Bon Iver
Bon Iver’s story is just amazing. It really does sound like fiction, just too perfect, too poetic to be true. According to bio, Justin Vernon moved out to the woods, to his father’s cabin all alone to concern himself with somewhat a simpler life. What occurred was three months without distraction (besides, you know, eating and stuff) of song writing/recording, up to 12 hours at a time. I was pretty slow to jump on this bandwagon, I know (Stylus and Pitchfork), really just slow to hear about him, but god damn is this guy good. Just one man and a couple of mics, it certainly is a very organic, romantic idea: being secluded, self-deprived of socialization, and purging confessions. It has to be at least part of a fantasy for every real artist. After returning to civilization, he got a record deal with Jagjaguwar, the label that is putting out his first album “For Emma, Forever Ago.” I’ve heard what I believe is the entire album, and as one reviewer stated, “it’s like acoustic TV on the Radio.” At least his voice is similar. Beginning with the first song most people hear, the headline of his myspace, basically his “single” if such a thing still exists, “Skinny Love” is aching. It will get you hooked and drag you down to the bottom of the ocean, the loneliest place on earth. This is without a doubt the best, most inventive and inspiring music I’ve heard this year (granted its only February.) He’s coming to Rock N’ Roll Hotel on Tuesday the 19th with Black Mountain. Come. Seriously.
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I’m with you on this one. I’m from Justin’s hometown of Eau Claire and have been following him since his high school days. His first band to release a cd was called “Mount Vernon” and it was amazing back then 10 years ago now. It was a completely different sound and he sang in baritone as opposed to the falsetto voice he found on this new album. I wish you could hear his older stuff so I could proper explain the transformation, but it’s amazing. All of his music as been amazing, but the switch and contrast in styles is striking. Also, check out his previous band Deyarmond Edison. They release one cd entitled ‘Silent Signs’ and you can see some of the roots of “For Emma” in that release.
Hey man, thanks! I didn’t even know any of that. I found some of Deyarmond Edison stuff on myspace. It’s really good.
By the way… Who are you?