An excellent introduction to the world of Paul Kelly
Nadyne Mielke | Mountain View, CA USA | 09/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Paul Kelly is a staple of Australian radio, but sadly, besides "Dumb Things" (featured on some movie soundtrack or other), he hasn't made it onto American radio. Americans are missing one of the best songwriters available today.He is often compared to Bob Dylan, a pretty valid comparison. Both write intelligent lyrics that tell you a fabulous story. Both can wrangle beautiful melodies out of their guitars. But I think Paul Kelly has a much better voice than Dylan.Paul Kelly has several albums available. "Under the Sun" is a fabulous introduction to his music. This album has three of my favourite songs by him: "To Her Door", "Same Old Walk", and "Don't Stand So Close to the Window"."To Her Door" is the story of a separated couple, separated by the husband's alcoholism. She leaves him, he goes into rehab. Can they rebuild their marriage? The song masterfully doesn't answer this. We are left with the husband as he gets off the bus and goes to her door."Same Old Walk" is the story of a man meeting his ex and her new lover. She's changed after all these years, from the colour of her hair to how she dresses, but she can't change the way she walks. "but then my heart unwound / I see you've still got the same old walk""Don't Stand So Close to the Window" is the story of two people who shouldn't be together. Whether it's two friends who finally succumbed to their feelings for each other, or perhaps one of them is married, isn't mentioned. There is only the fear of being found out. I prefer the former interpretation, but then I'm an idealist.Alternately, try "Songs from the South" for another good introduction. That is his best-of compilation. It's a strong compilation that covers both his hits and the sleeper favourites."
A must-have for your collection
Lee Ann Jaeger | Warsaw, IN USA | 04/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sadly, most folks in the U.S. don't know Paul Kelly. I heard 'Dumb Things' on 120 Minutes, went out and bought the cassette (does that date me?) and have been a fan ever since. 'Same Old Walk' is a terrific song, especially the imagery in the line, "I woke up at the table, the house was burning bright". Working-class songs about the everyday stuff in our lives that we don't stop to think about. Singing 'Barbara Ann' on a road trip (Under the Sun), falling in love with your best friend and not telling her ('Know Your Friends'), sneaking out the back door at dawn (the terrific 'Don't Stand So Close to the Window'). I actually think Paul Kelly would appeal to our more open-minded country-western fans, too. I lot of folks don't realize that Australia has a thriving folk and country-western scene. Some of slang is different, but the songs are still great."
BRILLIANT!!
Rohan J. Healy | Salisbury, Queensland Australia | 05/19/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Paul Kelly has produced a brilliant album in Under The Sun. It really describes life in Australia from humorous - "Dumb Things" to Joyous "40 Miles To Saturday Night" to sad "To Her Door". The best track on the album for my money is Bradman. Those in the States may not appreciate how much this man is revered in this country. I guess he could be compared to someone like Babe Ruth in baseball. Through his amazing feats on the cricket field, Bradman lifted the spirits of ordinary Australians during the dark days of the depression and the war years. Kelly tells a masterful story in this song. It really does justice to this monumental figure in Australian cricket. Great album - have a listen! You won't be disappointed."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1