Winter is here: Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago (2008)

The first signs of the new season reached southern Indiana last week. It snowed. And, it stayed below 50 for over a week. What does this mean, besides the fact that the night comes sooner and I have to warm up my car every morning? It means I have to stash away all the Bob Marley, Grateful Dead and Sublime that seem to synergize with the warmer climate and break out the dismal tunes that make you feel like someone else too is sharing these cold, forlorn times. I think it's fair to say that not much else predicts human emotions better than the weather.

It's no coincidence that Justin Vernon spent four winter months alone in a cabin in the middle of Wisconsin to record his debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago. Vernon's simple acoustic rhythms and falsetto vocals induce feelings that remind you of the isolation and stillness of the winter. Misery truly does love company, and this album takes on the admirable task of keeping you sane through inclement times.

Past loves. Regrets. Doldrums. The bitter cold. All so meticulously evoked throughout the album.

Here's a little taste. I highly recommend hearing the rest.

Good luck with your winters everyone, I hope I could help.
Iggy