Papa M, Whatever, Mortal (Drag City) 9+
Until recently, David Pajo has been a shadowy, elusive figure, covertly driving the direction of indie rock with his contributions to Slint and Tortoise, which he quit to focus on his more solo-driven projects M, Aerial M and Papa M. In interviews as recently as a few years ago, he said he was too shy around microphones and cameras, which is why he didn't sing. Surprisingly, out came the Papa M Sings EP. Pajo's increasing confidence in his lyric-writing has come full bloom on Whatever, Mortal, which features an all-star band of Will Oldham, Tara Jane O'Neil (Rodan) and Britt Walford (Slint, Breeders' Pod). While Papa M's modern folk blues owes something to Will Oldham's rustic imagery and partially to Smog's sound, the most remarkable accomplishment is that Pajo outdoes Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave at their own game (see Ten New Songs and No More Shall We Part, both from this year). While Pajo's voice is no match for Cave, his music is much more creative and diverse, with found-sound collages and other instrumental experimentalism that harks back to his post-rock days. This is not, however, an avant-garde album. Whatever, Mortal is a collection of songs that tell compelling and disturbing stories of grieving over a death in the family, overcoming illness for love, romance with a ghost and a killer's lament to a lover. This is the gorgeous, frightening new face of folk.
