All of the sides of Americana are portrayed here on this intimate album with vocalist/guitarist Paul Kelly and pianist/guitarist Charlie Owen. Kelly is able to take you through the Depression, to the streets and even the back porch on this collection of traditional materials and soon-to-be-traditionals.
He sounds like a revisitation of Randy Newman, sounding like an Everyman with Owen on the piano during “Hard Times”. Then, he’ll tap into his inner Bob Dylan and take you to 4th Street during “Nukkonya” or the take of Leonard Cohen’s “Bird on the Wire.” With Kelly’s dobro or guitar in tow, he’ll take you to a cozy back porch on “Pallet On Your Floor,” while even more intriguing, make you feel like you’re in a pub in Ireland as he goes balladeer on the stark “Pretty Bird Tree.” The spiritual side is approached from both angles, as “Let It Be” is hopeful and reverential, while Hank Williams’ “Angel of Death” is as foreboding as any Baptist sermon. This is an album that takes you on travels both geographic and in time. Don’t miss it!