an EP that defies that conventions of that format.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
This Sunday, PBS Masterpiece Mystery unveils a new “Sherlock” for our time. Does this modern detective retain the flavor of the original? Ken Shane finds out.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Earlier this year HBO aired the New Orleans-based series Treme, featuring remarkable music each week. Now it’s been collected in a soundtrack album.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Occasionally there is an event in the music world that transcends the mundane. The release of Bob Dylan’s publishing demos from the early ’60s is such an event.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Following this year’s reissue of Exile On Main Street, and the Stones In Exile documentary, the Stones have crowned a great year with an Exile-era concert film.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Following up his rustic classic “Tumbleweed Connection” was no easy task for Elton John, but in 1971 he released another dusky gem. Ken Shane remembers.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Angie Mattson impressed Ken Shane when she opened for Justin Currie on his first solo US tour. Does her new album deliver on the promise of that performance?
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Solomon Burke was known as the King of Rock and Soul. When he died last Sunday, he left behind a long string of soul classics. Ken Shane remembers.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Ken Shane celebrates the six-month anniversary of his Soul Serenade column with an awesome mix that includes every song that has appeared in his column so far.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
“Lonely Avenue” is a collaboration between two of our favorite artists, Ben Folds and Nick Hornby. We have a free vinyl copy for one lucky reader.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
In 1968, the guitarist for an obscure group wrote a song that became a Top 30 hit. He went on to legendary success, but not as a songwriter.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
In 1962, Dionne Warwick began her historic collaboration with Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Two years later she had the first in a long string of Top Ten hits.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
The combined talents of Robert Plant and Buddy Miller were bound to produce interesting results. Together they have made “Band of Joy” one the year’s best albums.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Justin Townes Earle has been on the wrong side of some undesirable headlines lately, but when it comes to his music he delivers the goods on his third album.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
L.A.’s Laurel Canyon was one of the most important breeding grounds for American music in the ’60s. A new documentary traces the history of the scene.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
The self-titled debut album from the Clash knocked the music world on its ass in 1977, but it took two more years to reach US shores.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
“Show and Tell” is just one of those songs that thrills me whenever it comes on the radio. It’s been doing that since Al Wilson released it in 1973. I…
Ken Shane
2 Min Read
I don’t think I’ve used the word ‘astonishing’ in relation to an album in a long time. But the new Ryan Bingham album, Junky Star (Lost Highway), merits that kind…
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Last week, as you will no doubt recall, Soul Serenade focused on the great Laura Nyro and her song “Timer.” This week’s column has a Laura Nyro connection as well….
Ken Shane
2 Min Read
In 1970, the Dead threw the music world a curveball. Workingman’s Dead was a complete musical departure for the band, and among their new fans was Ken Shane.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
I have written extensively about Laura Nyro for Popdose. There was my review of the splendid Iconoclassic reissue of her live album Season of Light, and more recently, a review…
Ken Shane
2 Min Read
Miles Davis once quipped that he had changed the course of jazz “four or five times.” If you know anything about jazz, and I don’t profess to know much, you…
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Working with producer Thom Bell, the Delfonics hit the charts with a string of unforgettable singles, including 1970’s “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time).”
Ken Shane
5 Min Read
If anything, the final day of the 2010 Newport Folk Festival was even more beautiful than the day before, and Newport Harbor was at the height of its midsummer glory….
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
A collaboration between Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse, and David Lynch was bound to be interesting. Dark Night of the Soul is a triumph. Win the Deluxe Box Set.