P.J. Pacifico Reinterprets Christopher Cross Tune 'Sailing' in New Video

Related:

Singer-songwriter P.J. Pacifico mines the 'insanity' within Christopher Cross' 'Sailing', and gives the song a creepy twist in his new music video, shot entirely on an iPhone. Utilizing an array of special lenses, filters, a 'Turtleback' jacket, motion stabilizers, quick Twelve Monkeys/Fight Club-style edits, and more, Pacifico and Director Seth Wiley craft a bizarre counterpoint to a song whose lyrics could arguably be reinterpreted as applying to someone who is unhinged, or at least, 'on the borderline...'

"It's not far back to sanity, at least it's not for me"; "Fantasy, it gets the best of me, when I'm sailing...won't you believe me?" Pacifico's video follows that sanity/insanity question to a compelling place, requiring a close viewing to catch all the subliminal-ish cutaways. The End result is not as overtly dark as Pearl Jam's 'Jeremy', for example, but it is wonderfully peculiar and unsettling. VEVO world premiered the clip today here!

1980's smash 'Sailing' is featured on Pacific's new Viper Records CD 'Surface'. 'Sailing' was a career-defining #1 hit for Cross --a Grammy Award Winner for Record Of The Year, Song of the Year and Arrangement of the Year, and is credited for helping Cross win the Best New Artist Grammy as well. It was produced by Michael Omartian ('We Are The World',) and appeared on Cross' eponymous debut album. Pacifico has given the seminal track a modern take...maintaining its essential dreamy quality while infusing it with a subtle darkness.

Over the past two years, pop/rock singer-songwriter P.J. Pacifico has evolved from beloved under-the-radar, CT road warrior to an internationally-respected indie to be reckoned with, praised in such media outlets as M Music & Musicians Magazine, iTunes Editorial, and scores of other print, web and television placements throughout the U.S. Reviewers have repeatedly compared him to Paul Simon, James Taylor, Matthew Sweet and others, while embracing his live performance chops and upbeat, radio-friendly songwriting. With influences including The Smiths, Morrissey and Del Amitri, Pacifico shines on, 'Surface'. Listen to audio samples, here: http://soundcloud.com/p-j-pacifico/sets/p-j-pacifico-surface-sampler/.

In recent months, reviews have praised 'Surface' as Pacifico's "finest work to date," while interviews have chronicled his successes of the past year. A samplingof reviews follows. In the months ahead, Pacifico will release the second radio single from his album, and embark on a Spring tour of the U.S., including multiple dates with Garrison Starr.

Here is the current Spring tour itinerary - more dates will be added:
2/27 - Radio Bean - Burlington, VT (solo)
3/1 - Salt Hill Pub - Hanover, NH (solo)
3/2 - Salt Hill Pub - Lebanon, NH (solo)
3/6 - Barking Spider - Cleveland, OH (solo)
3/9 - S.P.A.C.E. - Chicago, IL (w/ Garrison Starr)
3/10 - Uncle Slayton's - Louisville, KY (w/ Garrison Starr)
3/11 - live performance on Great Day Live ABC TV - Louisville, KY
3/11 - Stageit Show (w/ Garrison Starr) - Anywhere - stream at: www.stageit.com
3/14 - live performance on FOX Birmingham TV news show
3/14 - The Red Cat - Birmingham, AL (w/ Garrison Starr)
3/15 - The Bluebird Cafe - Nashville, TN (w/ Garrison Starr)
3/16 - Eddie's Attic - Atlanta, GA (w/ Garrison Starr)
3/20 - The Altamont Theatre - Asheville, NC (w/ Garrison Starr)
3/22 - Tin Angel - Philadelphia, PA (w/ Garrison Starr)
3/23 - Acoustic Cafe (w/ Garrison Starr) - Bridgeport, CT
3/24 - Rockwood Music Hall - New York, NY (w/ Garrison Starr)

Read his recent feature from THE HOUR in Connecticut:
http://www.thehour.com/entertainment/weekend/p-j-pacifico-s-talents-on-display-at-aldrich-museum/article_cf4a517a-82f1-5608-b333-b686dd5a7a6a.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

'Surface' was released to early radio strength, including a #33 placement on the nation's Top 40 Indie Chart. The album's first singles, the cinematic 'Champions & Guardians' and the propulsive 'Half Wishing', both earned VEVO video premieres, and reviews described the album as "emotionally honest and sincere," highlighting tracks as "Pacifico at his best."In addition to this early traction in the U.S., Pacifico has become somewhat of a radio phenomenon in Holland, following his recent tour of the Netherlands. Champions & Guardians went to AC, Hot AC and Triple A Radio last week.

The new album is a sure-handed nine-song pop-rock collection, using personal experiences as a spark but ultimately crafting universal tales of survival, a belief in hard work, paying your dues and forward motion. Pacifico's evolution as a songwriter is evident on the abovementioned singles, the reflective, centerpiece title track, and 'It'll Never End', a song with subtle references to mortality and to Pacifico's appreciation of life as a cancer survivor.

Watch the video for Top 40 Hit 'Half Wishing' on Vevo:
http://www.vevo.com/watch/pj-pacifico/half-wishing/USA2P1251006
Watch the video for 'Champions and Guardians' on Vevo:
http://www.vevo.com/watch/pj-pacifico/champions-guardians/USA2P1212361