Dear Sister, who is the world's best songwriter?

Well, that's a tough one. That bloke who wrote the Psalms was pretty good as was someone called Isaac, and most things contained in St Basil's Hymnal (serving us since the 1800's!). Of course Sister Janet Mead is a personal hero of mine, and even Helen Reddy (think the first Airport movie...).

Lennon and McCartney, Frank Zappa are right up there, but for sheer honesty, Australian-ness, grit, suburbia, beaches, footy and the human condition, coupled with the great cities of Sydney and Melbourne you cannot go past Paul Kelly. To quote from his website: "From very early on in his career, Paul Kelly has been recognised as one of the most significant singer/songwriters in the country. Inspired initially by the likes of Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, Lou Reed and Ray Davies, Kelly's narrative song writing is infused with wry observations, bittersweet emotions and enormous appeal." As well as his website, Paul has his own MySpace page.

Sister Concepta, with Brother Paulus, was most honoured to be treated to a kichen concert by the great man himself through a local radio station. In an inspired moment of madness, Sister Concepta composed some lyrics in the style of Paul Kelly that also contained the words "Pasha Bulker", the name of the stranded oil ship off Nobby's Beach in Newcastle, now successfully refloated. The Pasha Bulker was the subject of many beautiful images and movies such as this and more.


Here's Brother Paulus posing in front of the great man's dressing room.

Try and spot Sister Concepta at this landmark event.

If you're lucky, she may even post her lyrics...