On "Between Us," out Tuesday, songwriter Jules Shear aligns himself with some of the best-loved voices in music. The collection of 15 duets tracks the course of so much failed love, from the illusions of "Who's Dreaming Who," with Roseanne Cash, to the alienation in "The Last In Love," featuring Paula Cole's airy vocals. Shear's own voice is unremarkable, but his songs are incisive and come alive in these vocal harmonies -- as with his chilling "Windows & Walls," sung with folk newcomer Patty Griffin. Carole King and the Cowboy Junkies' Margo Timmins lend their voices as well, and Rob Wasserman guests on the instrumental "Entre Nous."

-- Beth Winegarner

This article was originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle.