Pan! Pan!! Pan!!!

With American Thanksgiving behind us, we now find ourselves in midst of that awesome/terrible time of year where everybody and their dog starts pumping out year-end lists. In the music world there have already been a number published. NME and Paste both put out their indie-centric lists. Mojo has once again catered to the boomers, while Decibel has put together a fine list of strong metal records. One of the lists that has already caught my attention is Fact Magazine's "Record Label of the Year" list. While it seems odd to try to make a judgement call of this kind (how do we evaluate which record label has been most influential this year? And what is the benefit of making such a call?), it was great to see them give love to one of my favourite labels this year - PAN records.

Started in 2008 by Bill Kouligas, PAN has quietly built up a strong lineup of artists that includes everything from the Anthony Braxton-inspired jazz of Andre Vida, to the avant-classical work of percussionist Eli Keszler, to the bizarre Japanese pop of NHK'Koyxen (the 'n' is supposed to be backwards, but I can't figure out how to format my document to allow such a symbol). What I love most about the label though, is that while the artists being released by PAN appear to be pretty diverse in style, you still get the sense that there is a common vision being maintained among them. I can't help but think this is because of the diligent work being done by Kouligas. He has brought together artists from the fringes of the jazz, classical and electronic worlds in a way that illustrates a common desire for experimentation. Whether it's through screwing around with an upright piano, circuit-bending, or seeing just how many saxophones one man can play, there is a consistency of style among the diverse artists found on PAN. So, to celebrate the coming-out party for PAN that 2012 has been, here are some of my favourite tracks from the label's 2012 releases.

Andre Vida - Excerpt from Brud: Volumes I-III

Okay so this is from 2011. But this 3-disc set celebrating the Hungarian-by-way-of-Berlin saxophonist Andre Vida didn't get much love on this side of the Atlantic until this past spring. Vida's compositional, and improvisational style is such that you can never be sure whether you're listening to him make shit up, or if it is all orchestrated. This piece from the record, while from an earlier, and perhaps more reserved time in his career, is pretty indicative of his style. Loaded with intensity, and played with grace.

NHK Koyxen - "638" from Dance Classics Vol. 1

This is the kind of dance music I dream of making.

Eli Keszler - Cold Pin

Helm - Impossible Symmetry 


Lee Gamble - "DTI" from Diversions 1994-1996"

New Yo La Tengo

DADROCK's favourite thing to come out of Hoboken, Yo La Tengo, have released their first song from their upcoming LP Fade. "Before We Run" seems like a classic Yo La Tengo song, and comes along with a lovely video. Few things soothe me like Georgia's deep voice, so it's a bonus that this track features her on vocals. To celebrate, here's the new track, followed by some of my favourite Georgia-led Yo La Tengo moments.

Thursday Quick Links

So it appears that activity on this blog is going to be dependent on what kind of week Felix is having napwise (shocker!). Since the last week and a bit has been particularly busy - meaning Felix is currently cutting his 5th and 6th teeth of the fall, and is therefore currently anti-nap - I haven't had time to work on a actual post. Hopefully by next week I can have something up on two of my favorite records right now, Martha Wainwright's Come Home to Mama, and Andy Stott's Luxury Problems, two albums that reflect on the theme of loss in interesting, albeit significantly different ways. In the meantime, here are some links to keep you occupied.

- Holly Herndon just released her debut LP Movement, and on first listen it seems like a pretty strong record to me. NPR is currently streaming it here.

- Last week Stereogum interviewed Fucked Up's Damian Abraham for their Parental Advisory column. His reflections on parenthood are pretty fascinating, particularly how he articulates his approach to language with his children. You can find that piece here.

- Darkstar has released the first single from their upcoming album. It's called "Timeaway" and it has already become a hit in our household. Listen to it here.

- Last week I found an original pressing of The Fall's This Nation's Saving Grace. While it's no Slates or Hex Enduction Hour, it did remind me that no week is ever complete until you've watched Mark E. Smith read the football scores (old I know, but awesome nonetheless). Notice how he says "Arsehole" just to stick it to those North Londoners.

- In non-music news Jezebel has some helpful advise for those parents (read: me), who wish to cling to some form of coolness.

That's all for now. Enjoy your weekend folks!