Artist: Shane Palko
Album: ‘Pick Me Up’
The political and social environment that people find themselves immersed in often makes them think and wonder about the society they’re living in. Singer-songwriter Shane Palko has overcome his at-times turbulent habitat to embrace everyone he has encountered, and hasn’t let the world’s troubles tamper his spirit. The Pennsylvania native, who has performed his original music in more than 25 countries, including Australia, Belgium, Belize, Canada, China, France, Ireland, Mexico, Russia, Singapore, South Africa and the United States, has used his songs to show his love for what he considers a truly global neighborhood.
The indie alt-folk musician has released his whimsical ninth studio album, ‘Pick Me Up,’ which also highlights his unique dual life as a global socio-environmentalist. Palko’s lyrical prowess is evident on the 11-track record, which exemplifies his most positive perspective yet.
‘Pick Me Up’ begins with the intriguing entry, ‘Traveling / Wandering.’ On the enthralling opening song, the singer ponders the difference between traveling and wandering, which he stunningly notes is revealed to people as they discover the true way they view themselves. The captivating lyrics, which are sung in a lively adult contemporary vibe, are backed by engrossing guitar strumming and drum beats. Palko also enticingly croons about people searching for a connection when they’re far from home, even though they still appreciate their origins.
Another intriguing tune on the musician’s latest album is the sophomore track, ‘Circus Dog,’ which features a more alt-rock vibe in its guitar strumming. The singer also intriguingly croons about his appreciation for his connections with his friends down the street, who he encourages to visit anytime. With his appreciation for their connection and the time they spend together, he doesn’t expect anything from them. The musician then relatably croons that as time passes, he wonders what has happened to the close friendships, as they don’t see each other as much anymore. As he considers that they’ll always be together in spirit, the entry proves it would be memorable when performed live, especially since the vocals are backed by instrumentation that’s sure to become classic in the indie alt-folk genre.
The fifth song on Palko’s ninth record is the mellow ‘Captain Dan,’ which features a soulful folk guitar. The singer encourages the title captain to come home, even if he hasn’t reached his destination, or his adventure wasn’t successful. The musician assures the leader that he’ll always be welcomed home with open arms upon his return.
‘Captain Dan’ is followed by the 30-second interlude, ‘Give Me All Your Money,’ which features a more upbeat instrumentation and vocalization than its predecessor. ‘Give Me All Your Money’ then transitions into ‘Time Travel Politics,’ on which Palko croons about how the government is taking society back 200 years in certain respects. He points out that equality and freedom are regressing, so he encourages his listeners to take a stance on upholding their rights.
‘Pick Me Up’ winds down with its penultimate track, ‘Jenny Wren,’ which features stylized and soothing instrumentation and vocals. The tune then transitions into the album’s final entry, ‘1Mayfly,’ which features contemplative and soulful guitar strumming. The singer croons about how the whole world is reflected upside down, and everything is happening at once. He also ponders the current changing times, as he considers how to approach the whole world, which is now stretched out in front of him.
The political and social environment that people find themselves engrossed in often makes them ponder the society they’re living in. Palko has overcome his at-times unsettled habitat to show his love for everyone he has encountered, and hasn’t let the world’s troubles hinder his spirit. The indie alt-folk singer-songwriter has used his songs to show his love for what he considers a truly global neighborhood. His enticing and relatable new album, ‘Pick Me Up,’ highlights his unique dual life as a global socio-environmentalist, and embodies his most positive perspective yet.
For more information on Palko, visit his official website, as well as his Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
