“All respect and power to Paul Kelly…”: John O’Donnell on ‘Life Is Fine’ going Gold
It was a packed seven days for Paul Kelly last week. His status as a cherished singer-songwriter was reaffirmed as his #1 album Life Is Fine (EMI Music) picked up four trophies at the ARIA Awards – and earned a Gold certification in the process.
After leaping back into the ARIA album Top 10 in the wake of his mostly-sold out national tour, Life Is Fine stays at #9 this week while Songs From The South Vols. 1 & 2 remains in the Top 40.
At the ARIA Awards, Kelly took home Best Male (his first win in this category for 20 years), Best Adult Contemporary Album, Best Cover Art and Engineer of the Year.
These results delivered Kelly a remarkable 14 ARIA Award wins from a career tally of 51 nominations.
EMI managing director, John O’Donnell said, “All respect and power to Paul Kelly for what he has achieved this year.
“Life Is Fine is a stunning album from a true master and it has rightly been hailed by critics, radio, the general public – and now the ARIA voters –- as among his best-ever albums.
Life Is Fine, Kelly’s 23rd studio album, debuted at #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart in August. It was his first ARIA chart-topping album in a career spanning 40 years.
It features the irrepressible ‘Firewood & Candles’, which has received extensive airplay, and anthemic new single ‘Rising Moon’, alongside the light relief of ’My Man’s Got A Cold’ and ’Leah: The Sequel’, Kelly’s exquisite song of regret, ‘Letters in the Rain’, and the rich imagery of ‘Petrichor’.
Featured on the album are long-time collaborators Vika and Linda Bull on vocals, Dan Kelly and Ashley Naylor on guitars, Bill McDonald on bass, Cameron Bruce on keys and Peter Luscombe on drums.
Next up is the sold out Making Gravy Christmas show at Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl on December 16, with Gang Of Youths, Meg Mac and Gretta Ray.
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