Bon Iver
Bon Iver
Jagjaguwar
2011
Rating: 7.5 Bob Ross paintings out of 10
It seems like I'm always using the phrase "I like Peter Gabriel as much as the next guy, but..." in various internet arguments, but I don't think using that statement with Bon Iver would be very accurate. Apparently they LOVE Peter Gabriel, so much so that they decided to take it upon themselves to record a Peter Gabriel cover record without using any of his actual songs.
All snarkiness aside, I'm really digging this record (and let it be stated I also like Peter Gabriel's sappy eighties output). This is definitely not a repeat of "For Emma, Forever Ago" - the sparse beauty that made that album stand out has been replaced by copious instrumentation. But no matter what sounds the band is making (or not making), the whole package is wrapped in Justin Vernon's haunting falsetto vocals, and let's be honest - those vocals are the reason most of us are drawn to this material. If you were completely married to the style of that first record it's possible you won't enjoy this follow-up, but I've got to think that's a pretty small percentage of Bon Iver fans.
No comments:
Post a Comment