Presently I am Reading Paul Kelly's How to Make Gravy.
Regular Readers will know I love Singer-Songwriters, especially those that write from an Australian perspective. At the top of that list is Paul Kelly accompanied by Mick Thomas (Weddings, Paties, Anythings and solo/Sure Thing work), The Triffids David McComb, Robert Forster and Grant McLennan (Go-Betweens).
How To Make Gravy was emerged from a series of 4 concerts where Paul Kelly performs around 100 of his songs in alphabetical order (appearing at the Sydney Festival in 2011). As part of the performance he included anecdotes about the songs, around the songs or even as a result of the songs. The book captures these in a written format and can be accompanied by recordings of most (all bar 2) of the songs.
Being the tragic music fan that I am, of course, I am listening to the songs and then reading the chapter associated - some long, some short. I am enjoying it beyond expectations (and they were high). An unparalleled music biography that isn't a biography at all.
I am up to Change Your Mind.
If you appreciate Paul Kelly's music then this is a worthwhile adventure to undertake. Music and Words the perfect partners.
5 comments:
Thanks for the review! I've been looking at that book in the window of the Co-Op Bookstore every day when my bus drives past. I think I'll have to get it.
it's been on my must get list for a little while. Great review, thanks. I think I'll really enjoy it.
I was so physically in love with Mick Thomas in the nineties - I saw him watching a band at the Fleadh in the UK once, it wasn't very busy and he was just standing there.
Despite fortification with guinness, co-ercion from my friends and the strong desire to meet him, I didn't go up to him.
If I did though, I swear we'd be married right now.
Even his name on your post makes me feel a little lovesick.
I did used to like Paul Kelly, but the triffids and WPA - oh man I LOVED them.
We are off to see Mick Thomas and the Sure Thing Next Saturday night.
Sounds like a great read. I was at a wedding recently and Paul Kelly's lyrics were one of the readings, a true poet.
I love that era of Oz music.
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