Hole of Burning Alms

Dave Pajo has never been one to settle down. Tracing his career from Slint and his contributions to Tortoise, Will Oldham, Stereolab, The For Carnation to his numerous pseudonym solo projects (M, Arial M, M Is The Thirteenth Letter) is a bit like joining the dots between some of the most innovative bands of the last 15 years. 'Hole of Burning Alms' is a compilation of rare and unreleased material from 1995 to the present, and serves roughly as a chronological progression through Pajo's catalogue. Early tracks give credit to Pajo's ability to captivate and hold interest throughout slower, more minimalist progressions. The use of Slint-like dynamics shows glimpses of Pajo at his best in "Safeless" and "Wedding Song No. 3", two obvious highlights. Continuing on, Pajo adopts electronic drumbeats and samples, which work well in the 'brain massage' of "Mountains Have Ears", but is just plain bizarre in the four part mystery "Travels In Constants", where vocals and acoustic guitar are unexpectedly interrupted by pulsating techno. The second half of the album gives rise to Pajo's more recent Papa M/Pajo, alt. country style. An acoustic cover of "Last Caress" is heart wrenching, and there is a bright optimism to many of the later tracks, which gives a warm and well-rounded feel to the album. The final two tracks however, are a slight let down. A cover of "Turn Turn Turn" goes on about 10 minutes too long, and "Xmas 1997" meanders around aimlessly.
Undoubtedly, fans of Pajo's work at any stage, will find plenty here to enjoy. This is an artist whose song writing ability has been consistently matched by his innovation. There are moments of brilliance here for anyone willing to listen.