Paul Kelly and Dan Kelly - An Overdue Appreciation

I went to a tiny bar awhile back and witnessed the inimitable Paul Kelly and his nephew Dan Kelly hold court over a rapt audience. Under a flickering neon light, Paul reeled off song after song that made it look like writing graceful melodies and weaving evocative narratives in verse is easy.

Paul Kelly doesn't always take good photos, so he sometimes looks a bit like Voldemort or Gollum. That is the only reason I can think of that explains why more people in this sad world haven't discovered what a stellar singer he is, what an outstanding songwriter he is, what a brilliant storyteller he is. By now even us jaded North Americans should have figured it out. I know that success in his native Australia doesn't mean it will translate over here, but I think he's played here enough and released enough music here to have achieved a higher level of notoriety. I think he probably deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Nick Drake or Jeff Buckley.

Paul Kelly - Spring and Fall Paul Kelly - Gonna Be Good Paul Kelly - To Her Door

Paul Kelly and Neil Finn - Into Temptation

Neil Finn and Paul Kelly - Full concert Live from the Sydney Opera House

Paul Kelly's nephew Dan Kelly opened the show and accompanied Paul. Dan's solo stuff sounds nothing like Paul's, with a slightly-twisted pop view, a fine sense of humour, a hint of psychedelia, and a fondness for falsetto all coming into play.

Paul Kelly and Dan Kelly - Dumb Things (Live on a tram)


Dan Kelly - Bindi Irwin Apocalypse Jam

Dan Kelly - Fire and Theft

Dan Kelly - Shake Your Mood

Dan Kelly's Dream

Poisoned Estuary Jam

Dan Kelly - Gap Year Blues
Dan Kelly - Hold On, I'm coming On Dan Kelly's Dream

Dan Kelly - I Will Release Myself Unto you

Drowning in the Fountain of Youth - Dan Kelly and the Alpha Males

Drunk on Election Night - Dan Kelly and the Alpha Males

Checkout cutie - Dan Kelly and the Alpha Males Photo at top of post by Twp.

The Headstones Are Back

After a long time away, after 10 years without an album, The Headstones are back with a new album entitled Love and Fury. They sound exactly the same, no big bout of experimentation here, just raw rock and roll. I wasn't the biggest fan of the band back in the day, but now The Headstones seem more necessary to me - no garage rock or grunge influences, just punk energy with chops. I'm curious to see if the band can regain or grow their audience from all those years ago. Clearly some fans have become really excited, funding the album recording through Pledgemusic - last I checked, 1626 pledges were made, from $10 up to $5000, for everything from a phone call from Hugh Dillon to Headstones Marionettes (pledging is finished, but you can see the crazy list here).

binthiswayforyears



Long Way to Neverland


You can buy the album now from the usual places or direct from the band's website here.

Listen to the new Imaginary Cities at Our Nation's Station, Our Nation's Music Mag, or Elsewhere, Snag a Free MP3 Too

Imaginary Cities are celebrating the release of the band's second album, Fall of Romance, on this very day. The band, featuring the core duo of Rusty Matyas and Marti Sarbit, has expanded their sound to add orchestral pop and baroque stylings, and jazzy touches to their soulful indie pop. You can stream the whole thing at CBC, Exclaim!, or Paste.


Album Trailer 1


Album Trailer 2


Album Trailer 3





Bells of Cologne


Bells of Cologne


You can get a free mp3 of Chasing the Sunset by handing over your ever-so-precious email address below.

Chasing the Sunset (Live at the Ballroom in Winnipeg)

Canadians can buy here.

U.S. people can buy here.

Tour Dates:

May 28 – Toronto, ON @ The Drake (Canadian CD release party)
May 29 – New York City, NY @ SubCulture (US CD release party)
June 11 – Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark
June 12 – Waterloo, ON @Starlight
June 13 – Montreal, QC @ Club Lambi
June 14 – Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
June 15 – Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands, Northside Festival
June 18 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat Backstage
June 19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Milk Boy
June 22 – Dover, DE @ Firefly Festival
June 25 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern
June 26 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
July 13 – Ottawa, ON @ Ottawa Bluesfest
July 31 – Toronto, ON @ Edgefest