The Tallest Man on Earth - Shallow Grave

The Tallest Man on Earth. Shallow Grave. 2008. 4.5 stars.

Sweden’s Kristian Matsson is The Tallest Man on Earth, a finger-picking virtuoso who plays inspired Dylan-esque folk songs. Matsson’s unique, crackling voice, lyrical imagery and complex guitar work puts him head and shoulders above the genre’s current mainstays, delving into a nostalgic and timeless sound. The songs here convey a feeling of weather-beaten discovery, where runaways and wanderers trace highways and open plains.

Accompanied solely his acoustic guitar, Matsson bellows out his serpentine verses with great passion, especially on highlights “I Won’t be Found” and “Where Do My Bluebirds Fly?”. The sparse yet intimate musicianship reinforces this album’s singular vision, drawing you into a darting stream of consciousness. Fans of Dylan, Will Oldham and Neutral Milk Hotel should take note of this release, as it seems to possess that strange magical quality that hides within eccentric, wonder-struck personalities. What The Tallest Man on Earth lacks in originality, he makes up with spirit, leading you into welcoming pastoral landscapes.

The Tallest Man on Earth - It will follow the rain (Live)

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