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

Artist: The Tallest Man On Earth

Album: There’s No Leaving Now

Label: Dead Oceans

Release Date: June 12, 2012

Review by: Sean Kayden

Swedish folk singer Kristian Matsson who performs under the moniker, The Tallest Man on Earth has often been compared to Bob Dylan for his nasal, twangy, scraping vocals. While similarities are continually bestowed by critics, The Tallest Man On Earth has released “There’s No Leaving Now”, a narrower but equally as potent record to his two previous ones. Admittedly so, I’m not too keen on his previous work, but I am aware of the realm he works in. Despite prior acclaim and recognition, I’ve decided to leap into this latest album as a relative newcomer. With that being duly noted, I must say the first half of the record considerably impressed me in spite of my lack of interest in his previous material. It’s toward the second half things get a bit shaky and stale where my interest quickly grows fainter. While many diehard fans may not take a liking to the purer sound and more straightforward approach, I found it to be reasonably suitable. “There’s No Leaving Now” is an often exquisite, striking, and poignant album, but runs out of stream in the final innings. 

            This is the sort of easy listening type of album. Like many artists in his ilk, the lyrics can either mean so much to the listener or have no significant meaning whatsoever. I enjoy the sounds and laid back tempo of most of the songs as opposed to becoming spellbound with anything Matsson is proclaiming. Opening track, “To Just Grow Away,” is an immensely beautiful vintage folk tune. It’s followed by the wonderment that’s “Revelation Blues”. Matsson sounds different, speaking a bit faster and the higher tempo sound is a real treat. It’s one of the strongest tracks the record has to offer and it’s extremely peaceful and soothing even though the lyrics seem to be about a horse. The title track is beautifully sung over a delicate piano. I don’t always follow what Matsson is trying to say, but just hearing him speak is enough enlightenment for me. Regardless of what the stories unfold, most of his music is lovely and comforting.

            Like I previously mentioned, “There’s No Leaving Now” stumbles to the finish line. It’s far from egregious, but rather inadequate. The record kicks off valiantly and magnificently. Unfortunately, it drifts away from its greatness when we get in the concluding stages. “Criminals” is too bland even if it sounds comparable to some of the other tracks found here. The closing track, “On Every Page” doesn’t quite do the trick. It’s tedious, one-dimensional, and rather dull. Maybe others will find enjoyment, but these few final lackluster songs put a damper on what could have been an outstanding record. If this album were a two-act play, we’d be amazed with the opening first act and disappointed with what’s to come in the end. My words of advice are to attend the wedding (first half) and sit out the funeral (second half). You wont be missing all that much.

Key Tracks: “To Just Grow Away”, “Revelation Blues”, “Leading Me Now”, “There’s No Leaving Now”

Grade: 7.4 out of 10

Published by Mountain Views News on June 16th, 2012

http://mtnviewsnews.com/v06/htm/n24/p08.htm