Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
February 19, 2008
Jagjaguwar/4AD
Score: 8.9

This my excavation
And today is Kumran
Everything that happens
Is from now on
This is pouring rain
This is paralyzed

Catharsis. What is bottled up must eventually pour out. How this emotional purging occurs differs with every individual. For some, screaming into a pillow suffices. For others, a good cry will do. And for those whose woes cannot be remedied by the aforementioned solutions, there's always hibernation.

For Justin Vernon, seemingly endless personal turmoil culminates in 3 months of seclusion in a Northwestern Wisconsin cabin. Do not be fooled, this is not evasive action. Vernon does not hope to circumvent the issues plaguing him. He seeks to rather plunge into them headfirst in an attempt to unravel the coils of his past.

Whatever could it be that has brought me to this loss?

It becomes evident from the dulcet strums ushering the opener Flume in that this is no ordinary man-and-a-guitar endeavor; this is an intensely therapeutic journey. Armed with no more than aged instruments and his irresistible falsetto, Bon Iver puts forth 9 of the most haunting ditties to surface in years. Vernon wails atop deceptively dense arrangements and for 37 brief minutes, listeners lose their notion of time and place. His ruminations reveal themselves one by one with lines such as "I've been twisting to the sun I needed to replace" creating their own contexts within our lives. We are immersed in Vernon's woes; much like he was surrounded by notes lining every inch of his father's northern retreat. Walls were no longer confines. They'd become portals, snapshots he could observe and deconstruct in retrospect.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not folk. The ambience, the stirring, layered high-pitched vocals, the towering crescendo that closes out The Wolves (Act I and II). Imposing a genre on these songs is selling them short. Bon Iver is quite simply art for and from the soul. It wanders but never aimlessly. It's subdued but remains deliberate throughout. It's introspective but never intrusive. It's painfully personal but somehow universal.

I keep throwing it down two-hundred at a time
It's hard to find it when you knew it

Aurally living the depths of this man's troubles is no frivolous privilege either. It is profound and resonant. It crawls beneath your skin and tugs at you from the inside. Unlike with your typical troubadour bearing his heart on his sleeve, much is left to the imagination here. Vernon has laid the groundwork and it is up to the listeners to make sense of the fragments he's presented us with. Despite the vagueness of his writing, it all seems eerily familiar. So much so that before the chilling Skinny Love is over, you'll be reaching for those impossibly high notes as well, asking yourself "...then who the hell was I?"

This is not a case of an artist intending to play this way, this is him needing to do so. These oddly infectious numbers beg to be played repeatedly. Harrowing tales of life and loss are drilled into our consciousness, lingering for that additional second the average record would not. Such an accomplished debut is rare in this business. Do For Emma justice and listen to it over and over. Let Vernon's life echo yours. Escape into that bubble of solitary reverence if only for half an hour...and then once more.

This is not the sound of a new man or crispy realization
It's the sound of the unlocking and the lift away

While It Sings To Itself Or Whatever It Does, While It Sings To Itself Of Its Long Lost Loves

To tide you all over until I really get into the swing of things, here are videos from the albums comprising the top 5 of 2007 as selected by I Am Not A Camera.

The National- Apartment Story

Iron & Wine- Boy With A Coin

The Cinematic Orchestra- To Build A Home (live)

Menomena- Rotten Hell

Radiohead- Reckoner (Scotch Mist version)

Song of the day

As a preview of sorts for the soon-to-be-posted Bon Iver review, today's song of the day is Skinny Love.

Resurrection Fern

For those of you who may have glanced at this blog once or twice, I have decided to update it more vigorously from here on out. Newfound conviction (read: unflinching boredom) will spearhead my efforts to purvey news/videos/reviews with greater consistency. The format will roughly follow this template: news, official/live videos, and random rants on a fairly regular basis in addition to a weekly album review.

The first review to buttress my glorious return to form will be of Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago. You can expect that sucker up by Friday.

Best Albums of 2007

Another year has come and gone and this brings with it a delightfully obligatory best-of list, compiling the cream of 2007's sonic crop. Along with 2005, this past year has been one of the finest in recent memory, gracing fans of all genres with fantastic albums sure to hold a place in our hearts for quite some time. In my case, the top 3 are already all-time favorites. Well without further ado, I Am Not A Camera presents to you its very best of 2007. Enjoy.



25) Coconut Records- Nighttiming
Bursting at the seams with radiant harmonies, Jason Schwartzman's debut is a shining example of proper pop music. Unlike twee contemporaries who take airy naivety to excessive lengths, Coconut Records keeps its feet planted firmly in the ground as Schwartzman sings of solitude with such quaint honesty that one can't help but relate. Enchanting ooohs and aahhs bolster the addictive melodies with great aplomb, as the band puts forth 33 minutes of pure sing-along bliss.


24) Josh Ritter- The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter
Eschewing his stripped down, intimate approach found on 2006's The Animal Years, Ritter dabbles in quirky, angular pop to great effect. While the pensive aesthetic proved to be winning last year, Ritter's novel direction is just as reliant on stellar lyricism. However, the musical content is more akin to upbeat rock this time around. Dashes of lavish instrumentation adorn the tracks as Ritter displays his versatility, being as proficient a troubadour as he is a rock n' roll man.


23) The Berg Sans Nipple- Along The Quai
Dreamy chamber pop weaved into addictive electronica. That's how The Berg Sans Nipple's latest was described to me when I inquired about Along The Quai at my local record store. I'm finding it hard to disagree as I stare blankly at my screen, enthralled by the dense, layered, electronics. Drowned out by computer-heavy releases from The Field and Battles, The Berg Sans Nipple's work may not be as immediate, but it is certainly more rewarding.


22) Low- Drums And Guns
Upon hearing the polished pop of Low's previous effort, it dawned on me that the slowcore pioneers were treading in dangerous territory. Was the band following in Belle & Sebastian's footsteps? Was crafting overly refined, glossy pop-rock an unfortunate eventuality for all indie veterans? Drums And Guns may not stack up to the Low of yore, but it's certainly a step away from The Great Destroyer; in other words, a step in the right direction. The band rediscovers its identity in 2007, shunning pop conventions once again in favor of its slow-burning flame. Chilling.


21) Flobots- Fight With Tools
We shall not be moved except by a child with no socks and shoes, except by a woman dying from the loss of food, except by a freedom fighter bleeding on a cross for you. We shall not be moved except by a system that's rotten through. Neglecting the victims and ordering the cops to shoot, high treason now we need to prosecute. So stand up, we shall not be moved and we won't fight a war for fossil fuel. It's times like this when you want to plot a coup. Put your hands up and I'll copy you.

Flobots is living proof that hip hop need not be vacuous nor superficial. Biting social commentary coupled with gorgeous viola-infused beats make this the pleasant surprise of the year.


20) Feist- The Reminder
The reigning queen of indie rock returned to the fray this year after her wildly successful 2004 effort Let It Die. Unlike said album, she presents listeners with an entire album's worth of original material this time around. No covers, all Leslie Feist. As expected, the songs are evidently catchy but also contain unexpected depth, a redeeming quality that may constitute just enough pull to draw listeners back for more. Led by the ubiquitous single 1234, The Reminder is such an irresistibly endearing collection of songs that it had to crack this list.


19) Bill Callahan- Woke On A Whaleheart
Bill Callahan's somber baritone is simply remarkable. Set to even the most effulgent melody, Callahan can evoke melancholy like none other. Woke On A Whaleheart is no exception. As his first album not under the Smog moniker, a novel path was anticipated and Callahan obliges in that regard. If his previous album A River Ain't Too Much To Love is the soundtrack to huddling under blankets in a dimly-lit room, this year's record is a vacant bus ride by rundown city streets. Hollow yet opulent, the songs reveal themselves slowly but surely, demanding patience from listeners. Don't worry though, with every listen comes a greater appreciation for Callahan's gorgeous, velvety timbre.


18) Bright Eyes- Cassadaga
As ominous dissonance transitions into a distant Conor Oberst speaking of "a revolution at a lower price", one gets the impression that Bright Eyes has finally made it home; the sonic nest being hinted at since 2002's Lifted. Ethereal, transcendent nu-folk washes over listeners and just as one gets comfortable, the rollicking Four Winds throws us all for a loop. Newly official members Nate Walcott and Mike Mogis also make their presences felt with a greater inclusion of orchestral elements than ever before. Cassadaga offers a curious dichotomy though, with a front half dabbling in folk-rock while the back delves into earthier, dreamier numbers. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Bright Eyes' material is that every album serves as a bridge of sorts, Cassadaga representing the culmination of Oberst's myriad influences. Where does the Omaha troupe go from here?


17) The Shins- Wincing The Night Away
Bands don't know what they do well. Filtering out the bad and honing the good is a daunting task, especially when countless others have failed in that respect. The Shins are no different. Gone is the off-putting electronic doodling on Oh, Inverted World but with this riddance comes a few new wrinkles in The Shins' brand of indie rock. More melodic and polished than on prior releases, the band even channels its inner Morrissey, as most clearly evidenced on Sea Legs. Fortunately, the Portland quintet has forged itself such an undeniable identity that the music may borrow from past greats, but it remains The Shins'.


16) Field Music- Tones Of Town
Tones Of Town is a brilliant, contagiously urban slice of indie rock. A keen ear for melody has led these lads to craft an addictive, intelligent rock album that exudes big city despondency. Tepid topics such as unflinching boredom are touched upon, but with such flair that in a just world, the Sunderland boys would break out any day now . Far more compelling than the tedious Arctic Monkeys, Field Music actually knows how to tackle the mundane and does so in quite a refreshing manner.


15) St. Vincent- Marry Me
After background gigs for more prominent acts such as The Polyphonic Spree and indie-savant Sufjan Stevens, Annie Clark aka St. Vincent finally emerges onto the scene and with her comes an irresistible voice clamoring for attention. The music on Marry Me bears similarities to Mr. Stevens' work at times, with rich instrumentation augmenting Clark's sultry albeit vulnerable vocals. Arguably the best kept secret in the realm of female singer-songwriters, St. Vincent puts herself out there on her first release and hits one out of the park.



14) Pela- Anytown Graffiti
Stumbling upon terrific albums per chance is one of life's greatest pleasures. It had been posted on a message board that Pela resembled a tamer, less interesting Arcade Fire. After giving the band a listen, I can't quite discern the likeness...not that I mind. Impeccable working class rock and the most fitting vocals I've heard in years had me wondering where the hell this band has been hiding. It also had me thanking my good graces that the somewhat intriguing/inadequate comparison led me to this fantastic record.


13) Dr. Dog- We All Belong
Earlier this year, I showered this album with praise, positing that this is what pop music should be. Months later, all I can do is reiterate that sentiment. Drenched in reverb and three-part harmonies, Dr. Dog pens beautiful, honest pop songs. After a momentous year which saw the band play on Conan O'Brien and David Letterman, it's important not to forget the songs themselves. Infectious, dizzying tales of self-evaluation and uncertainty set to a backdrop of breezy indie pop. This year's perfect summer album.


12) Beirut- The Flying Club Cup
Ditching the Balkan flavor of prior recordings in favor of whimsical French song, Zach Condon comes one step closer to realizing his unearthly potential with The Flying Club Cup. Where Gulag Orkestar was occasionally quirky/gimmicky, Beirut's latest is a delightful amalgam of traditional and contemporary pop. As usual, Condon is spotless vocally, delivering with brio and precision extending far beyond his 22 years. But what is truly great about this release is the sound balance Beirut has struck between the past and present, as the band seamlessly incorporates its influences into loose, jaunty, and most importantly, memorable compositions.


11) Andrew Bird- Armchair Apocrypha
Andrew Bird is an unconventional singer-songwriter. He is not the solemn poet strumming his sorrows away on a guitar. He is the world-class whistler writing about monsters roaming the earth and crumbling financial institutions. But as fate would have it, Bird has done the unexpected again yes, but by releasing a safer album (see Fiery Crash, Dark Matter) in 2007. The Mysterious Production Of Eggs was filled to the brim with satisying twists and turns. Armchair Apocrypha for its part, is Bird seemingly striving for normalcy. Thankfully, his songs are anything but commonplace and the result is a dozen peculiar, catchy tracks as good as nearly anything released this year.


10) Akron/Family- Love Is Simple
Often likened to fellow New York act Animal Collective, Akron/Family proves it is its own beast with a psychedelic indie-folk work of art. Without relying on synthesized blips or needlessly unconventional melodies, the trio puts forth compelling, singular, addictive music. This refreshing approach to "experimental" music is so pure and sincere that instead of pigeonholing, listeners should simply appreciate. Love Is Simple sees three individuals sharing a love for off-kilter harmonies and chanted group vocals, offering listeners an organic, distorted slab of Americana.


9) Blonde Redhead- 23
Throw the Sonic Youth comparisons out the window. Blonde Redhead proves with 23 that it can stand on its own two feet, crafting and mastering its distinct sound for years. This has paid sweeping dividends as the trio's latest offering soars, ebbs, flows, and downright rocks. Kazu Makino's work is something to behold as her eerie, immaculate voice hovers atop a moody backdrop. Diverse while still adhering to a prevailing theme, 23 is just so damn enjoyable it could not be ignored.


8) Seabear- The Ghost That Carried Us Away
Blending the most pleasant portions of Utah Carol and Page France's discographies, Seabear's brand of ethereal folk-pop is not reinventing the wheel. With that being said, the Reykjavik natives have crafted such dulcet, soothing tunes that the lack of creativity isn't all that much of an issue. Actually, it is an issue...just not one I want to assess until I spin The Ghost That Carried Us Away once more.


7) Burial- Untrue
Electronica: glowsticks, sleeveless shirts, an endless string of remixes...the list of unpleasantness goes on.

The genre tends to be repetitive and dreadfully predictable. British act Burial stands out amidst a veritable sea of peers by deftly weaving a sullen, late-night aesthetic into a sound anchored in dub and trip hop. The electronic equivalent to this year's number one album, Untrue is a captivating exploration into boundless solitude and despair. No bouncy or jubilant beats here. Just beautifully distorted R&B set to evocative, wisftul undertones.


6) Soulsavers- It's Not How Far You Fall, It's The Way You Land
Borrowing from gospel, blues, electronica, and trip hop, Soulsavers' latest is a sumptuous set of songs buttressed by ex-Screaming Trees frontman Mark Lanegan. Equal parts melancholic and frantic, It's Now Far You Fall, It's The Way You Land is simply magnificent and one of the finest electronic albums I have ever heard. Atmospheric, enticing, and all around incredible, Soulsavers vastly improves on its debut and releases the type of record you can claim reinvigorated a genre without being scoffed at.


5) Radiohead- In Rainbows
The most important band on the planet releases a new album. It is phenomenal. The end.







4) Menomena- Friend And Foe
When it comes to unconventional rock music, no album topped Menomena's Friend And Foe in 2007. Crashing drums usher in the opener Muscle'n Flo. In this one track alone, the Portland trio proves no one could rival its strange, loop-based compositions this year. As the narrator wakes from his slumber and clumsily stumbles toward a mirror, he examines his existence. He ponders lofty goals and how they've been attained far too soon. Is this it? And then, quiet. While listeners bask in an unnervingly subdued few seconds, a previously innocuous organ line builds, swells, and explodes. "Come lay down your head upon my chest, feel my heart beat, feel my unrest. If Jesus could only wash my feet, then I'd get up strong and muscle on." Stunning.


3) The Cinematic Orchestra- Ma Fleur
Remember Talk Talk, that synthpop/new wave band from the 80s? Yeah, they were alright. What about when they released Laughing Stock in 1991 and were proclaimed visionaries and precursors of post-rock? Yeah, that was an incredible album. Guess what? The Cinematic Orchestra has followed suit this year, taking on Talk Talk's formula of incorporating dashes of jazz into ambient post-rock. Ma Fleur may not rival Laughing Stock but it sees the jazz contemporaries reaching for the skies and augmenting their sound with a sense of grandeur, breathing new life into the group. No longer bound by the shackles of genres, The Orchestra soars as collaborator Patrick Watson reveals a new ethos: "By the cracks of the skin, I climbed to the top. I climbed the tree to see the world."


2) Iron & Wine- The Shepherd's Dog
I was a quick wet boy diving too deep for coins, all of your streetlight eyes wide on my plastic toys. And when the cops closed the fair, I cut my long baby hair, stole me a dog-eared map, and called for you everywhere. Have I found you, flightless bird? Jealous, weeping. Or lost you, American mouth? Big bill looming. Now I’m a fat house cat nursing my sore blunt tongue, watching the warm poison rats curl through the wide fence cracks, kissing on magazine photos. Those fishing lures thrown in the cold and clean, blood of Christ mountain stream. Have I found you, flightless bird? Grounded, bleeding. Or lost you, American mouth? Big pill, stuck going down.

Song of the year and if not for Boxer, album of the year. One of the few geniuses left in music.


1) The National- Boxer
I can tie my tie all by myself
I'm getting tied
I'm forgetting why

This is growing while having no desire to. This is nostalgia in a 3-piece suit. This is that chasm, that abyss that divides providing for yourself and being provided for. This is leaving those who provided for you. This is their dream come true. This is becoming someone. This is making it. This is loathing the vehicle you drive, the job you've slaved for, the path you chose. This is lack of direction. This is settling down. This is compromise. This is pining for the past. This is regret. This is not teetering over lines but being trapped between them. This is working class prose. This is dubious goals becoming utmost priorities. This is complacency. This is living your life half awake in a fake empire. This is the whisper of a trumpet amidst a crowd. This is restlessness. This is the life of a professional. This has never sounded so good.