Wisconsin man, Justin Vernon maybe the perfect musical artist. This could be considered quite a bold statement considering the mass vacuum of talent (and no so much in other cases) out there. It doesn't come in numbers. It doesn't come in article inches or festival performances. My claim is purely based on his recorded output to the public domain.
It all started with 'For Emma, Forever Ago' in 2008. The sincerity and melancholic endeavours for Justin's recluse debut are outstanding. Fluttered with mystery and apprehension throughout, 'For Emma...' is journey of heartache, wilderness and personal redemption. OK, a million albums before have had the exact same premise. Many writers/musicians have had their hearts broken, hadthat epiphany which results in an album dedicated to their loss. But, Its all relative and Justin captures the tone perfectly.
Sounds depressing? YES! And this is the way it should be. Track three, 'Skinny Love' encapsulates this perfectly. Obviously, its about how "their" love is getting weaker but the melodic tones of the song expresses solace in a ditch. I believe this is one of the best pop songs of modern times.
Three years and various other projects (Gayngs, Volcano Choir...) later Juestin Vernon released Bon Iver's eponymous second LP (self titled). 'Bon Iver' is much of the same. Lyrically geographical (Holocene) and subtle melodies in orchestral vastness. So, on the 38th listen, this record just gets better and better. I would say its a grower but this term doesn't do it an justice. Its more than that. It stays in your sub-conscious and every listen reveals new wonders, much like a favourite film or book. Even the album design is art.
Two astonishingly beautiful albums and numerous breathtaking side projects, Justin Vernon has become hot property in the music world but in the meantime, he seems to hell bent on making great music. Its just a shame I will have to wait a little longer until I have the pleasure of experiencing him live.
How to listen to Justin Vernon
Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Volcano Choir - Unamp
Monster - Kanye West, Bon Iver, Jay Z
Bon Iver - Blood Bank
Justin Vernon - Bruised Orange (Chain of Sorrow)
Justin Vernon & Aaron Dressner - Big Red Machine
Bon Iver - Bon Iver
Eau Claire Memorial Jazz feat. Justin Vernon - For Emma
The Xcerts - Blood Bank
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