Album Review - Bon Iver - Bon Iver

Over this past weekend I have had the joyous pleasure of relaxing at the lake and let me tell you, it has been great. One morning my parents, older brother and I headed off to Brandon MB to pick up some necessities. While at Starbucks, picking up one of those necessities, I happened to stumble upon the new Bon Iver album sitting perched at the till.

Bought it. Unwrapped it. Listened to it. The 45 minute drive back to the cottage was filled with pleasant conversation and Bon Iver.

Being turned onto Bon Iver a few years ago from my older brother, I fell in love with For Emma, Forever ago but more in love with the release of Wisconsin. While the two disks are comparable they each have their own unique flair. That flair is what captures the attention of musicians and music listeners all over, it's something that Bon Iver brings to the table that sets them apart from the rest of the flock.

When looking this brand new, self-titled release a few things should be noticed. First off, if you can find an album with more tracks named after cities then let me know. The personal connection felt to the locations mentioned is huge, a clever way to title your tracks, for sure.

Secondly, this album is and at the same time is not a continuation of For Emma. For those of you who are familiar with Bon Iver's older tunes you will notice that the distinct vocals still ring through but are now accompanied by some synths, saxes, percussion and a few more strings. Overall the album just feels more full, complete, not lacking.

Now, my enjoyment of this album may have increased due to the fact that I could not stand one of Bon Iver's most recent releases. The track Monster was released with Kanye West, Rick Ross, Jay - Z, Nicki Minaj and was nothing more than a ego centric, profanity laced rap song that was met with mixed reviews from Bon Iver fans.

Anyways, the past is the past and this release bring a great joy to me when I listen to it. It is a much recommended purchase for all you music lovers out there! Some golden tunes for reading, relaxing, the road or just enjoyment in general.

Here is one of my favorite track on the album titled Holocene. The lyrics follow underneath.

"Someway, baby, it's part of me, apart from me."

You're laying waste to Halloween

You fucked it friend, it's on its head, it struck the street.

You're in Milwaukee off your feet

... and at one I knew I was not magnificent

Strayed above the highway aisle

(jagged vacance, thick with ice)

I could see for miles, miles, miles

3rd and Lake it brunt away, the hallway

was where we learned to celebrate

automatic brought the years you'd talk for me

that night you played me 'Lid Parade'

not the needle, nor the thread, the lost decree

saying nothing, that's enough for me

... and at one I knew I was not magnificent

Hulled far from the highway aisle

(jagged vacance, thick with ice)

I could see for miles, miles, miles

Christmas night, it clutched the light, the hallow bright

above my brother, i and tangled spines

we smoked the screen to make it what it was to be

how to know it in my memory:

... and at one I knew I was not magnificent

high above the highway aisle

(jagged vacance, thick with ice)

I could see for miles, miles, miles

Be sure to enjoy.

Peace and Love, or else.