I can’t even pay attention to a folk song, or record for that matter, unless I feel it’s believable. Folk is one of the purest genres in all of music. The essence of a folk song is to strike the listener right in the heart, leaving them defenseless to their emotions. Whether uplifting or sorrowful, a folk song just doesn’t matter unless you feel a palpable emotional connection. There are roughly 8,000 horrible commercials on television with pitiful “folk” tracks to prove this theory.

Kristian Matsson of Dalarna, Sweden doesn’t fit the stereotypical folk description, at least not in name and location. Matsson is the man behind The Tallest Man on Earth and my, is he talented.

Currently signed to Dead Oceans, The Tallest Man on Earth transcends mere believability, commanding immediate attention and respect. Matsson possesses a seasoned and heart-crushing voice. His performances on “Like the Wheel” and “Pistol Dreams” are gorgeous. I was completely fine, but this guy I know, well it seemed like he had allergies or something, because his eyes were really misty. What a sissy.

Matsson’s skill on guitar and banjo is quite unmistakable. “The Gardener” is optimistic and pulsing. “The King of Spain” is just downright cool.

Currently on a tour of the nordic regions, The Tallest Man on Earth released  The Wild Hunt and an EP,  Sometimes the Blues Is Just a Passing Bird in the past year, both of which are available on Amazon and iTunes.

This is truly moving stuff.