For Emma, Forever Ago - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.co.uk
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

Album Description
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.

Customer Reviews: Read 36 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Subtle, Brilliant February 19, 2008
26 out of 29 found this review helpful

Upon hearing "Skinny Love", probably the most accessible song on "For Emma, Forever Ago", it was running through my head the rest of the week as I played it over and over again. This should in no way denigrate the rest of the album, which packs a surprising punch in 9 subtle songs. It would be easy to just treat "For Emma..." as background music, but a careful listen reveals layers of melody overlaid by Justin Vernon's impressive vocals.

"The Wolves (Act I and II)" starts off slowly but builds into a powerful message at the album's core:
What might have been lost
Don't bother me
The title track "For Emma" further embellishes on what might have been lost with a mixture of trumpet and strained guitar. The crooning of "Creature Fear" builds into the wonderfully moody instrumental "Team".

It is often mentioned that this album was written over the course of 4 wintry months in a Wisconsin cabin. Stereotyping the quiet solitude of this album on its origins is unfair, however: this isn't just one of those singer/songwriter efforts you hear about some guy writing on his own out in the woods; it is the epitome of a singer/songwriter recording the heartfelt musings of life in isolation.

I highly recommend this album--it's subtle tones on first listen grow into brilliance.

5 out of 5 stars

Can't Let Go March 21, 2008
17 out of 22 found this review helpful

I'm afraid to listen to this record too much as I don't ever want it's brilliance to dim. Best thing I've heard in quite a while. Let's see, Feist was the last artist that moved me like this, not that Bon Iver is anything like that and he'll probably never be over played in trendy boutique, but there's something so deep and soulful in the plaintive whisperings on this record. Mostly it's quiet, mostly it's bone chillingly beautiful. I actually bought it with Neil Young's Live at Massey Hall, and they somehow speak to each other with a sidelong glance to Vashti Bunyan's Lookaftering. Take a chance on this like I did, you won't be disappointed. I hope to hear more from Bon Iver!

5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely Stunning Debut March 9, 2008
10 out of 13 found this review helpful

Bon Iver's debut really growed on me. It's become the only thing I want to listen to, because after repeated listens there's more and more depth revealed. His voice is a higher-pitched falsetto, which sounds unique coupled with the indie/folk instrumentation. It's guitar-based, but it's not boring; he uses some orchestral backings and subtle electronic additions/manipulations, but first listen invariably yields the response, "that's beautiful." Perhaps the most striking aspect of this album is the emotion in his voice, especially in "Skinny Love" and "For Emma, Forever Ago," ranging from frustration to sadness to acceptance and hope. This is an uneniably raw, empassioned work by this exceptional songwriter. None of the songs sound the same, and although it's quite short, it begs to be played again. I give it my highest recommendation; a singer-songwriter with real un-commercialized talent.

1 out of 5 stars

even after listening... I still don't know what this guys voice is like... May 9, 2008
6 out of 51 found this review helpful

I really love a wide variety of music types: Big Band, Blues, Bluegrass, Classical, indie, Jazz, Folk, Rock of all types... This isn't one!!! There are a couple of interesting tracks though, I sort-of enjoyed Blindsided and Creature Fear/Team but even those songs are pretty-much destroyed by his use of his falsetto vocals which make the lyrics almost unintelligible! I suppose, that may be an attraction that this guy has for some; but it doesn't work for me! Now, for most listeners, even those who enjoy indie and folk, I really think this CD is going to have extremely limited appeal. Well, all I can say is that you had better enjoy listening to someone trying to sing in his falsetto voice before you get this CD... I have no idea of what his real voice sounds like... I would like to know! DO NOT BUY THIS!!!

1 out of 5 stars

Boring August 15, 2008
6 out of 27 found this review helpful

OK, who else is really bored of said artists going off on some Siddhartha like quest only to come back with a collection of "feel sorry for myself" tunes?
Probably no one except for me, that's why I'm writing this. How many more of these records must we endure? I'm soo sick of guys with beards and chicks with hairy armpits thinking that this type of posturing is getting them closer to some sort of dime store spiritual state. It's pathetic and transparent, "I just sort of went up to the woods to really be alone with my thoughts...blah blah blah." Dude, the songs are boring and you sound like every other Granola eating monkey trying to emote about some broad you broke up with God knows how long ago, get over it! We all go through this buddy, you ain't special!

On the positive side, it's nice that Bon sat up in his little cabin making cute songs with his little ol' guitar! Good on ya! I'm sure there are tons of little boys and girls out there who will gladly sing along with you and talk about how keen your lyrics are and how they can really "identify" with "where you're comin' from, Dude." Oh yeah, and probably plenty of tunes that can be played on s*#t programs like Grey's Anatomy, The Hills, House M.D., Orange County etc.

I guess though with musical zero's like Devendra Banhart out there, I shouldn't be too bothered by this runny nose of an album. "Folk" is the term used I believe, I think I'll stick with early Bob, Fred Neil and Karen Dalton thanks!

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