The Tallest Man on Earth: “Pistol Dreams”
Upon hearing the lyrical structure and vocals of The Tallest Man on Earth (the stage name of singer/songwriter Kristian Matsson), it’s nearly impossible to escape comparing the Swede to the American archetype of songwriting: Bob Dylan. But it would be selling Matsson short to call his music a simple emulation of Dylan.
The Tallest Man on Earth is something like a Swedish version of one of this year’s break out American artists, Wisconsin’s Justin Vernon, better known as Bon Iver (in fact, The Tallest Man on Earth will be touring America in support of Bon Iver). All the elements are there: great song craft, passionate lyrics and a more than sufficient grasp of the guitar (which is important as it’s the only instrument audible on most of the record). This tune, “Pistol Dreams,” is a glowing example of this young songwriter’s gift.
