By Kaleb Schuppner, Editor
Swedish folk pro and lyrical whiz Kristian Matsson, better known for his stage name, “The Tallest Man on Earth,” has announced that he will release a new album in June. When asked about the new album, Brad Cook of Dead Oceans says it’s him exchanging his “sense of urgency for a more confidently relaxed approach.”
The Tallest Man gained recognition in North America for his brilliant lyrics and acoustic guitar-playing rooted deeply in folk while touring with Bon Iver. His charismatic stage presence and distinct, Dylanesque voice make him difficult to forget.
After his sophomore album, “The Wild Hunt,” racked up sales and popularity, Matsson left fans begging for more. The poet’s jumbled thoughts make up the ten songs on the album, plus a bonus track, “Like the Wheel.” “The Wild Hunt” was selected by Sputnikmusic as the top album of 2010, beating out respectable records like Kanye West’s, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.”
The album starts off with the album’s title track, “The Wild Hunt,” a song accompanied by lively guitar playing and an almost addictive chorus.
If the album were to have a climax, it would most definitely be “The King of Spain.” The tune is a spellbinding sound and the intriguing howling of Matsson paints a picture in which people are huddled around a bonfire, intently listening to every word.
“The Tallest Man on Earth” has spent his winter months working diligently from his home in Dalarna, Sweden on his new album, “There’s No Leaving Now.” Expect Matsson’s distinguished signature style: captivating lyrics and crafty instrumentals, in this ten-hit folk album.
EAGER ARTISTS SEEKING GAME AND VETERAN ARTISTS IMPROVING GAME
Smashing Pumpkins
Expect Billy Corgan’s unique voice to convey emotional lyrics in Smashing Pumpkins ninth album, “Oceania.” The softer album, set to be released in mid-June, is a follow up “album within an album” to “Teargarden by Kaleidyscope.” Bassist Nicole Fiorentino pointed out that the four member band will naturally produce a different vibe than past Smashing Pumpkins bands; however, she feels Corgan did the old music justice while still putting a modern twist on things. Internal fighting and diminishing record sales caused the 90s Smashing Pumpkins to break up in 2000; nonetheless, the future looks quite promising for the band that has been described by more than one critic as “Billy Corgan’s Nightmare Land.”
Usher
On June 12, Usher will be dropping his new album, “Looking for Myself,” a follow-up to his previous album, “Raymond vs. Raymond.” This highly anticipated album features a star-studded crew of Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, Max Martin, Salaam Remi and Diplo, who are all producers of Billboard top-100 songs.
The single from this album, “Climax,” was a hit, and if this song is anything like the rest of the album, “Looking for Myself” is sure to be a hit among listeners. Usher is going to have to perform nearly flawlessly to outshine his previous album, “Raymond vs. Raymond,” which sold 1.3 million copies since its March 2010 release.
Edward Sharpe
A band with a rare 1960s feel, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros unveiled their release date for their sophomore album, “Here.” The album can arguably be labeled multiple genres and will be out around the end of the month.
The combination of over ten members display their free-wheeling creativity through hippie-like ideals and fascinating instrumentals that include an accordion, trumpet and tenor ukulele. Their hit single, “Home” reached its peak in 2010 when it was Number 27 in the Netherlands. The talented band has not yet received the recognition they deserve, but they are quickly astounding the indie music scene.
Wake Floka Flame
Gangster-style rapper Waka Flocka Flame is coming out with his new album, “Triple F Life: Friends, Fans and Family.” After smash hits like “Hard in the Paint” and “No Hands,” Waka has to bring it to top those two songs. The single from the album that features Drake, “Round of Applause,” carries a catchy chorus as well as a non-percussion dominated beat.
One confirmed song is a collaboration with Trey Songz called “I Don’t Care.” With guest appearances from Drake, Tyler, the Creator, BSM, Tyga and B.o.B, the album won’t disappoint avid fans. Originally, the album was supposed to come out before the end of 2011, but Waka wanted to put his all into this album.
