What is it about dwelling in an isolated log cabin that breeds pure musical genius? My trusty indie-band-guru recently introduced me to the soaring falsetto of Bon Iver singer Justin Vernon and his debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago. Now, in the tradition of Ray LaMontagne and fellow folky songsters that have crossed my path, I'm obsessed. In 2006, the Wisconsin native spent three months in his father's remote cabin, where he split wood, hunted deer (to survive, people!), and composed a cohesive collection of melodies tuned to heartsy, lyrical perfection. The result of his soul-searching sojourn away from society? A self-released album, which critics hail as an astounding debut, and laypeople (like me) stubbornly keep on repeat. His words may be a bit lost amid multi-tracked bellows (accompanied simply by an acoustic guitar and an occasional bass drum) but, frankly, it doesn't matter because the few comprehendible verses will keep you intrigued (and swooning). I decoded this gem today: "I wear my long hair in a buuuuun." Or is it, "I am my mother's only one..."? Does it matter?
Catch him in action (flannel and mountain beanie included for your viewing pleasure)...
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