The Tallest Man On Earth - There's No Leaving Now

You might think someone who calls himself The Tallest Man On Earth might have enormous, umm, visibility, so to speak, but alas Swedish singer/songwriter Kristian Mattson remains revered by a relatively small if devoted base of admirers. That, of course, may change with the release of his third and most excellent long player There's No Leaving Now (June 12, Dead Oceans). On the echoing heels of two exquisite 2010 releases -- the full length The Wild Hunt and EP Sometimes the Blues Is Just A Passing Bird -- Leaving again confirms Matsson as an extraordinary songwriter, the rare acoustician who manages to sound both timelessly classic and utterly contemporary. Ironically, a big part of Leaving's disarming charm comes from Matsson's spartan approach to production -- this is an album that's simply about a distinctive, let-it-all-out voice, some low-keyed but dazzling guitar work and a sheaf of outstanding songs. For starters, check out the stunning piano-driven title track, a stripped ballad that still packs a knockout right hook. Then head on to the magical "1904." Standing tall indeed.

 The Tallest Man On Earth - "There's No Leaving Now" (from There's No Leaving Now)

The Tallest Man On Earth - "1904" (from There's No Leaving Now) Free Download

Stream the full album at NPR