For Emma Forever Ago

Description

Pronounced “bohn eevair; French for “good winter” and
spelled wrong deliberately. This debut is centered around a particular
aesthetic; Justin Vernon, the primary force behind Bon Iver, moved to a remote
cabin in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin at the onset of winter, alone for
three months. This solitary time fed a bold, uninhibited new musical focus.
All his personal trouble, lack of perspective, heartache, longing, love, loss,
and guilt that had been stockpiled over the past six years was suddenly purged
into song. The NY Times called this record “irresistible”, and it was given a
“Recommended” rating by Pitchfork. RIYL: Iron & Wine, M. Ward, and Elliott
Smith. 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

Features:

Product Details:

• Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.32 x 12.36 x 0.31 inches; 8.32 Ounces
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Jagjaguwar
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ 29016450
• Original Release Date ‏ : ‎ 2008
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ February 17, 2008
• Label ‏ : ‎ Jagjaguwar
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ USA
• Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1