Papa M? Are you serious? The last time we said "Papa M," it was 2004 and we were talking about a retrospective compilation album! There were no expectations, and none given! Sure, Papa M was attached to some of the 80s-90s greatest no-core records, especially if you consider his imaginary alter ego, one David Pajo. But that was a long time ago! So why then does Highway Songs spill into our ears with a newness, a vitality that only fresh blood can bring? Could it be because of all the blood? David Pajo's been writing lines on the guitar since he was a bitty little kid. It sustained him through a lot of groups, like Maurice, Slint, Aerial M, Tortoise, The For Carnation, Dead Child. Hes played live too, and on records. And now that hes grown up to be a bitty little man, what's he gonna do, change? If you think so, you don't know Pajo - or as hes been known to sometimes go, Papa M. The instrumental sounds he's made in the name of these names - on albums with names like Live From a Shark Cage and "Whatever, Mortal"- implied danger, violence and total alienation, alongside a peaceful, easy, good-willin' and wide streak of broke-toothed black humor. So, after those classic albums followed by a long silent phase, broken only by a steady stream of sweet (and terrifying) pictures on Instagram, we've now got Highway Songs. Sounds pastoral. Bucolic, even.