Recommended Tracks: 1, 3, 6, 9
RiYL: Iron and Wine, old school Akron/Family, acoustic TV on the Radio
Written in the isolation of American wood country, Justin Vernon’s “For Emma, Forever Ago” connects with nature and soul in a way only a folk album can. Vernon’s intimate acoustic constructions are full of his pain and loneliness.
Song’s like “Skinny Love” and “Flume” can easily be compared to Iron and Wine with their quiet beginnings that eventually swell into what remains a very somber sound that would be good for a cold rainy day. Another great song reminiscent of Akron/Family continues with his characteristic crescendos and decrescendos heightened by backup vocals.
It’s a good thing the album came with lyrics. While Bon Iver makes amazing music his words are rather unintelligible and even if you happen to understand the words he’s singing, the lyrics don’t make sense. There is a lot of background to this album that does not district with his mellow and comforting sound. In my opinion Bon Iver’s falsetto gives what TV on the Radio’s falsetto could not deliver and I can’t wait to hear what else Vernon has to offer!
-Alan Okpechi