What I'm Listening To: The Tallest Man On Earth

For the past few weeks, I've been listening pretty much exclusively to David Bazan projects (Pedro the Lion, Headphones, Bazan + Band) on my CD Walkman since my iPod broke. But today on the DART bus on my way to school, I broke my new routine with a bit of Kristian Mattson.  Mattson is a Swedish singer/songwriter who performs under the moniker "The Tallest Man On Earth," or "TMOE," as his devoted fans refer to him on online forums. I first heard TMOE through public radio, actually, in an NPR Tiny Desk Concert video which showed up in "related videos" on the YouTube page for a Damien Jurado video. I was immediately smitten with Mattson's music, voice, and cool-looking facial hair. 

I immediately went out and bought his first album and EP, both of which were filled with fantastic acoustic tunes that have drawn some pretty obvious comparisons to Dylan (Bob, that is) and other classic folk singers. Personally, though, I find his guitar patterns a little too complex for Dylan and his singing a little more European. However, I can certainly see where the comparisons come from. Anyway, I saw Mattson live last September with an ex-girlfriend and had a splendid time. The performance was breathtaking, to say the least. Just a man and his guitar, alone at the microphone. Normally folky, singer-songwriter-y shows get on my nerves but there was something about his presence that drew me in and made for a great night. At that point, I had not yet heard his most recent album, The Wild Hunt, in its entirety and I bought it at the performance. It was not until 4 months later, that January, that I really came around to listen to the album. And I immediately loved it. It is probably the most intriguing folk release since the 60s-era Dylan that Mattson is so often compared to.

With plenty of natural imagery here, Mattson crafts an enduring masterpiece that reflects everything about him that his fans love. Standout tracks include: "You're Going Back," "King of Spain," "Kids On the Road," and "Troubles Will Be Gone." Go buy the album if you've never heard it or at least look the guy up. Probably the best show I've ever been to and probably one of my Top 5 albums of all time at this point. I was so glad to get reaquainted with him this morning and I'm still listening as we speak--fourth run-through of the entire album today.