Bon Iver – For Emma Forever Ago

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.