The Tallest Man On Earth

Most people who know me well know that I am a lover of, and a big believer in folk music. I would probably say that this love grew out of my fascination and blind faith for Bob Dylan. In a way, Bob Dylan had the impact on me that Woody Guthrie had on Bob Dylan himself. Only I will end up being much more well known, famous, and do much more with my life than Bob Dylan ever did. I guess I owe those thanks to Dylan. From Dylan I branched out to other old folk artists like Neil Young. Contrary to popular belief, folk music is far from dead. From these front runners of folk music have come some very talented, poetic, and extremely important artists. One of these being The Tallest Man On Earth. Folk music has evolved, changed, and adapted to the new generations, but the heart of the folk music still remains the same.

Born Kristian Matsson, The Tallest Man On Earth is a 27 year old singer/songwriter from Sweden. He tours in Europe a lot, but finds a large, loyal, and supportive following within the "Indie" crowd in the United States. Matsson is a very unique artist who also found his love for folk music in Bob Dylan's music. Even at first glance, it is not hard to guess who Matsson idolizes. He looks almost too much like Bob Dylan of 1964. From his boots, to his shirts, to his hair that is a little too tall in the front, he has Dylan written all over him. The only two physical differences that jump out right away are his mustache which looks like he stole it from a child molester, and the fact that he his astonishingly short, which is where he got his clever, catchy, and ironic stage name. Matsson has put out 2 LPs and 2 EPs. His first was a self titled EP in 2006, then his first LP "Shallow Grave" in 2008, his second LP "The Wild Hunt" in 2010, and just recently releasaed a second EP titled "Sometimes the Blues is Just A Passing Bird."

Even with all of these Dylan similarities, Matsson has a great deal of uniqueness about himself, and it is my belief that these differences come from the differences in time periods. It is clear that Matsson, along with most folk singers (including Dylan) attempts to erase the time barriers in order to be a somewhat timeless artists. This is one sign of a great artist. He has nothing modern about him, and it is almost as if this is intentional. By doing this it allows himself to sing and write about any subject, and for it to be believable. Matsson combines his scratchy and eerie, yet beautiful Dylan-esque voice to sing extremely beautiful and poetic lyrics over his very talented and unique finger picking styles. If I must sin, and say what Matsson does have over Dylan, it is the fact that he is a much better guitarist. Dylan's best guitar song is "Don't Think Twice It's Alright" and this song would not even make the B side of Matsson's best guitar tracks. The Tallest Man on Earth has quickly become one of my favorite artists of today, and I actually had the pleasure of seeing him in concert and meeting him in Birmingham earlier this year. His stage personna is delightful. He paces around the stage while singing, constantly making eye contact with his audience, implying how passionate he is about his lyrics. He was very friendly, signed a vinyl, shook my hand, and listened to his fans, staying long after the show was over. A great person, and a great musician.

A New Musical Golden Age

This spring has been an amazing time for music, and for good music at that. September of 2009 was an amazing time with the release of "I and Love and You" by The Avett Brothers, as well as the self titled album by the super group Monsters of Folk. I had the pleasure of seeing both of these bands shortly after these album releases, and the live performances exceeded the already top notch studio albums. With Connor Oberst, Jim James, and M. Ward all on the stage at one time, it's hard to imagine anything short of exceptional. The album was a great democratic variety of a very extended genre of music with all musicians contributing equally, combining for an extremely long album that seems short because every song is so great. As far as The Avett Brothers' new album, they took a stylistic change that hit me as slightly more commercial, it is nonetheless an amazing piece of art with great songs. My only complaint is that I hope their next album will be more bluegrass-ish tunes that they can improve on more in concert. This came as no surprise as it was their first major label record with Columbia records, and often times these record labels are able to squeeze out anything they want to hear from these artists.
Later, in October of 2009, Lil Wayne came out with his mix tape entitled "No Ceilings" which permanently converted me to a fan of Young Weezey. He borrows beats from other people, and successfully makes every track off the record better than the original. This may be biased, because I do not listen to modern rap unless it comes from Wayne or Jay-z, and even Jay is becoming soft these days, but who wouldn't be soft and happy if they had Jay-z's success and were married to Beyonce. Wayne is an extremely smart individual who has used his knowledge and courage to rise to the top of the rap game. Be on the lookout for Tha Carter IV when Wayne is released from prison, where he is now due to illegal possession of a fire arm.
Arguably my favorite release that I have or will talk about today came from Vampire Weekend. "Contra", their sophomore album, shows the maturity of a band that was already very accepted and praised by the underground scene of people who appreciate good music. While their debut was very good, it was all very fast, happy, and child like. On "Contra", they challenge the new listener from the first track entitled "Horchata" which is very slow, dragged out, but beautiful. The rest of the album is a roller coaster ride of tight, fast, and beautiful electronic beats, with slow and beautiful tunes mixed in. Overall, this is one of my favorite albums that has come out in a very long time.
February was a great month with the discovery of 2 new bands, or at least new to me. Local Natives, who I'm proud to say I will be seeing at Bonnarooo this summer, came out with their debut album entitled "Gorilla Manor", which immediately made me a fan of the band. Their beautiful harmony and relaxed approach is timeless, and I am feening for more music from this band. The second band I discovered was the band called Yeasayer. Their sophomore album entitled "Odd Blood" was a very great, upbeat, and positive album which is bound to pick anyone who enjoys good music up on a day when they are down.
March was a great month with the release of a fabulous album, as well as the best documentary I have ever seen to this day. The album came from a new project from Shins front man James Mercer who teamed up with producer Danger Mouse. The album was very deep lyrically, which is expected from Mercer, and acoustic guitar that would sound familiar to Shins fans, but included a lot of keyboard and electronic beats. Overall the album was great, and still grows on me every time I listen to it. The documentary came from the White Stripes. I have owned this DVD for one week and have watched it well over 10 times. It presents an side of the White Stripes that has been seen by no one up to this point. I will say nothing more than it should be mandatory for every human to watch this DVD at some point in their life. The box set also comes with an album that is a collection of live performances from the band. The album is good, but is much better after being put into context by watching the DVD.
I have managed to get a hold of two leaked albums that were to be released in April. MGMT's new album (which still hasn't come out yet..shhhh) surprised many with a completely new and much less convenient style of music. I thoroughly enjoy the new album because much like Vampire weekend's album, it challenges the listener to look further into the music than they ever thought of doing with songs like "Kids" or "Time To Pretend." Dr. Dog's new album called "Shame, Shame" amazing and it is no surprise coming from such an amazing band. I would suggest this record to anyone, there's bound to be a song on it for you.
Be on the lookout for the following:

Willie Nelson - Country Music - 4/20/10
The National - High Violet - 5/11/10
The Black Keys - Brothers - 5/8/10
Nas and Damien Marley - Distant Relatives - 5/2010
Band of Horses - Infinite Arms - 5/2010
Jack Johnson - To The Sea - 6/1/10
Blitzen Trapper - Title TBD - 6/8/10

Health Care

So it's been quite some time since I last wrote an entry, and I actually have a large list of topics I want to cover, so hopefully I'll be able to cover them all within the next few days.
Lots has happened since my last entry, and probably the biggest thing that has happened is the presidential signing of the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" which is better known to America and the world as the late, but better late than never health care reform.
Now, this is not going to be a political blog by any means, but I'm sure politics will come into discussion every now and again because I am a political person with very strong views on certain things, and this blog happens to be about my thoughts and opinions. I'll try to be as open minded with my analysis as possible.
As far as health care goes, everyone was in agreement that health care was needed. However, it is ironic that the Republican party, who was in power for 8 consecutive years before Obama, is just now deciding that they agree we need health care reform when no attempt was made under President Bush to reform anything in the health care system. That being said, I do not think Bush is a bad man, just a poor leader who caught many bad breaks and made a few mistakes in his 8 year trek. Once Obama actually proposed a way to fix the system, Republicans all of the sudden want to devise their own plan when, in all actuality, this could have been done during the Bush years if they had wanted to bad enough.
Obama has great intentions, but I am not sure if the new health care system is the best one we could have devised, though I do believe there are many good things in the bill. Pre-existing conditions and more affordable health care were wanted by both sides, but this bill is very long and there is a lot of mystery in it. Now Republicans are trying to say that the bill is a government takeover, some sort of socialist attempt for the government to gain power. I completely disagree with this because I have seen no proof that the government will gain any power what so ever besides collecting more taxes from the wealthy, in order to provide health care for everyone, which, coming from a more privledged family, I agree that this will probably be best in the long run.
America has the best quality health care of any nation in the world, but prices continue to go out of the roof. This is unacceptable as an example to the world and I do think that health care reform was needed, I'll just be interested to see if the way that we have gone about it is the right way because in all honesty, no one knows as of now.

Until next time..

Random Thoughts - Performing / We Are The World: Then And Now / Popular Music

Today I'm not sure what to write about, but I feel the need to write. I have been playing guitar a lot lately and with each day, each little thing is becoming a little easier. We've played the fraternity house a few times and playing in front of people feels extremely correct to me. I doubt the audience feels the same way, but when I play in front of people I get a high that no other person or substance could ever provide me with. It's a natural high that is extremely healthy. This is a short post, but my motivation for playing and creating music comes from this hope to experience this high more and more in the future.

The new "We Are The World 25" came out and debuted on NBC during the Olympics. I feel confident saying that popular music today is nowhere near where it was during the original "We Are The World". Thew new one, which was made for Haiti (a great cause), is full of child stars and auto tune. The original features classic legends like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen (though I'm not a huge fan), Ray Charles, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder (who I will have the pleasure to see at Bonnaroo this summer). Though I am not a fan of the new one, it is still a great song and there are some shining moments. The main one that comes to mind is Cilene Dion's part which is very strong. This is not to say that there is not good music being made today, because there definitely is, but just that the majority mainstream America listens to extremely shitty music.u Oh well, so much for my blog being G rated. The first expletive now makes it PG. But the expletive is well deserved, because "crappy:" would be a huge understatement for songs like Ke$ha's "Tic Toc". If you don't know what song I'm talking about, more power to you. Don't waste your time looking it up.

L8r Sk8r

Life Lessons (Kindness, Understanding, Respect)

I find myself a steadily happy person. Not excessively happy, for excessive implies that there is too much, and I don't think happiness is something one can have too much of. Sure, we all have bad days, but my bad days have progressively gotten fewer and fewer, and when they do occur, I find that they are not that bad. There are many things that can make an individual feel "happy" and "happy" may mean different things to different people. I try to be as observant as I can to my actions that I am making, and my mood and well being as a result. Things like healthy eating, appropriate amounts of sleep, and good relationships with friends, family and significant others all are very relevant, but I am willing to rest my happiness on one thing alone. I will also argue that all the things listed above (healthy eating, etc.) are much easier when one practices this advice to the best of their ability. So what is this magical step?

Kindness, understanding, and respect. As an individual, I have gone through many phases in life in an attempt to find out who I truly am. I can, with full confidence, say that I do know who I am, and that I am extremely satisfied and confident with this person. Over confidence can kill an individual, but confidence is necessary in life. How did we end up on the subject of confidence? Well, my confidence comes from the fact that I wake up every day with the attitude that I am going to be kind and respectful to every single individual that I come across during my day. I am far from perfect at this, but I can see major improvements from day, to week, to month. The more understanding and respectful I am to others, the more and more confident I become in myself, and the happier I end up being. When you give to others, others are going to be much more willing to reciprocate this kindness. With this, smiling becomes easier, music sounds better, sleeping is easier, you end up with more friends. See where I was going earlier? With kindness, understanding, and respect as the core of one's being, all else in life becomes happier, easier, and the world ultimately becomes a better place because of it. Give this kindness to people, even if they don't deserve it. It is very likely that leading by example will bring joy to others and they will be much more likely to pass this joy on to someone else. This kindness will naturally provide the confidence you need for you to decide who you truly are. The reason behind this is because lack of confidence comes from insecurity about what others think. When you're nice to everyone, are giving, and spread love, no one will be able to justify judging you in a negative light. And if they do happen to judge you negatively, they most likely would not be compatible companions.

So go out and be nice, dog. If you get shut down, turn the other cheek and try again. It not only will make you a better person, but will spread joy around the world.

Also, smile.

Music As A Happy Pill

While reading my "Wellness" book, it was mentioned that music helps a person's well being, and that it actually helps make a person more relaxed, calm, and at peace when listened to on a regular basis. It was actually put in the same category as meditations and prayer. As someone who listens to too much music, I could not agree more with this point of view. I feel like music is one of the key factors in one knowing themselves inside and out. Music can make you happy, sad, nostalgic, reminiscent, at peace, or angry. All emotions can be captured in the gift of song and we are blessed to be able to have unlimited access to these things with today's technology. So today, go out and get some sort of feeling from some sort of song, it will help your well being, and you may end up finding yourself walking with a little more swagger at the end of the day because of it.

Pre-Plan If You Want To Be The Greatest: From Harry Potter to The Beatles

Because this is a complicated subject matter, I'll jump right into it. I often hear it argued that things are often their best when they are spontaneously done, and when it is fresh on one's mind. When I say "things" I'm referring to things that are forms of art, like songs, albums, movies, books, television shows. Basically this is the argument that some people (and in this case, the writers of these forms of entertainment) have a gift from above to do a particular thing and that they do it best when they are kicking it straight from their head. Like Lil' Wayne in rap, or Steve Carell's improv on The Office. This can also be extended and applied to The Beatles work on The White Album. When this epic band went into the recording studio in 1968, they had no plans except that they wanted to make an album. They each had their own ideas, they went with them, and in the end put together a hodge-podge of improv songs that when put together is still considered one of the best albums of all time. In all these cases above, geniuses are doing certain types of work which is not pre-planned, but taken day by day with no end result in mind. They eventually end whatever they are working on whenever their senses tell them it is right. Please understand that i am in no way attempting to downplay this type of art or this type of work at all. I will however argue that most artistic creations that are to stand the test of time are pre-thought out, with a clear ending and destination in mind. Again, I am not downplaying the amazing creations of Lil Wayne, Steve Carell, The Beatles, or any other genius. I believe that these people's art will indeed withstand the test of time, but I do consider some of it luck. Confused? You probably are, but please don't stop reading because I have a few examples that should clear a few things up in your head.

Let's compare two things. Both which are extremely relevant in popular culture today. It is important that both have "parts" or "episodes" that are released over a period of time. The first being J.K. Rowling's hit Harry Potter series, and the second being NBC's hit mocumentary The Office. First off, let it be known that I am one of the biggest fans of this show, and this book series. Ultimately I do believe that Rowling's genius 7 book series, will be considered greater for a longer period of time than The Office. Not because the show hasn't been good, but because it was not planned out beforehand, and has no end in sight. Rowling has stated that she had the entire story of Harry and his life before releasing the first book. Steve Carell and the writers of The Office had all of the characters down, and a plot to last two seasons, but did not have much more. The result of these two methods is an amazing book series that will be read for generations, and a very funny show that is being dragged out and on, and is progressively getting less funny with each new season. This is not because of lack of talent, but because Rowling had a plan that she knew was great, and she went through with it. But there is one key, and that key is knowing when to end something. Great things are planned out, and they are usually kept shorter than things that drag on. Too much of anything will eventually get old, and The Office has reached that point. People no longer care. Jim and Pam got married, Dwight is now trying to seize power from Michael instead of sucking up to him, and the Scranton branch is threatening to close for it's...let's see...third time now. People will always love Harry Potter because Rowling kept the reader wanting more, but ended it appropriately, just as planned. People are always going to want more of something in moderation, and will consider it great because of it. Look at the most popular show on television right now, Lost. This show is being talked about all over the world and I know very few people who have ever watched it and not fallen in love. May I now tell you that Lost is about to enter into its sixth and final season. People are going crazy because they know their time is almost up. It was a pre-planned show and it will last the test of time. I do believe The Office will be considered great, but not as great for as long, for once the later clips begin re-running, the casual watcher at home will see a bad episode that had no significance to the show, and decide they do not like it anymore. With Lost, this cannot happen because it is pre-planned and every episode has extreme significance.

This connection can also be made between The Beatles White Album and their album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The former, as mentioned above, they went in and made a collaboration with no end in mind. The latter, they went in with a concept in mind. Constructed a beginning song, "Sgt. Pepper's", a reprise at the end, and an amazing conclusion song that they knew they wanted to end it, "A Day In The Life". The results of the two...Two great albums, I mean come on, they're The Beatles, but I know very few that would argue that "White" is better than "Pepper's". "White" was not pre-planned and ended up being a 30 song compilation of great songs. "Pepper's" was planned out, and consists of 12 perfect songs in the perfect order, and is arguably the best album of all time. Both will stand the test of time, but one is better than the other, and hopefully we all now agree on why that is so.

Until next time.

Album Review: A.A. Bondy

I will occasionally be posting album reviews and/or analysis. They will be from an album I am familiar with and have listened to in its entirety on the day that I post the blog. They may be new, ancient, or somewhere in between. Good news, the first one comes right now...

Album: American Hearts
Artist: A.A. Bondy

It is extremely hard to believe that Scott Bondy used to be the leader of a punk band that originated out of Birmingham, Alabama. I don't know which is harder to believe, the fact that he was in a punk band, or the fact that he used to live in the state of Alabama. After this "psychedelic experiment" ended in 2003 Scott changed his name to A.A. Bondy which stands for "Auguste Arthur", and moved to Palenville, NY and began writing solo material which would appear on his debut solo album "American Hearts" (which eventually came out in 2008). He completely changed his style to an indie folk sound. I have often referred to him as the closest thing that my generation will ever see to a Bob Dylan. Of course, Bondy is nowhere near the songwriter that Dylan ever was, but many comparisons can be made from his acoustic guitar and harmonica sound, the way he dresses, his poetic lyrics, unique but beautiful voice, and the way he changed his name. Of course, no one will ever compare to Bob Dylan as a songwriter, but what Mr. Bondy lacks in his songwriting, he makes up for with full force in his guitar skills. The finger picking patterns on American Hearts are some of the most beautiful my hears have ever heard. They are extremely complicated, but do not overwhelm the listener in the least. The entire album is a great, relaxing, methodical listen the entire way through. The imagery on the album is very clear, especially on songs like "World Without End" when he describes her "hair of rain and black" it makes the listener fall in love with the woman immediately. In "Black Rain", Bondy evokes sympathy from the listener, as you can hear the pain and sincerity in his beautiful voice. This is one of my favorite albums and I recommend it to anyone who likes any type of music at any age. Even my parents like A.A. Bondy.

Sidenote: I saw him in Birmingham in November. He hits the soft notes with a beautiful ease, but is not scared to show his punk roots when he rocks out with intense electric distortion. It explains his wide variety of fans.

Cemeteries, Spirits, and Death

Some may find it strange that my first entry is based around my fascination with cemeteries. I cannot fully explain this fascination and I do not claim to fully understand it. The one thing I do understand is the fact that they give me an eerie feeling, but not a bad eerie feeling. An eerie feeling like I want to camp out in the cemetery for days until I know all of the tombstones front to back and all of the stories associated with the people who reside there. The living can gain a lot by studying the deceased, not just factually, but spiritually. I'm not claiming to believe in ghosts like Casper or the "Red Lady" of Huntington College, but I have a strong faith in spirits. Spirits that have gained knowledge through both life and death, spirits who may try to communicate this knowledge to the living in subtle ways. Maybe I just chose to believe this because I have trouble thinking about ever actually leaving this messed up world that I enjoy so much. I may have found some of my distant relatives in the Pine Hill cemetery today. I'm considering taking some flowers to their graves just in case. Get the spirits on my good side. Wouldn't want my own family working against me. Until next time.