The Tallest Man on Earth (a.k.a. Kristian Matsson) recently recorded an acoustic cover of Paul Simon’s excellent “Graceland.” The 1986 single’s heartbreaking lyrics take center stage here. Trivia: Music vs. Misery points out that, “Simon has said it’s the best song he’s ever written” and the track “was penned on a trip to Graceland, following his divorce with actress Carrie Fisher.” Beautiful stuff.
See if the Bob Dylan acolyte busts out the cut during one of his upcoming concerts. “Graceland” is one of two b-sides on the “King of Spain” single, sold only on his European trek. Matsson’s great second LP, The Wild Hunt, is out now on Dead Oceans. (Via Music vs. Misery.)
Ethan Lipton & His Orchestra
The National
“You Were Right + It’s Okay” MP3
May 25, 2010
A lazy way to describe the music of Ethan Lipton & His Orchestra is to slap the “jazz fusion” label on them. That greatly reduces the scope of the Brooklyn quartet’s recordings, especially on sophomore LP, Honker. The June 29 release flirts with rock, folk, jazz, Americana, soul, and lounge in one heartfelt and stentorian suite. Downloadable track, “You Were Right + It’s Okay,” is a nice starting point for new ears.
It sways with a rockabilly groove and has sports some pretty hilarious lyrics for all the people that “walk a little goofy.” Side note: The National frontman, Matt Berninger and Cynthia Hopkins (Gloria Deluxe), sing on Honker‘s “When You Die.” Stream more tunes and find upcoming gigs at Lipton’s MySpace. Homepage photo credit: Heather Phelps-Lipton.
Camera Obscura: “Forests and Sands” (Yours Truly) Video
Wow, this is one creepy vid. In Massive Attack‘s fourth Heligolandclip, a cadre of poltergeists are possessed by a strange tween, who ends up being a little otherworldly as well.The song is “Psyche” and features Bristol trip-hop vocalist Martina Topley-Bird. John Downer directed. Heligoland is out now courtesy of Virgin. Check out MA’s upcoming tour dates with Bird here. And if you didn’t catch it already, watch the trip-hop progenitors perform “False Flags” B-side, “United Snakes” on Jimmy KimmelLive!. They also performed Mezzanine‘s breakout single, “Teardrop.” (Via P4k.tv.)
The new song will be on The Roots’ new LP and features Jim James’ heavenly vox and some lazy rapping from Black Thought. Pretty underwhelming. According to a press release, Oberst, Mogis, and Ward were in the studio for the remake. (Via 2DopeBoyz.)
Hey Marseilles
Premiere: “To Travels & Trunks” MP3
May 24, 2010
Hey Marseilles’ lead vocalist/guitarist Matthew Bishop sings “All I want is love eternally,” on ToTravels and Trunks’ swelling title track. He then continues on with, “All I want is someone to love/ And you were pretty good to love.” So, yes, “To Travels & Trunks” is a love tune, but also a melodic story about road trips from Florida, shame, heartbreak, and moving beyond your past.
The Seattle “folkestral” septet revels in these types of Lost-ian themes. (Sorry, I’m hearing them in almost every song post-series finale.) Download our premiere of “To Travels & Trunks” above. The LP streets June 29, via Onto Entertainment. Also, be sure to “flashback” to our media post on single, “Rio.” See upcoming gigs here.
Robyn: “Dancing on My Own” Video
Robyn‘s ultra-slick new music video finds the Swedish pop star gyrating, popping, locking, punching, and grooving to her new single, “Dancing on My Own.” Her boyfriend may have ditched her, but she’s gonna still make out with somebody. (Even if it’s herself.) Max Vitali directed the vid and Decida handled the excellent choreography. Great rave-pop tune, great rave-pop video.
The single (with remixes) is available to download from June 14 (June 1 in the U.S.), with Body Talk Pt. 1, which also includes “Fembot” and “None of Dem” (feat. Röyksopp). The LP streets June 14. Also, check out a behind-the-scenes clip, here.
The Tallest Man on Earth
A lazy way to describe the music of 
The Roots
