Paul Kelly Celebrates 70 with New Album and Witty ‘How to Make Gravy’ Sequel
## Paul Kelly’s New Album: Celebrating Milestones
Paul Kelly is marking a significant moment in his career with the release of **SEVENTY**, an extensive new album set to launch on November 7th. This album features a single eagerly anticipated by fans for nearly three decades.
### The Story Continues
“Rita Wrote a Letter” continues the narrative from Kelly’s 1996 hit “How to Make Gravy.” In this follow-up, listeners can hear Rita’s voice “loud and clear,” while Joe remains a presence from beyond the grave.
“I’ve contemplated a sequel from Rita’s perspective for quite a while,” Kelly shares. “About five years ago, I noted the phrase, ‘Rita wrote a letter,’ and thought that would make a perfect title.”
### The Creative Process
After years of struggling with the idea, Kelly’s nephew Dan sent him a piano recording accompanied by a rough melody. This sparked a flow of lyrics for Kelly. “The inspiration took me by surprise,” he reveals. “The song may veer into darker themes, but I consider it a black comedy—a ghost story where Rita speaks up, but Joe doesn’t hold back!”
### A Witty Take
The lyrics reflect Kelly’s renowned cleverness and depth: “*Rita wrote a letter / One you don’t want to get from your wife / When Rita writes a letter / The pen is sharper than the knife.*”
### Visual Storytelling
The music video, directed by Imogen McCluskey and featuring Justine Clarke, captures the essence of haunted humor. McCluskey notes, “I drew inspiration from my family’s ghost stories, touching on the delicate line between our world and the next. I hope the tale of Rita and Joe resonates with both new and longtime PK fans.”
### A Bold Move
Recently, Kelly raised eyebrows by publishing a faux obituary for Joe in **The Age**. The notice claimed Joe had met his end due to “sudden misadventure” and humorously listed his family, along with nods to his reggae affinity and a mention of an elaborate funeral.
### The Heart of SEVENTY
**SEVENTY** showcases a blend of ghostly narratives, literary adaptations, and heartfelt messages. It touches on themes of family, friendships, and poignant moments that evoke nostalgia.
At its core, this album illustrates Kelly’s storytelling prowess. “Storytelling is intrinsic to humanity,” he explains. “It’s similar to family gatherings where tales, songs, and jokes are shared. The album even features a ghostly tale as the third song—ideal for storytelling around a fire.”
### Upcoming Tour
This August and September, Kelly will embark on his largest Australia and New Zealand tour, featuring ten arena performances alongside Lucinda Williams, Fanny Lumsden, and Reb Fountain. It promises to be a celebration fitting the tales woven throughout his music.
Is there a favorite Paul Kelly song or story that resonates with you? Let’s chat about it!
