Classic Australian
Sue | Perth, Western Australia Australia | 06/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can't believe this hasn't been reviewed by an Australian fan yet. This is definitely one of my favourite Paul Kelly albums and the first one I listened to (and bought) way back in '87. Beautiful, spare, raw and the songwriting is just so incredibly evocative - Paul just makes it look so simple because he is so incredibly good at telling the stories of these peoples lives (his own?) - and our lives. Here's a couple of examples:
In one hand
Out the other
Baby I don't even know why you bother
Darling it hurts to see you down Darlinghurst tonight
(from 'Darling it Hurts' about a guy who finds out his (ex?)girlfriend is stuck on the prostitution/drug addiction merry-go-round) You can hear the sadness and frustration pouring out in this song
I was down at Baker's Hall
I heard somebody talking
That's the last thing I recall
Then my mind went walking
I woke up with a heavy head
On a hard bed trying to believe
These stories of me
(from 'Stories of Me' marks a man's decline into alcoholism after his partner leaves him) Sad and rather depressing but so true as well and the music is subdued and moody perfectly fitting the lyrics.
Maralinga is a haunting song that provides a sort of testimonial from the aboriginie's who suffered the effects of nuclear testing by the British in the '50's. And there are plenty of other great songs on this double album.
I truly believe Paul Kelly is one of the best singer/songwriters around - anywhere - and I recommend either Gossip or Under the Sun as a great way of introducing yourself to his work."