LISTEN: Ben Arnold Shares ‘Long Tall Shadow’

New album, XI, out Sept. 26

August 26, 2025August 26, 2025 Ron Hart 0 Comments 2025, Barrie Maguire, Ben Arnold, Long Tall Shadow, Pete Thomas, Philadelphia, XI

Longtime Philadelphia singer-songwriter Ben Arnold is back with a new single, “Long Tall Shadow,” that officially hits streaming tomorrow.

But you can get an early listen today on Rock & Roll Globe, as we are proud to premiere this contemplative ballad enhanced by ghostly pedal-steel and plaintive piano work.

“Written in real time. I was ‘thinking ’bout my life on an October night…’ literally,” Arnold explains. “I was in a slightly dark place, and trying to just examine where I was in my personal life, career and who were my friends. And I have a deep connection, for better or worse, to the fall season. It always hits the minor chords.”

“Long Tall Shadow” is the closing number of Arnold’s upcoming LP XI, which will be out on Sept. 26 through ALP Recordings. The album was recorded with producer Shane Smith, who is best known for his work with Los Lobos over the last 15 years, with former Wallflowers bassist Barrie Maguire and drummer Pete Thomas of Elvis Costello and the Attractions serving as his rhythm section.

“This record seems to touch on all the phases of the last five years,” Arnold tells Rock & Roll Globe. “And so many, there were. The euphoria. solidarity, quiet enjoyment and the dystopia. I’m elated by certain things and so extremely disappointed by others, but I think this record states it all.

“There’s everything from Bob Dylan to Buddy Holly to Bruce Springsteen to a little bit of the Beach Boys in there. I used to feel nervous about honoring my influences, but I’ve become less on-guard about it over the years. It’s all folk music. This form of American popular music that’s been handed down over generations, and we’re all privy to it. We all own it.”

Pre-order XI here and give a listen to “Long Tall Shadow” below.