Customer Reviews

Under the Sun

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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.

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.

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.

This is where it all started for many Kelly fans. It's wonderful stuff--Paul's lyrics on this album are pure working class poetry. The musical style is unashamedly lusty-boy pub-band, unsynthesised (I remember when music was real....) and relentlessly cheerful. Every tune on this album is catchy, and even the dark ones are uplifting. "Dumb Things" was the anthem for pre-gen-X, post-baby-boom lost souls. Kelly has honed his lyrical ability since those early days, but his story telling has always been strong.

Under the Sun is unmistakably Australian, more so than on later albums. This is particularly obvious on "Forty Miles to Saturday Night" and "To Her Door". When Kelly writes about things Australian, he gets it right. There is emotional truth in the detail here, and the music is damn good. Kelly deserves his status as an Australian working-class (anti-)hero. CB

If you are going to buy only one Paul Kelly CD, you may want to begin here. This work is a great building block for others to come.

This is a must have CD. Pure, generic, pop-rock at its best.It is a shame that Paul Kelly is not really appreciated in this country. I have been a fan for last ten years and have most of the stuff on good old vinyl.This is strongly recommended for anyone who is willing to understand what Australia and Aussies are really about.

Australian Paul Kelly and his Messengers released "Under The Sun" in 1988. I loved Paul's first 3 CD's he released here in America. Kind of a rock-country sound on most of discs. Peter Bull's keyboards are the main attraction on this set I think. Steve Connolly adds some fine guitar licks here also. Great songs include, "Dumb Things" his 2nd hit in America #16 mainstream rock. "Same Old Walk", "Big Heart", "Forty Miles To Saturday Night", "Untouchable", "To Her Door" (A favorite), "Under The Sun", "Desdemona", the banjo rave-up "Happy Slave",
"Crosstown", the churchy "Little Decisions" and the mournful "Bicentennial". Paul's still kicking and releasing albums.

I first heard of Paul Kelly in the 1980's when my college roommate, who had a knack for bringing home cutting edge music, played me some tracks off of Kelly's CD 'Under the Sun'. I was immediately impressed. Each of the 16 tracks highlights Kelly's song-writing ability, which is truly amazing. Straddling rock, country and folk, with an Australian twist, each song on the CD is a gem. Although he has known chart success in Australia, he has had less success in America, which is a shame since his music is so enjoyable. On a scale from one to ten, I give this CD a ten.

And sings about them better than anyone else alive. If Bruce Springsteen were Australian 'Born To Run' would sound like 'Under the Sun'.