David Pajo
Pajo

There are few musicians who can boast the experience, skill, and charisma of David Pajo (Louisville, Kentucky, 1968). For those who have never heard his name, he was a member of small groups of the caliber of Slint, Tortoise, The For Carnation, Zwan, and other equally important collaborations and projects. It can be said that he has been one of the most influential artists in underground music over the last twenty years. 

The album in question is the first fruit of the solo project that Pajo signs with his own name (he has released a series of EPs and albums under the monikers Papa M and Aerial M). It saw the light in June 2005, and the label is Drag City of Chicago (already a cradle of masterpieces by Pavement, Jim O'Rourke, Will Oldham, U.S. Maple, etc.).

The album is essential, simple in all its nature. What Pajo can do with the six strings of his acoustic guitar—in some pieces accompanied by electronic bases that, however, do not clash, and serve as a not too intrusive background—is incredibly beautiful. Every melody is evidently studied but seems almost spontaneous, natural, inevitable. From the initial ""Oh No No"", through "High Lonesome Moan", and "Ten More Days", the atmosphere smells of the past, sweet melancholy, and nostalgia that Pajo lets flow with his calm voice and his sounds that have the classic patina of low-fi recording. With the compelling rhythm of the pacifist anthem "War Is Death", the harmonies of ""Icicles"", and the wonderful ballad ""Mary Of The Wild Moor"", time passes without leaving traces like the wind of the southern States' desert. The last track, ""Francie"", leaves the atmosphere crystallized in a snowy landscape, imbued with shadows and regret.

This is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful albums in Pajo's solo discography and one of the best examples of singer-songwriter work in recent years. 10 simple songs for a half-hour listen that takes the mind beyond the ocean and fades into the penetrating yet soft chords of David Pajo's hand.

"The sky has opened, the power is down, deserted in this town."