The Tallest Man on Earth
It’s quite regrettable that anyone who croaks their weighty lyrics to the tune of an acoustic guitar immediately draws comparisons to the godfather of folk/blues/rock, Robert Zimmerman. This practice is both restrictive and close-minded, often leading to the collapse of an artist under the immense pressure. Swedish born crooner The Tallest Man on Earth, also known as Kristian Matsson (suck it Sultan Kosen), has been plagued by such comparisons his entire career. Matsson, who actually stands at a paltry 5’9’’, will forever be associated with the legend (Dylan not Kosen). After The Wild Hunt, however, Matsson proves his brute strength and exceeds even the perilously high expectations. The album is composed of brilliantly emotive lyrics, austere accompaniment, and perhaps the most raw and unadulterated performance since acoustic Springsteen.
From the initial seconds of the opening and title track, “The Wild Hunt,” the listener is taken on a journey by a guitar, interspersed piano and the tremendous croon of the Swedish “giant.” The album manages to avoid monotony through the alternating intensity of guitar and piano, but most of all due to the tremendous range of Matsson’s wail. The fantastic opener directly precedes the even superior “Burden of Tomorrow,” which with just two complementing guitar parts maintains an evocative and profound sound. On the upbeat (among its peers) “King of Spain,” The Tallest Man on Earth nourishes his Dylan comparisons by mentioning “boots of Spanish leather,” a not-so-subtle homage to the Times They Are A-Changin’ great. Rounding out the marvelous sophomore release is the outcast anthem “Kids on the Run.” Matsson ditches the guitar for one last time, and with the accompaniment of his piano croons out some strikingly Springsteen-esque lyrics. The Tallest Man on Earth concludes the album with his strongest track yet, but the album’s meager 34+ minute run time leaves the listener begging for more (much like this review).
The Wild Hunt – The Tallest Man on Earth (YSI)
Burden of Tomorrow – The Tallest Man on Earth (YSI)
King of Spain – The Tallest Man on Earth (YSI)
