Best known in his local habitat of Australia, Paul Kelly is a Down Under version of thoughtful rockers like Bruce Springsteen, Steve Goodman and Elvis Costello. This two disc set brings together an anthological introduction with him singing, playing guitar and harmonical and captured in a wide variety of studio and concert settings. His early material has a folksy feel not dissimilar to vintage Byrds as on “From St. Kilda to Kings Cross” with clever vocal harmonies throughout as on “To Her Door.” The tunes are mostly upbeat rockers as “Bradman” and “Sweet Guy” with insightful lyrics throughout as on “Deeper Water.” A mix of old time saloon tunes for “Our Sunshine” or the flowing “I’m On Your Side” reveal an American feel to sound, with a bit more sing songy and a twinkle in the eye. Mature songwriting, with material begging to be covered by present day singers and jazzers.
Liverpudian Robert Vincent mixes American sounding tunes with thoughtful lyrics on this recent release. The band has a flair for hints of vintage Eagles, with rich vocal harmonies on “The Ending” and some nice banjo and steel guitar during “Conundrum.” Insights akin to Paul Simon are heard on “My Neighbor’s Ghost” and down home rustling rhythms make you feel like you’re traveling on the road on the minstrel’d “I Was Hurt But I’m Alright Now.” Rural traditions mix with modern guitar effects and landscapes on the stark “The Kids Don’t Dig God Anymore” and ”The End of The War.” Modern Desperado.