The Tallest Man On Earth is Kristian Matsson, a young Swede with more aptitude for American-style folk music than most Americans. He released his debut full-length album, Shallow Grave, in March to much critical acclaim.

Shallow Grave is a low-fi fury. Rapid-fire finger-picked acoustic guitar and vivid lyrics delivered in a cracked staccato provide an urgency that sets Matsson apart from many of his neo-folk counterparts. Shallow Grave’s recording feels live and raw, with many blemishes left in the mix, like it was recorded in some attic or barn or cabin on the quick.

Following the folk tradition, the lyrics play the lead role in these songs and Matsson proves his strength as a songwriter. This is evident on “The Gardner,” a twisted love song whose hero turns to murder to hide his inadequacies from his lover (”I know the runner’s going to tell you/There ain’t no cowboy in my hat/So now he’s buried by the daisies/So I can stay the tallest man in your eyes, Babe”).

But Shallow Grave’s highlights don’t end there, and despite the tendency to compare Matsson to Bob Dylan or any number of his folk forefathers, it deserves it’s own distinction. Shallow Grave has definitely made it’s way onto my list of favorites for 2008.

For more of The Tallest Man On Earth, check out the great videos over at Shoot the Player. The Tallest Man On Earth is opening for Bon Iver this month.

The Tallest Man On Earth – “I Won’t Be Found”