Fever Longing Still

The first thing you hear on Paul Kellys 2024 album Fever Longing Still is Kelly talking with his band, offering a few suggestions on the song theyre about to record, just before they swing into "Houndstooth Dress," an eloquent and witty celebration of healthy lust. He has frequently shown off his experimental bent on his albums of the 21st century, embracing different musical approaches and indulging his love of setting classic poetry to music, but Fever Longing Still is an album for fans who love Kellys gift for writing smart, witty pop songs that deal with grown-up emotions with a younger mans passion and imagination. This isnt a return to the sound of his 1980s classics Gossip and Under the Sun, but its clearly the work of the same man, and it shares many of their virtues. At the age of 69, Kellys outlook on the world has gained a different perspective, and "Eight Hours Sleep" and "Going to the River with Dad" are songs and themes that probably wouldnt have occurred to him in his twenties or thirties, certainly not with the gravity he brings to them here. On the other hand, "Love Has Made a Fool of Me" and "Taught by Experts" tap into emotions that are essentially timeless, and he sings with an honesty and sly wit that brings his tart lyrics and sturdy melodies to life. Like the opening cut, "Lets Work It Out in Bed" is that remarkable song that finds a man pushing 70 celebrating sex without sounding like a dirty old man. Paul Kelly has been one of Australias best and most enjoyable songwriters for four decades and counting; hes as dedicated to his craft today as hes ever been, and as gifted at interpreting his music in the studio. Fever Longing Still leaves no doubt that he hasnt lost his touch, and its a treat for anyone who has ever loved his work -- or even for folks whove never heard him before. ~ Mark Deming