Justin Vernon began recording as Bon Iver following the breakup of DeYarmond Edison, an indie folk group similar in tone and manner to Iron & Wine, Little Wings and, to a certain extent, Bonnie "Prince" Billy. Pronounced 'bohn eevair', it is French for "good winter" which is spelled wrong deliberately. This debut CD is centered around Justin Vernon, who is the primary force behind Bon Iver, as he moved to a remote cabin in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin at the onset of winter, alone for three months. From this solitary time emerged a bold, uninhibited new musical focus of all his personal trouble, lack of perspective, heartache, longing, love, loss, and guilt that had been stockpiled over the past six years into songs. The NY Times called this record "irresistible", and it was given a "Recommended" rating by Pitchfork. 9 tracks. Jagjaguwar Records. 2008.
It's hard to believe that For Emma, Forever Ago is the work of one man. But when Justin Vernon's old band split he hauled himself (and presumably plenty of instruments and recording equipment) to his dad's hunting cabin in the woods of Wisconsin for the coldest season and worked through his issues in musical form. (The name comes from the French for "good winter"--"bon hiver"). By the start of the spring thaw he had recorded the bulk of this stunning debut, originally self-issued to acclaim last year in the USA and now picked up for a British release. Vernon's voice grabs the ear from the start, switching easily into a smooth falsetto (and unusually for a white indie lad, without the slightest intent of emulating Prince). The formula is straightforward. He layers his vocal harmonies, while a gently strummed acoustic rhythm guitar just about holds the centre. All else from horns to slide guitar is mere detail. The quality is rough and ready but the effect is strangely similar though to the slick vocal confections of European women like Bjork and Camille, all mystery and distance. It's the musical equivalent of reading someone else's diary. In code. Through a dirty window. Enigmatic songs like the elegantly stumbling "Creature Fear" with its rowdy horn parts, the resolute opener "Flume" and the evanescent "Team" are just so pretty they seem to glide by without leaving a mark in the snow. Vernon is apparently a straightforward and friendly guy, but For Emma, Forever Ago genuinely sounds like something from a far off place. --Steve Jelbert
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
LOVE:
I heard Bon Iver playing Skinny Love live on David Letterman before falling asleep and made a mental note to myself to find out more.
I loved this song so much that January 3rd I could remember the date that Bon Iver played (December 11th).
I bought the album without previewing the other songs.
This is one of those albums that can be played on repeat.
The lyrics and music are beautiful.
Bon Iver is a genesis.
This is the best work I have discovered in awhile! :)
Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1:
This album will knock you off your feet! Bon Iver has a unique sound. Pure Brilliance!
melancholy...:
...a gift from my son for Christmas. He has great taste. Somewhat reminiscent of Elliot Smith... remember him? Two masters with the same vision and intensity. Highly recommended!
Entrancing:
Songwriter Justin Vernon showcases his beautifully unique talent with the release of "For Emma, forever ago." Utilizing a stripped, minimal soundscape of solo guitar, layered vocals and some electronics, Vernon creates a virtual diary of song that is moving, beautiful, and at times voyeuristic. This album seems devastatingly genuine, and painfully crafted. Although a solo work driven mainly by guitar, Vernon avoids monotony through his selective use of voice layering, electronic accompaniment, and the... more info
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