Bon Iver: For Emma, Forever Ago

Label: Jagjaguawar

Every so often a ray of light emerges, rising above the strummy-strum of the indie-folk ghettos and crystallizing everything pure about simple American roots music with an approach that works perfectly and reminds you how good it can be. It’s never as discernible as just a unique voice or an especially nice way with words, it’s more like a total one-of-a-kindness that separates, inexplicably, their sound from any other. Bon Iver is one such ray of light, the newest addition to the hierarchy of the Oldhams, Newsoms, Banharts and other such rare performers who become instant forever favorites. For Emma, Forever Ago is an album of irresistible intimacy, finding Justin Vernon, the man behind Bon Iver, ruminating gently on remote memories, cycling through swells of emotion. His voice is incomparable, feeling like he’s simultaneously singing to himself in a room or to the entire world. The album draws you in and merits repeat listens, all day if necessary, much like any record that becomes synonymous with a specific time in your life, eventually establishing itself as a unique, identifiable experience. Highly recommended. (Fred)