The Tallest Man on Earth new EP

Swedish folk singer The Tallest Man on Earth isn't content with only coming out with a perfect album this year, The Wild Hunt (get it now if you haven't heard it!!!). A few days ago, Kristian Matsson quietly released a five-song EP entitled Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird. In addition to his typical running-through-the-fields fingerpicking and whiskey-scratchy voice, new details include the electric guitar that fuels "The Dreamer," an anthemic song that matches the intensity of Wild Hunt closer "Kids on the Run."

S. Carey

Bon Iver fans: you will like S. Carey, who just so happens to be the drummer for that group. Carey is releasing his first solo album, All We Grow, this coming Tuesday. At first, Carey merely seems to be mining the stripped down instrumental/multitracked vocal formula Justin Vernon perfected on For Emma, Forever Ago, but pretty soon he expands his sound into Sigur Ros layers of stomping percussion, fluttering woodwinds, and echoing pianos. One of the most surprising releases of the year.

Stream All We Grow here. By the way, S. Carey is embarking on what should be an excellent tour with Swedish troubadour The Tallest Man on Earth (coming to the Somerville Theatre October 1st!). More dates here.

The Tallest Man on Earth

Swedish artist Kristian Matsson, better known as the Tallest Man on Earth, is back with a new album, this time critically acclaimed and exemplifying serious maturity in the singer/songwriter. The Wild Hunt surely includes some of this year's most compelling folk music. And with good reason. Matsson's gruff vocals meet crafty finger-picking and vigorous strumming. In "King of Spain", a lively pace reminiscent of galloping hordes provide foundation for sassily romantic and pensive lyrics. It's far from a narrative but as the Tallest Man digs deeper into his languished fantasy he projects a song of earnest and daring.

The Tallest Man on Earth - King of Spain