Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago/Bon Iver, Bon Iver

This week's episode features special guest Angela, as we discuss Bon Iver. The music of Justin Vernon's project has been wrapped up in mythology, conjuring imagery of a man in the wilderness, removed from society and human connection, making an album wrought with deep suffering. In reality, 2007's For Emma, Forever Ago was made in a hunting cabin in Wisconsin -- a culmination of unfortunate struggles with band and romantic break ups, physical ailment, and gambling addiction. However it came to be, this album skyrocketed Vernon's career as an indie folk darling with mainstay Skinny Love. From there, an EP with a song that inspired Kanye West to write a song with Justin, feature him on multiple songs across three albums, and call him the other greatest living musician (besides Kayne, of course). The second album, Bon Iver, Bon Iver, a reflection on places and sense of place, is full of easy listening adult contemporary music, straight out of the late 80s. Holocene and Calgary were effective songs for Bon Iver, and after touring for years, Justin would go radio silent, not releasing an album for 5 years. Overwhelmed by the attention, he needed a break. Join our discussion.