David Ackles released his masterpiece, “American Gothic,” in 1972. Critics loved it, but the public didn’t get it. Ken Shane remembers this lost classic.
Cratedigger
47 Articles
Ken Shane
2 Min Read
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
1 Min Read
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
1 Min Read
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
3 Min Read
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
1 Min Read
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
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
“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
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
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
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.
Ken Shane
2 Min Read
Jeff Beck’s sister was responsible for a nice chunk of rock and roll history when she fortuitously introduced him to another young guitarist named Jimmy Page. When Eric Clapton left…
Ken Shane
2 Min Read
Like many Americans, my first encounter with reggae came via Eric Clapton’s cover of “I Shot the Sheriff,” which was on his 1974 album 461 Ocean Boulevard. Clapton deserves praise…
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
In January of next year, Tom Rush will be 70 years old. The New Hampshire born folk-rock pioneer is still out there on the road, and still releasing albums, as…
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
In what many people would have called an unlikely move, Crosby, Stills & Nash invited Neil Young join them in 1969. Their first album together took them to the top of the world.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
In 1965, one of the most highly regarded blues bands ever assembled coalesced around harmonica genius Paul Butterfield. Their first album for Elektra Records remains a genre classic.
Ken Shane
3 Min Read
It was 1969. One warm summer night I found myself parked on a quiet street not far from my Atlantic City home. The girl’s name was Dorothy. We could never…
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Released during the tumult of 1968, this Judy Collins album served Ken Shane as an oasis of serenity during some dark days.
Ken Shane
2 Min Read
Joni Mitchell is a long-time member of my personal pantheon. It’s a short list of artists who I revere not just for what they produce, but for the journey that…
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Ken Shane is giving away a vinyl copy of Jeff Beck’s new album. Find out how you can win!
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Ken Shane looks back on the many memorable events of 1968, including the release of a classic Simon & Garfunkel album.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
In 1979, following an acrimonious divorce from Mercury Records, Graham Parker & the Rumour released an album that would become a rock and roll classic.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
The Beatles broke up in 1970, and Paul McCartney released his first solo album. In California, a young McCartney-influenced musician was beginning his own solo career.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
The 5th Dimension had their first hit with Jimmy Webb’s “Up, Up, and Away.” When the time came for their second album, they turned to Webb again. The rest is pop history.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
In 2008 the Uglysuit came riding out of Oklahoma City. Their debut album impressed a lot of people, and their live show is winning them new fans at every stop on the road.
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
More than anything else, A Nod Is as Good as a Wink … to a Blind Horse is an album that reminds us. It reminds us of the great songwriter,…
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Todd Rundgren is one of rock’s great auteurs. Along with artists like Emmit Rhodes, Paul McCartney, and Prince, Rundgren has the ability to put together entire albums on his own….
Ken Shane
2 Min Read
There had never been anything quite like them. They weren’t the cute mop-tops or acid-fueled freaks that had risen to fame in recent years. The members of Blood, Sweat &…
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
The Cars seldom seem to get enough credit for being a fine band. That of course is because they had the temerity to be too successful, launching hit single after…
Ken Shane
1 Min Read
Want to win a vinyl copy of 429 Records’ tribute to the Greenwich Village scene of the ’60s? Of course you do. Enter our contest here!
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