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Soundoffs 5 Album Ratings 886 Objectivity 78%
Last Active 01-27-21 6:11 pm Joined 05-27-09
Review Comments 2,114
| The Tallest Man On Earth @ Hmv Forum London Review
'The Tallest Man on Earth' last night gave a performance at the HMV
Forum, London, that was certainly worthy of the impressive moniker. As
if it was ever in any doubt, Kristian Matsson proved that his talent and
skill as a songwriter and virtuoso guitarist are easily matched by those he
posses as a performer. Full of life, beauty and assured confidence,
Matsson gained momentum as he went on, ensuring any memories of the
ever so slightly lacklustre opening to proceedings were quickly left behind
once he really hit his stride.
Songs such as the ever infectious 'The Blizzard's Never Seen the Desert
Sand', 'Criminals' and 'There's No Leaving Now' were indicative of a vocal
display that grew ever more passionate and extravagant as the evening
drew on, peaking during the quiet and poignant 'Like the Wheel' and the
rip-roaring crowd favourite 'The King of Spain' (delivered with aplomb as
the show's finale)
The distinctive warble was delivered throughout with the palatable
self-belief and boldness of an artist at the top of his game and clearly
enjoying the occasion in front of the simply captivated 2000 strong sell
out crowd.
Other highlights of the night include a gorgeous piano rendition of 'The
Dreamer' and the haunting and atmospheric 'Where Do My Bluebirds Fly',
although it seems criminal not to describe almost every song performed
as such. 'Kids on the Run', 'Lion Heart' and 'You're Going Back' were
notable omissions from a setlist understandably dominated by works of
the latest LP, leaving some fans perhaps a shade disappointed - although
allowing this to detract too much from from one's enjoyment would be a
shame.
Matsson's easy and natural rapport with the audience was also a joy
throughout, leaving the impression of a likeable and humble man, albeit
one that acknowledges his talents as one of the foremost contemporary
singer/songwriters. Based on performances such as this, it seems only a
matter of time before Matsson breaks into the bigtime ? and after a year
of almost solid touring ? few would begrudge him doing so when that time
comes. | 1 | The Tallest Man on Earth To Just Grow Away | 2 | Revelation Blues | 3 | I Won't Be Found | 4 | Burden of Tomorrow | 5 | 1904 | 6 | Leading Me Now | 7 | Lost My Shape
David Bazan cover | 8 | Wind and Walls | 9 | There's No Leaving Now | 10 | Criminals | 11 | The Blizzard's Never Seen the Desert Sands | 12 | Love is All | 13 | The Sparrow and the Medicine | 14 | Where Did My Bluebirds Go | 15 | Like the Wheel | 16 | The Dreamer
Performed on the Piano. Initially missed that catchy guitar lick but the piano chords
really placed emphasis on Matsson's vocals, which were immense. | 17 | Encore
| 18 | The Tallest Man on Earth The Wild Hunt
Would have been better near the beginning of the show but w/e, nitpicking. | 19 | Graceland
Paul Simon Cover. Had to look the covers up afterwards. Both were done v v well. | 20 | The King of Spain
Could the finale been any other song? | |
SmurkinGherkin
10.23.12 | Pretty sure I got all of the songs and more or less in the right order.
Show ruled, apart from some fucking polish women in front of me that decided tonight was the night she'll get fucked up and throw up everywhere. That sucked. | johnnyblaze
10.23.12 | awesome setlist... didnt know he covered 19 | someguest
10.23.12 | I love the optimism showing through a lot of the playing on the new album. I think he's reached a new level with his songwriting. | Sniff
10.23.12 | As long as it has love is all. Everything else could have been creed covers | SmurkinGherkin
10.23.12 | yeah like I mentioned at the top - setlist was really good but amazing songs are always going to get left out
not enough Wild Hunt material :( | Sirob
10.23.12 | his graceland cover is fantastic, very jealous that you got to see him play | CrisStyles
10.23.12 | Saw him twice over the summer, would've really liked to have seen him play Revelation Blues, Burden of Tomorrow, The Sparrow and the Medicine, and The Wild Hunt. Awesome setlist, pretty surprised he didn't play The Gardener though. | SmurkinGherkin
10.23.12 | Yeah, wish I'd known about it before hand. He tours pretty extensively, should be round your way before long. | SmurkinGherkin
10.23.12 | Ah shit I totally forgot about The Gardener! It was amazing as well. |
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