New Dylan, shmew Dylan. It’s easy to pigeonhole The Tallest Man on Earth as a straight-up Dylan acolyte, except Swedish. But we argue there’s a lot more going on with this guy. Kristian Matsson, who’s already released two very solid, evocative folk albums, is way more exciting than, say, Jose Gonzalez. Here’s our best attempt to analyze his sound through the guise of early folk.
1. Somehow, The Tallest Man on Earth feels incredibly fresh, despite being loaded with elements that suggest early Dylan or (at the very least) a guy who’s been listening to way too many field recordings. It’s to Kristian Matsson’s credit that he transcends strereotype, and his guitar has some amazing voicings which Dylan never touched.
2. While most under 30 probably best know Kurt Cobain’s amazing cover of this song on MTV’s “Unplugged” in 1993, Lead Belly made the traditional tune popular, and it’s a song the ex-con is most known for today. Definite strains of this rawness in The Tallest Man on Earth’s sound.
3. While Pete Seeger doesn’t always wail on his guitar the way Matsson does, on “John Henry” he’s incredibly vigorous, if maybe more lyrically direct than Matsson ever gets. Seeger’s clean, authoritative voice definitely strikes a different tone from Matsson, but we’d argue they have more in common than they don’t. (Fun fact: Seeger’s still kicking at 90.)
4. Phil Ochs, a protest singer to the end, was a raw and evocative performer and a key voice in the protest music scene during the mid-’60s, and probably the guitarist who Matsson most reminds us of. Both Ochs and Matsson powerfully wail away at their guitars, even if their endgames (political change vs. metaphor) are completely different.
5. On “The Wild Hunt,” Matsson directly references Bob Dylan’s “Boots of Spanish Leather” on highlight “King of Spain.” Ultimately, the era of Dylan he takes most influence from, “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” is merely interpreted. Dylan’s lyrical voice, rich in metaphor, has a lot in common with The Tallest Man on Earth, but you always feel like “The Wild Hunt” is on the edge, ready to tip over at any time.
McGarrigle, a noted folksinger in her own right, was the mother of Martha and Rufus Wainwright (shown right) and was married to Loudon Wainwright III.
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It’s bizarre to think in the era of Kanye West and Lady Gaga that Mary Travers was the face of pop music for a spell. But her group defined folk music to many.
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He’s Bob Dylan. He can do whatever he wants. The greatest folksinger that ever lived is currently holed up in Jackson Browne’s recording studio putting together what’s sure to be the most bizarre Christmas album ever. Four songs are already done: “Must Be Santa,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Now … not that we don’t think this news is awesome (we do), but who would’ve expected this from Bob Dylan? Definitely not us. source
In our continuing effort to try new things, here’s our latest: Band coverage! This time, a good friend of ours, Skye Zentz puts down her ukulele and throws us some love! Want to see your band here? E-mail us or bug us on Twitter!
Listen to her
Q1: In 15 words or less, describe your sound:
Tropical entree smothered in bluesy overtones on picnic blanket next to Joni Mitchell’s dulcimer.
Q2: Name three influences that inspire you, with three words each on why they’re awesome: Chris Merritt: Brilliant Melodic Bodywash Ani DiFranco: Feminine Guts Galore Rufus Wainwright Second generation folky
Q3: What’s a recent song you’ve been digging? Write ten words explaining why: Beyonce – “Ego”: It plays with your head. Love those early Motown nods.
Q4: In 140 characters or less, how do you use social networking to get the word out: I do what I can with what little digital prowess I have. In short, I connect. Tweet tweet, ya’al. From myspace to your face.
Q5: In 15 words or less, what’s next for you?
Bowling Alley Tour (Praying!), Nursing home and library gigs (Seriously.), Jello Slip-n-slide?
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Rodriguez’ urban folk classic “Cold Fact” came out 40 years ago, was forgotten, became popular in South Africa, and was re-released last year. It’s still awesome, by the way. Gritty, subversive, critical and polished, it’s a real treat.
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