
Classic Australian - 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 handOut the otherBaby I don t even know why you botherDarling 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 songI was down at Baker s HallI heard somebody talkingThat s the last thing I recallThen my mind went walkingI woke up with a heavy headOn a hard bed trying to believeThese 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.