Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

Bon Iver
For Emma, Forever Ago
(Self released)
10.0/10

After the break up of Justin Vernon’s former band, DeYarmond Edison, he packed up his bags and moved to a remote cabin in Wisconsin to be alone for four months. While in his solitude he passed the time by recording For Emma, Forever Ago, under his new Moniker, Bon Iver. He self released the album, selling it only through myspace and streaming his full album on Virb. Someone at Pitchfork stumbled across Bon Iver and wrote a praising review which exposed Vernon for what he is, a musical revelation. Attention and praise for the album resulted in Jagjaguwar deciding to put him on their roster. Bon Iver’s For Emma, Forever Ago will be released on Jagjaguwar sometime next year. Until then I suggest you go to his Virb page and hear for yourself one of the most gorgeous and soulful albums of the year. I cannot sing enough praise for this beautiful slew of songs. The rumination of mumbled lyrics and ghostly experimental lulls ebb and flow on like a beautiful ocean tide. For Emma, Forever Ago is simple and expressive, and heartbreakingly lonely. It’s quiet reflective folk, with sentimental lyrics, but not sappy by any means. After the album finishes, the melodies haunt you. They will stay with you, change you mood, your outlook on the day, and force you back for a second listen. Indeed, I have listened to the album all the way through 9 times today. I am completely satisfied with it and only it and doubt that anything else will be appealing enough to make to break away from pushing repeat over and over and over.

-Sassigrass

Stream For Emma, Forever Ago on Bon Iver’s Virb page