Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
Forever Ago seems like an apt title for this review, given how long I’ve had this album. In terms of critical froth, this has been about as well received as anything for a long time, with five star reviews and breathless exclamations of otherworldly beauty and so on, but I just didn’t get it. Honestly, I’ve listened to this over a dozen times and am only now starting to like it. I don’t know why it took me so long, but sometimes these things take time.
I still wouldn’t elevate it quite to the pantheon of instant greatness that many have thrust upon it, but it is nevertheless an extremely good record. The ghostly, plucked acoustica sways from atmospheric alt-folk into slightly more ethereal rhythms which border on electronica. The atmosphere has a lot in common with the likes of Bonnie Prince Billy in places, but there is more underlying tension to Bon Iver.
I am not sure about the vocal delivery, personally. I like it now, but it’s very much an acquired taste and perhaps that’s what made it a little difficult to get into. It’s sufficiently high-pitched that the music can come across as being somewhat akin to what you might have listened to in the eighties to show that you were sensitive, but perhaps that’s being harsh. Also, it’s often not the most obviously melodic album in the world, so perhaps lends itself less to the first few listens. Either way, I have come to like it now, and I get the impression that this will just improve with greater acquaintance.
Bon Iver – Wisconsin
Bon Iver – Skinny Love
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