It was on the good ship Venus

There’s something about the naff sweetness of this song that makes it really okay. Despite the fact that the vocal melody follows the chord progression fairly reliably, something unusual in it stops the usual associated numbness setting in. Then the combination of laid back, blended harmonies with the more desperate voice from the side/back gas a lot of that mismatch charm thing. He does get rather unsteady as he goes toward the end.
The clarity and simplicity of the vocal gives the lyrics the immediacy which more complex artistry often lack.
It’s quite a moody little number, not exactly a lament but not a song ‘n’ dance neither. References to sailors on the high seas (steady, steady as she goes) are abound, and that ultra-verby guitar backs it up in its atmospheric, swirling fog.
At the end there’s and very nice little digression consisting of bell-like notes and pulses which acts as a pretty classy finishing touch.
It’s an inconspicuous knock just weird enough to be invited in.