The Tallest Man on Earth - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

The Tallest Man on Earth performs live in the KEXP studio. Recorded on September 9, 2012.
Songs:
Wind and Walls
Lost My Shape (David Bazan cover)
1904
Leading Me Now
Host: Stevie Zoom
Audio Engineer: Julian Martlew
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen & Jenna Pool
Editing: Jim Beckmann
thumbnail photo by Dave Lichterman
www.kexp.org/
www.thetallestmanonearth.com/

[@WillFowler]

KEXP & Tallest Man On Earth - 10 years later, I STILL listen to this regularly as one of THE BEST acoustic performances ever recorded. I love everything about it. Amazing work all.

[@elpaquito]

Without a doubt. And this album is absolute perfection

[@BL_Denni]

He's different

[@VitoHicks]

If KEXP was smart they would work a deal out to press some of these full performances on vinyl. I would buy a copy of this. Does anyone else agree?

[@xoSiNgInGiNtHeRaInox]

that would be the coolest thing ever!! omg yes

[@ernic4]

So much yes! That music is great for listening at every time ;)

[@wrnerd101]

CD too, please! Not really into the whole vinyl scene but damn i would listen the shit out of a CD of these live studio deals!

[@DwayneWegley]

Matt Hicks agreed!

[@Fifiira]

That's a CD I would buy

[@ADOC7]

I don't think it's a stretch to say, this is one of the greatest acoustic performances of all time. It's astounding how good it is. His soul is travelling through the music. Absolutely wonderful.

[@CaptainFicus]

His guitar work is so damn impressive..seriously one of the best folk artists of all time

[@AlreadyAUser]

This dude, is the fuckin man.

[@ericfurman5227]

One of the most humble, brilliant musicians out there

[@jacobboyette6173]

"I don't have a little brother, I am a little brother" Ow, my feels

[@fragilebreeze7606]

"Yeah...alright"

[@michaeldalessandro7507]

The prime example of a man who speaks through his music. He must have been through alot in his life, you can tell because of his inability to really talk about anything physically, but listening to his lyrics, you can see how beautiful his though process really is! Love love LOVE this performance!

[@jlady58]

Michael D'Alessandro Also, English isn't his native language.

[@BalboaBaggins]

Him and Mark Kozelek are the only singer-songwriters I listen to.

[@bogdanbuda8118]

it is interesting how he expresses so much in his music, but just do not ask him to talk about it.

[@spmurenc]

if his songs are really as personal as it's said, i swear to god, i have never heard a more beautiful soul than his. His music doesn't make me feel happy or sad or remember beautiful things, it makes me feel content and worthy. and the feeling is way underrated, because personally, it sets me free. i don't know why, it's just so liberating.

[@Miguelskytwins]

I absolutely agree. His music makes your soul feel like everything is gonna be ok, so you just want to keep going. It tears my eyes sometimes, and not in a bad way, It is just a perfect feeling of armony. I saw him live a few weeks back, and it was magic, I just couldn't stop smiling, literally.

[@dunderbunz09]

Probably the best songwriter no one has heard of. My all time favorite. I just hope I get the pleasure of seeing him play someday soon.

[@pseudonimoproyoutube]

One year passed and I'm still in love with all this songs

[@nereamolina7569]

It's amazing to me how just one man and one guitar can sound this good! He is awesome.

[@AndiMichael]

many people find that music just a man with guitar is boring... well, for me guitar and a singer is perfect for a music, there's no distraction from the drum and other instrumen... perfect pure melody

[@miki44os]

bfff you should argument this afirmation

[@AndiMichael]

soy tu hijo what do you mean? :D

[@S4MST3R2001]

I think there is definitely a place for bands though, especially coldplay, lumineers, Iron and Wine, Fleet foxes, Imagine Dragons, Avett Brothers, Mumford and sons, etc

[@Emma29Mraz]

Agree :) Andi Michael

[@miki44os]

the other instruments are not a distraction, are just a complementation that helps it sound better. sry for my bad english xD

[@NSJorge]

This performance has something magical to it. I find myself coming back to this video lots of times. Good stuff.

[@siegurd2087]

If I could put a thousand thumbs up it's on this video that I'd use it ! So much feelings each time I watch it ....

[@shamus8687]

Man Crush

[@100031158]

This man taught me about alternate tunings. Now it is like I rediscovered my guitar and I can't stop playing his songs. If you have the opportunity go and see him live. I did a few weeks ago and it was brilliant.

[@mastinpilger9627]

It's a difference of night and day seeing him expressing his emotions in his songs and expressing his intentions in the interview

[@SlumbersomeSlippers]

came because i thought it was John Butler in the thumbnail, stayed because its absolutely beautiful.

[@Givingitashot]

1904 hits me like a hammer, every time.

[@maciekomis]

seeing this guy in 9 days. can't freaking wait.

[@siegurd2087]

How was it ?

[@maciekomis]

awesome. wasn't expecting him to perform solo. just what i wanted. :) i teared up twice, so... good gig....

[@pleasure.93]

2024 im back to listening to this man and i feel amazing still

[@sniffthestuff]

Im surprised how deep and warm his voice is while he speaks.

[@thejock4363]

Proud to have such a great singer-songwriter from my own country! Amazing artist and an amazing perfomance!

[@flopkin]

One of the best live performances ever recorded

[@lucasmurdock5806]

Lost my Shape.....captures desperation. Perfectly. And played and sung. Beautifully.

[@jurchfield8318]

Does anyone get chills when he says, "I don't have a little brother, I am a little brother"? it gives the song a whole new meaning

[@annereddin111]

My two favorite songs...The Tallest Man On Eath - King Of Spain & Noah Clouds - The wind does blow with a vengeful slur.

[@iwin950]

Anne Redding I agree

[@jesusthemillionaire]

" I dont have a little brother, but I am a little brother" " yeah.... alright "

[@Grimsonite]

He is the youngest sibling in his family

[@user-ck9lm6xi1o]

He clearly didn't know how to respond to that xD haha

[@mustyoudie]

Jesse James Atencio To be fair the guy asked him "is there an inspiration for that song?" He was probably flustered by the ridiculousness of that question lol

[@zozodoessports]

Grimsonite's Pit Of Despair the way he says it though... it's like.. what?! hqhahaha

[@BorgJumper99]

+Samuel Keefe the song is about him written in the perspective of his older sibling

[@mikeeckroth321]

He is one of my all-time (well 23yrs time) favorite artists and this is my favorite recording of him.

[@NJ-vr7gv]

It's like his soul is pouring out through the space between guitar and his voice. When he speaks, he seems so genuinely moved by the questions asked, making me wonder what he is *not* saying... his songs are amazing, strong, emotionally tender.

[@wrnerd101]

when the beginning guitar playing on 1904 started to pick up I got chills. damn.

[@TheJaerff]

I don't think he's nervous. He just wants to play his music. Responding to interviewers can become very cliche and repetitive. A certain personal integrity can be lost along the way so best to keep the responses short winded and get back to singing your heart out. I love this man.

[@franciscolagunas6633]

to be so sincere and humble when introducing a cover is just so refreshing to see such an genuine artist.

[@TheBaracudaGamer]

Oh my god. I am such a huge fucking fan of both David Bazan and Kristian. I never knew Kristian did a COVER OF A DAVID BAZAN SONG. I'M SO HAPPY.

[@tbrowniscool]

I was watching the bon iver vid, clicked on this out of interest. WOW. if you have spent time with a scandiaviian then you will know that their english is amazing... but wow i thought this guy was a yank until he said!!!!! So pure and awesome im nealry lost for words

[@yorickdebauche8370]

That guy's getting on my top 50 list he's pretty good!

[@offspringfrak]

Still one of the best jewels on the internet

[@redbirdwander]

He said it himself - his comfort zone is up a tree and roaming along riverbanks, not answering questions. What an absolutely charming man, and definitely the most arresting music I've heard in ages.

[@nicksvlogsextras7841]

The 130+ people that dislike this video are obviously deaf. This is art.

[@TheBilalien]

I really enjoyed the last song, but all of it was so delicate and well written. Interesting to see his confidence when he sings and compare it to how tremulous he is when he is talking about the songs

[@shawnlittle3184]

I first saw him on the tiny desk podcast,5 yrs ago.Absolutly Fantastic. Hugh fan.

[@edbaron95]

It's guys like this that make me love folk music. The personality, the guitar playing, the stories, it's all perfect Rock N Roll Kristian.

[@wrnerd101]

sweet mahogany! his voice is something else.

[@DanielPR1993]

As Nietzsche said, without music life would be a mistake...

[@ArchStantonify]

Awesome

[@apcontoi]

+Dani pr Agreed, brother!

[@michaelciccia2760]

Agreed, but chill you're in a youtube comments section. I'd probably go with something more base, like "tunes are dope fam".

[@SebastianSkadisson]

i love you KEXP, thanks for the wonderful stage for such wonderful artists.

[@jimzweersguitarist]

I love the intensity with which he presents his music, incredibly inspiring.

[@levenburger]

Wind and Walls 00:23 Lost My Shape 4:30 1904 13:40 Leading Me Now 17:32

[@Bozymandias1]

I love how different he seems between this and his npr tiny desk concert

[@ALLIDOISNGUYEN]

He's so amazing live. That raw emotion can't be duplicated.

[@drewisanass]

I can't get enough of the The Tallest Man on Earth!

[@1Jjozz]

This guy is incredible. Sounds EXACTLY same as on the record.

[@Amiamigg]

I feel patriotic listening to him. Regards, Sweden

[@brianperez1999]

hey do you guys see northern lights out there??

[@Amiamigg]

Nah, you have to be way up north to see it. :/ Sadly I kinda live in the southern part of the north (which sounds stupid, but it's true, more like the middle tho).

[@mrlegkick91]

i cant believe how well written the songs are considering English isn't his first language

[@MrLappfan1]

Brian Perez I live in the far north of sweden, and yeah we do see them here! And i love his music, kinda like a young Dylan.

[@danielhanson5032]

Brian Perez My dad tells me he would on occasion see them in northern Minnesota/Michigan.

[@keystonestater85]

This man is a national treasure. Artistic expression at its most divine.

[@wilsono-mt4nu]

Ive watched this so many times. Such a good performance.

[@brianautenrieth]

"I'm too high to talk" -Tallest Man

[@TinyDolphinMusic]

This guy is incredible and an amazing performer too. I saw him play at house of blues in Houston last week and he would make so much eye contact with people in the crowd that by the end I feel like everyone felt they were at a personal show. His band complemented his music nicely but honestly he could but on a great performance alone. He inspired me to cover lost my shape on my channel if anyone would like to check it out :)

[@bddb9]

+Alex Fisher I was at that show! I think everyone there swore he looked them in the eyes and sang just for them. Never seen an artist have that ability. He definitely put on an amazing show.

[@2000Doriyas]

I have seen him perform alone a few years back in Dallas and it was not missing anything! He is amazing alone or with a band, he has so much energy and his voice and guitar-plucking skills are fantastic enough to carry the whole show. I need to see him again as soon as possible.

[@blakedennis588]

I love and appreciate his raw talent. Been a listener for a year or more and never get bored of it. love love love this set. hes coming to massey hall in Toronto and I want to go.

[@MathildeVGn]

He's gifted, love his voice and love his melodies.

[@mareaumusic]

Im sitting infront of the screen, staring like stupid, listening to this incredible voice

[@SixBlix]

It's funny, if the audio or video is poor the negative comments is never ending. In this video absolutely everything is on point, audio mixing is brilliant, the video quality great, editing is good, the location looks good. And there is not one single comment about it. Great job kexp, your audio/video guys know their shit, give them a pat on the back.

[@joeschmoe3665]

His music persona is the kind that benefits from live listening as it adds to the raw beauty of the performance

[@btmusicworks4607]

"I can't really play it and I can't really sing it" and then he goes on to make me feel emotions I didn't even know I had. Amazing

[@daniel_ejs]

Fee like driving in Kentucky on a sunday afternoon in the summer

[@Thex57]

it was weird to find out he was from sweden back when i discovered him

[@BardofCornwall]

I'm becoming a fan.

[@Nibbs91]

more ya listen, more you'll love him. if you haven't seen it yet, check out his NPR tiny desk performance

[@Nibbs91]

glad to hear someone followed up! im envious that you got to hear it for the first time , i'll never be able to do it again.

[@bogdanbuda8118]

***** much better than Jesus.

[@vascomarum]

***** that's beautiful, how i understand you

[@Nibbs91]

this is the only time i've got a comment back ha, and i'll tell ya, that's not sad at all. thanks for listening to that

[@marctucciaronemusic7738]

What a master of his craft ! Loved this !

[@brittanivradenburgh9039]

His songs are pure poetry!

[@tsaleksiev]

"I don't have a little brother, but I am a little brother?"

[@N3XT2N1]

He doesn't have a younger brother. He is the youngest son in his family.

[@OneManAndHisToaster]

A hell of a performance... and one of the weirdest interviews i've ever witnessed... :D

[@ryandelp5048]

Never seen a KEXP interview that wasn’t awkward lol

[@AJN161]

Fantastic! Such a talented and expressive musician!

[@Aeviepoo]

Absolutely brilliant. What a voice, and what beauty in his lyrics.

[@NiGhTeMpEsT]

The Tallest Man On Earth versus The Reddest Nose On Earth

[@TheFatKarl]

That's funny when he lays on the floor at the end

[@MrJusticekeeper]

I thought it was funny too! Maybe he got exhausted and all. Lol.

[@DwayneWegley]

fat.karl lol I thought so too

[@josephcormier7046]

Tremendous song writer, with a very unique voice!!!!

[@nicholasrapsomanikis5741]

This mans talent will not be reached again, whether or not its apppreciated as it should be.

[@simocaster14]

Let me share this thought of mine: Kristian is an amazing artist, so intense e passionate when he sings and plays. I saw him play live for the fist time a couple of days ago and I was blown away by his performance, he is immense when he is on stage, guitar-wise and vocally at a really high level. He is great at interacting with the audience and makes you feel like he's playing just for you. And now's the actual point. I think his records are not as good as his live perfomances, or, I should say, they loose the best part of the beauty of his songs and art. Not saying that I dislike the records, just that I so much prefer listening to a live act rather than his studio work. Let me know what you guys think

[@jprmac1]

+Simone Pavia that's a common perception of acoustic folk I think, that studio versions lose something

[@jeremyburnand7183]

Someone can give me the tabs of this version of 1904 ? Thanks !

[@johnwrath3612]

How have i never heard of this guy before today? He's amazing.

[@nicktaylor1902]

welcome to the club!

[@johnwrath3612]

@@nicktaylor1902 When he does the line "In all these riots of broken sounds", I get chills every time.

[@lucycanarin]

I feel so inspired by these songs!

[@davidletterman7786]

ORDER IS RANDOM... 1. The War on Drugs 2. Band of Horses 3. Dawes 4. Bon Iver 5. Of Monsters and Men 6. Alabama Shakes 7. Gaslight Anthem 8. Phantogram 9. The Orwells 10. Temples 11. The Tallest Man on Earth 12. Eliot Sumner 13. Houndmouth 14. The Head and the Heart 15. Jake Bugg 16. Deer Tick 17. The Districts 18. Shakey Graves 19. Cage the Elephant 20. Young the Giant 21. Tame Impala 22. The Strypes 23. Strand of Oaks 24. Murder by Death 25. Brown Sabbath 26. Alt-J Putting together a list of great YOUNG/NEW rock bands; roughly around for 1 - 6 years / 1 - 4 albums or so; these are just general guidelines, but meant to exclude bands like Arcade Fire and Kings of Leon who are terrific but a little too old for the list. Please let me know who you think should be added, thanks. I will argue with you if they aren't rock bands, great, or young/new. Don't tell me you just discovered an awesome new band called The Pixies. You're way too late. This is the list so far... (order is random)

[@waltzawlocki2446]

+david letterman Catfish and the Bottlemen, George Ezra, Jake Bugg, Milky Chance

[@ndechols]

James Vincent McMorrow?

[@waltzawlocki2446]

I'll check him out

[@rasmussv]

+david letterman And all the others too..

[@ezgg6871]

+david letterman The Head and The Heart, Ben Howard, Volcano Choir

[@johanvanhanen686]

Just saw the trailer for Bieber's new movie. Had to come and watch this after that...

I just can't stop watching.

[@guitarinchris]

This video still gets me 10 years later.

[@sniffthestuff]

What's the guitar model?

[@ShinyHall]

why is kermit presenting this?

[@filipemonteiro2708]

He's amazing live! Thanks Sweden.

[@WhimZo]

A respectful interviewer and a great singer, makes a good combination.

[@whartanto2]

His voice just remind me of Bob Dylan straight away.

[@shmacul5690]

which one? XD

[@whartanto2]

shma cul Which bob dylan or which song? :D

[@whartanto2]

***** I'm not a big fan of either, that's probably why they sounds similar to me. It's not an orthodox sounds - i.e. take 99 out of 100 pop singers out there and the male will sounds more "heavier" (as you can see, I'm not educated in music terms like timbre or baritone ) ^^

[@user-ck9lm6xi1o]

His voice is the voice of a male. That's where the similarities end xD

[@whartanto2]

Jesse James Atencio LOL. Fair enough. Both are off pitch so often too.

[@GonzoGonschi]

LIKE, just because of no freaking decals on his biceps ;)

[@TheFunnyzach]

What does that mean?

[@dualthawoods40]

TheFunnyzach No tattoos I guess.

[@bmzbg]

Dualtha Woods He does have a tattoo though x)

[@dualthawoods40]

Bjorn Mathias Gundersen Then this is all pointless.

[@timmoore02]

Met him outside of a club in NC, and I will say he's one of the most genuine, nicest dudes ever. He leaned in for a hug and gave my female friend a kiss on the cheek. You don't see that kindness from all the great artists.

[@Christina-420]

This man is a vision to watch.

[@KaraSauveFish]

why did he fall over at the end?

[@Bozymandias1]

he's a performer to his very core, he was probably just exaggerating how exhausted he is.

[@TheMrCRWhite]

This is one of those guys that sound terrible on the album and amazing in person. Which has led to his poor cd sales and the lack of backing by his label. Of course he mixes his own albums and is terrible at it. Which is the reason, I always get tickets to see him. I go and love it, just the way he mixes is just so terrible. I'm hoping he'll let one of his cds be produced by a professional. The vocals sometimes get drowned out by the guitar and vice versa. Want proof? This performance is being mixed by the inhouse team. Which is why it sounds so much better than the cd.

[@kylekienitz7979]

Tallest Man on Earth covering David Bazan. Now that was special.

[@Plstchmstr]

It seems like i'm living under a rock , there is thousands of bands and singers to listen, to explore. Most of them are really good, thanks kexp!

[@philipedwards903]

How tall is he?

[@stuartkeenan9156]

He,s the tallest man o earth ........numbers dont matter

[@jenniferlee9414]

I didn't know he was Swedish. His accent is very mild.

[@Krygeryo]

+Jennifer Lee Just like swedish immigration politics.

[@TortaGuy12]

+Krygeryo lmao

[@misterchimizz]

This recording is amazing. Love it!

[@SamuelWinward]

This is truly wonderful.