Released 10 years ago
Death's Dateless Night
Paul Kelly · 2016
40 min · 12 tracks · Australian rock
A reflective blend of folk and rock that intertwines poignant storytelling with evocative melodies and rich instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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To Live Is to Fly — This track stands out for its profound lyrics that explore life's transient nature, perfectly encapsulating the album's introspective theme.
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The Parting Glass — A traditional Scottish farewell song reimagined by Kelly, it evokes deep emotion through its haunting melody and resonates with themes of loss and remembrance.
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Don't Fence Me In — Kelly’s rendition breathes new life into this classic, combining nostalgia with a sense of freedom that aligns with the album's overarching motifs.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional and original songs with rich arrangements, though it lacks a strong cohesive arc.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, including strings and acoustic guitar, creating a rich sonic texture that supports the lyrical themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective moments of quiet introspection
- poignant storytelling through song
- late-night solitude and contemplation
- warm acoustic melodies for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy party tracks
- prefer instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2016, Paul Kelly was well-established in the Australian music scene, having enjoyed a prolific career since his debut album in 1981. 'Death's Dateless Night' marked his exploration into covers of traditional songs, showcasing his ability to reinterpret classics while remaining relevant in contemporary music discussions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Crowded House· Midnight Oil· Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Hard Times 4:02
- 2 To Live Is to Fly 3:50
- 3 Pretty Bird Tree 3:37
- 4 Pallet on Your Floor 4:05
- 5 Nukkanya 3:30
- 6 The Parting Glass 2:24
- 7 Meet Me in the Middle of the Air 2:58
- 8 Don't Fence Me In 3:05
- 9 Bird on the Wire 3:15
- 10 Good Things 3:30
- 11 Let It Be 2:39
- 12 Angel of Death 3:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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