Style Weekly
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Paleface at the Camel
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New York-based songwriter Paleface should probably be dead. First recognized in the early '90s for juxtaposing folk music, hip-hop lyrics and punk-rock beats, the celebrated anti-folk artist mentored under Daniel Johnston and shared open-mic stages in the Lower East End with Beck. He stalled the ascension that came with his self-titled debut with unfettered alcohol abuse. Two major labels dropped him within the span of a few years because his work had trouble finding an audience, and by 1997 Paleface's health had deteriorated so badly that he was hospitalized for a failing liver, nearly losing his life. With the severity of his own demise having an impact on him, Paleface began a prolific period of bootlegs and new solo material, establishing relationships with emerging artists such as the Moldy Peaches, Langhorne Slim, Regina Spektor and the Avett Brothers. Now paired with drummer Monica “Mo” Samalot, Paleface's ramshackle, country acoustics and damage-weary vocals are on their way to a respectable recovery. With the release of his album, “The Show Is on the Road,” he plays the Camel at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 27. $7. 1621 W. Broad St., 353-4901. — Mike Hilleary
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