For Emma, Forever Ago
Product ID: 4389608
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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 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. Review: Their best and sounds amazing on vinyl - I first heard the entire side A of the album in a boutique coffee shop in Nakano, Tokyo, Japan a year ago. Although, I had previously heard one song before on the radio, the album being played in the shop happened to be on vinyl. I was so impressed with not only the songs but with the sound quality of the album that shortly after I returned from Japan I bought the record Review: Good Stuff - Thx
| ASIN | B0011NVCSO |
| Best Sellers Rank | #962 in CDs & Vinyl ( See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl ) #16 in Folk Rock (CDs & Vinyl) #23 in Indie Rock #25 in Pop Singer-Songwriters |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars (3,239) |
| Date First Available | February 17, 2008 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item model number | 29016450 |
| Label | Jagjaguwar |
| Language | English |
| Manufacturer | Jagjaguwar |
| Number of discs | 1 |
| Original Release Date | 2008 |
| Product Dimensions | 12.32 x 12.36 x 0.31 inches; 8.32 ounces |
T**S
Their best and sounds amazing on vinyl
I first heard the entire side A of the album in a boutique coffee shop in Nakano, Tokyo, Japan a year ago. Although, I had previously heard one song before on the radio, the album being played in the shop happened to be on vinyl. I was so impressed with not only the songs but with the sound quality of the album that shortly after I returned from Japan I bought the record
J**S
Good Stuff
Thx
A**R
I just love this album
Vinyl came in mint condition and the sound quality is just awesome. Bon Iver is one of the greats.
R**N
Good
Good
C**A
Excellent music to sit and listen to.
This record has received very mixed reviews from the people I've shown this record to. Many people love the music, while others can't stand it. I'll admit that it isn't the most accessible album. I'm of the group that loves this record, and most of Bon Iver's other work. I find it excellent working music, or music to just sit down and listen to. I bought the 12" LP, which shipped in excellent condition from Amazon. I did find the packaging to be a little underwhelming -- the inner sleeve being merely a paper envelope -- but nothing to detract a star from this review. The record does come with a code to download a copy of the album in MP3 format, though I wish it gave the option for a FLAC download. Again, nothing major, and I'm reviewing the music, not the shipping conditions. Overall, a great record, but it may not be for you.
B**B
so good
I love this album. Maybe you will, maybe you won't... I guess it depends on what you want your listening experience to be. Its all about what you want out of an album. You pry won't be dancing much to this one. This album is beautiful, there really is no argument there, its gorgeous and pure. Much of the lyrics on the album are undecipherable. Bon Ivers voice is really the main instrument here and if you've missed that, you have missed the point. The point is atmosphere and soul, at least thats what I feel. Its a really nice addition to anyones record collection, and if you have a record player, get it on vinyl, you wont regret it. Bon Iver is like a fine wine, he only gets better with age. To the haters that gave it one star, my guess is you'd rather listen to Dave Mathews Band or Jack Johnson.
J**N
Classic!!
This album is a must have for any music collection. Arrived in perfect condition.
L**Y
Not the highest quality pressing
I’ve had the same issues with the vinyl pressing as many other reviews, so I’m adding my two cents just so others will know that quality control is not an isolated issue. The record is slightly warped, the center hole is not properly cut (or maybe it’s just the sticker getting in the way?), and there are some small sound issues. If you’re able to get past that, it’s still the same lovely album it’s always been.
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