PAUL KELLY
Ways And Means (True North)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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A Paul Kelly release requires many listens to dissect properly, and just to up the ante the new album comes in two rather lengthy CD slabs. Persist I implore thee, for Kelly's twisting pop stories are well worth the effort. His wry and dazzling way with words often underlies sneakily addictive music hooks, and an adventurous spirit that covers plaintiff folk to sex charged funk. Ways and Means isn't the sprawl its length may suggest, but a rather cohesive whole, riding a free wheeling seventies vibe, perfect for the subject matter at hand: love. None of the sappy stuff though, Kelly wrangles with relationships and moods and sex like no one else. Ok, maybe there's a couple of sappy moments, but when the listening's this good one can be forgiven. The charming Aussie accent doesn't hurt either.

© 2004 - John Sekerka