Murder Ballad Monday gives a listen this week to "Silver Dagger" and "Katy Dear."

Silver Dagger : Ken opens this week with some classic performances of the American ballad "Silver Dagger"; but in addition to Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez, he finds plenty of folks on both sides of the Pond that evoke all of the heartsickness and foreboding this song might offer. But this is only the start - the week promises a journey down to roots deeper and darker that ground this mysterious tale.

Katy Dear : "Katy Dear" is the sibling to Ken's song of choice for the week, "Silver Dagger" - his post today introduces us to its charms, and to its horrors. Performances by Ian and Sylvia, The Louvin Brothers, and The Chieftans with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings all help to open a new door for us. And though songs like this one beckon us in, we'll be careful as we walk through.

May they all be well : Ken finishes his week with "Silver Dagger" / "Katy Dear" with the help of a guest writer's perspective on the song's resonance in the murder ballad tradition. Performances by Old Crow Medicine Show, Dave Van Ronk, and Judy Collins help as well. May they all be well.