Jeff Kelly - For the Swan in the Hallway
(Hidden Agenda)
The prolific Green Pajamas frontman's ninth solo album continues to illustrate his fine ear for melody and pop hooks on the synthy, acoustic pop of "Kissing Alma Mahler," and while scheduling and "day jobs" have occasionally resulted in recent GPJ albums being, more often than not, Kelly solo albums (as is clear form the decision to include the credits on their latest album, Northern Gothic), it is a testimony to Kelly's musical abilities that his multi-tracked, multi-instrumental overdubs here don't sound all that dissimilar from the output of the full band. This is especially evident on the semi-title track, "The Swan on The Hill," with its catchy organ blasts, fuzzed guitars, and multi-tracked backing vocals.
The hard-rocking, heart-pumping throb of "Stutter" is another early highlight, and the decision to be less reliant on his library and current literary indulgences for song inspiration makes the album more accessible to the general public who aren't as well versed in obscure Victorian poets (Elizabeth Siddell, anyone?) as Kelly is. Anyone who's ever wandered aimlessly through the streets of London will appreciate Kelly's musical ruminations on "Oxford Street," as lovingly reflective as Nick Drake's "Chimes of a City Clock," Sweet Thursday's "Gilbert Street," Ralph McTell's "Streets of London" or Terrastock favorite, Pat Orchard's "Shabby Road." In fact, Kelly tells us that the album's artwork (featuring, once again, gorgeous photos courtesy wife Susanne), title, and many of the songs were inspired by a recent trip to Merry Olde.
The achingly romantic "The Lock," with it's haunting piano and strings, and the busy, rocking-yet-catchy 80s synth swirl of "Whispers of the Pool" are other winners, with the latter particularly recommended to fans of the short-lived Bruce Haedt/Steve Lawrence lineup that gave us the oft-maligned 1987 Pajamas release, Book of Hours.
The familiar piano riff that opens "Ever So Lightly" ultimately reveals a down 'n' dirty, nice 'n' sleazy sex romp that comes across (no pun intended) like After The Gold Rush-era Neil Young covering the "Golden Showers", or "Slumbers"/"Carry That Weight" medley from Abbey Road. It's no surprise, therefore, that Kelly considers this his "sex and desire without the guilt" album. The snarly fuzzfest of "The Depth of My Desire" compares favorably with the best of the Pajamas' peak period that resulted in the magnificent Camera Obscura releases, Strung Behind the Sun and All Clues Lead To Meagan's Bed. (Note that the booklet incorrectly flips tracks 10 and 11; "Desire" is actually before "The Girls of the Ford.")
The album's closer, "A Night at the Opera" once again demonstrates Kelly's keen sense for unforgettable hooks and can share mix tapes with the best of Ric Ocasek and The Cars at their ingratiating, infectious best. More lyrically accessible and harder rocking than recent solo efforts, The Swan in The Hallway is one of the finest collections of Kelly's songs, with or without his fellow Pajamas, and ranks among his very best.
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