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Review: Paleo – A View of the Sky

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By Emily L.
A View of the Sky marks the third effort from singing/songwriting troubadour, and local folk favorite, Paleo.  Paleo, whose real name is David Strackany, once spent some time around these Iowa City parts, running Public Space One’s art gallery, before packing up to record an album and tour the country.

Paleo’s tour history, which includes approximately 700 shows over the span of six years, is equally as impressive as his Song Diary project, in which he wrote a song a day from April 16, 2006 to April 15, 2007.  But putting these notable factors aside, and focusing solely on the music, it’s quite clear to see Paleo is not just a hardworking visionary, but also an undeniable talent. 

A View of the Sky wonderfully displays his earnest, wobbly vocals and sincere, intimate lyrics, among a backdrop of toe-tapping instrumentals, as seen in album standout, “World’s Smallest Violin.”  His lyrics tell the tales of love and the sights and scenes experienced on his never-ending journey with honest, endearing delivery, while his unique, shaky vocals instantly draw the listener into his nomad world.  The thirteen-song collection manages to stay fresh and interesting throughout, with the help of additional instrumentation, including strings, keyboards, and horns, the latter of which feature on the mariachi-inspired album opener and title track.  A View of the Sky is a perfect introduction to the creative genius that is Paleo, so if you’re unfamiliar, I suggest you take the time to get acquainted.

Emphasis Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 11

RIYL: The Tallest Man on Earth, Bon Iver, Bob Dylan

Paleo – The King James Fakebook

Paleo//Partisan Records


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