Keene Brothers
Blues and Boogie Shoes
Fading Captain Series [2006]
The pairing of Robert Pollard and Tommy Keene on Blues and Boogie Shoes feels like a natural alliance, and the results are just as satisfying as the names suggest. Keene brings a polished, power pop sensibility that complements Pollard’s lyrical unpredictability, making this record one of the most fully realized Fading Captain entries. The album is crisp, melodic, and full of hook-heavy gems that feel like they’ve been waiting to happen.
Unlike some of Pollard’s more spontaneous recordings, this album is finely sculpted, which allows the tracks to breathe while still hitting with immediacy. Songs like “Island of Lost Lucy” and “Heaven’s Gate” showcase layered instrumentation, smart transitions, and vocal clarity. Pollard sounds refreshed here, riding Keene’s dynamic guitar work and melodic instincts with a sense of playfulness and purpose. Blues and Boogie Shoes doesn’t just feel like a great collaboration—it feels essential.
KEY TRACKS
“Island of Lost Lucy” / “Death of the Party” / “Heaven’s Gate”
ARTISTS WITH SIMILAR FIRE
The Finn Brothers / Teenage Fanclub / Cotton Mather
A lifelong fan of new music—spent the '90s working in a record store and producing alternative video shows. In the 2000s, that passion shifted online with blogging, diving headfirst into the indie scene and always on the lookout for the next great release. Still here, still listening, and still sharing the best of what’s new.
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
- Christopher Anthonyhttps://thefirenote.com/author/canthony/
