If you're interested to know what makes a creative mind tick, particularly one as inventive and prolific as Paul Kelly (he truly is Australia's answer to Bob Dylan), you couldn't do better than delving into this tome. Of course being a huge fan doesn't hurt, but to even those music lovers less familiar with his work, this is a compelling read.
Kelly's literary approach is far from the conventional linear biographical format – it's more of a psychological journey of his life in music; as a fan, as a participant, a son, father, husband, partner and musical collaborator. It's so much more than a life story, it is a rare insight into the songwriter's creative process. Using some of his best-loved songs as case studies, we travel across his body of work, not in the chronological order that they were written, but in the A to Z format of his solo shows from 2006 and 2007 which were, in turn, the inspiration behind this book.
This journey not only reveals much about Kelly's personal songwriting process, but also offers a window into the psychology of the creative mind. Where do songs come from- How do ideas germinate- What part do artistic influences play and how do they manifest themselves in one's own work- How do both personal and received experiences find their way into songs-
It says much about Kelly's modesty that this is just as much about his love for his influences and the work of his collaborators as it is about his own musical journey. Like his songs, this book showcases Kelly's prodigious gift for storytelling. There's personal experience (both biographical and imagined), a wealth of anecdotes, reflections and even historical facts from Australia's social and political history – all intelligently presented with just the right amount of Kelly's understated but very genuine and clear advocacy for social justice, honesty and integrity.
In short, this is a rewarding journey and companion to the songs for Kelly fans, and will provide an excellent kicking off point for those unfamiliar with his songs.