Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Contenders Series #16: Tallest Man on Earth - "King of Spain"

(see also:  Aaron's Sweden Mix, Part Two)

Moving on, here's an example of a Swedish artist recording on an American label, namely Dead Oceans (home to, among others, Bishop Allen and Dirty Projectors).  On the upcoming The Wild Hunt, the Tallest Man on Earth (who I assume is just one guy, though I guess that could be a really awkward band name), sticks to a formula that's worked for him in the past:  Bob Dylan-ish folk songs (his voice is almost a dead ringer for Dylan's) with open-chord tunings that occasionally recall a rootsier Nick Drake.  In lead single "King of Spain," though, he does an admirable job of summing up Dylan's entire career in one line:  "I am a native of the North Pole, and that could mess up any kid."  Preaching to the choir, Tallest Man on Earth.

Switching gears, here's Part Two of my Sweden mix.  While Part One focused on more uptempo rock songs, this one has a little more of a chill, acoustic feel.

Aaron's Sweden Mix, Part Two

(1) The Radio Dept. - "Heaven's on Fire"
(2) Jose Gonzalez - "Crosses"
(3) Air France - "Collapsing at Your Doorstep"
(4) Hello Saferide - "Anna"
(5) Tallest Man on Earth - "King of Spain"
(6) Those Dancing Days - "Those Dancing Days"
(7) Jens Lekman - "The Opposite of Hallelujah"
(8) Sambassadeur - "Kate"
(9) Loney, Dear - "I Am John"
(10) jj - "From Africa to Malaga"
(11) Tough Alliance - "Lucky"
(12) Concretes - "You Can't Hurry Love"
(13) Fever Ray - "Dry and Dusty"
(14) Orphan Songs - "America"
(15) Bored Man Overboard - "Love is a Lie"

Download:  Tallest Man on Earth - King of Spain

Official Site
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1 comment:

  1. You've lost all credibility. This song is horrible. It's so bad it makes me want to unfriend you on facebook.

    Your (former) friend,

    Curt

    ReplyDelete