The name ‘Bon Iver’ is derived from the French for ‘good winter.’ The album was recorded in Justin Vernon’s home town of Eau Claire in Wisconsin, where the temperature rarely rises above freezing in winter. The Calgary Songfacts reports that Vernon told UK newspaper The Sun naming it Bon Iver shows he’s accepting winter is a big part of the album. Read more on Last.fm.
Bon Iver is a Grammy Award winning folk band from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States, and one of Justin Vernon's current and most notable music projects to date. The band also consists of Mike Noyce, Sean Carey and Matt MacCaughan.
The name 'Bon Iver' (pronounced "bon ee-VAIR") is a play on the French phrase 'bon hiver' meaning 'good winter'. Vernon independently released Bon Iver's debut album For Emma, Forever Ago in 2007, most of which was recorded during a four-month stay in a remote cabin in Wisconsin. Read more on Last.fm
Although this album was initially a little hard to get used to (I’m such a diehard “For Emma, Forever Ago” gal), upon repeat listenings it marks the evolution of a sound that Justin Vernon and company have worked hard to create. Each song is so intricate and layered and beautiful, and I find something new and lovely and moving about it with each play.
4/5
For Emma, Forever Ago was such a difficult album to follow-up. Firstly, because the songs were beautifully crafted. Secondly because it seemed to get better with every listen. But moat importantly, because it was a budget production with very little expectation. The expectation certainly was there on this 2nd disc and I personally was expecting an album of the year before I’d even given it a first spin. Well, after 10-15 listens, it isn’t album of the year so far (TV On The Radio steels that one to date) but, like the 1st, it is definitely getting better with age. I’d highly recommend this album to anyone with a strict instruction – DO NOT JUDGE THIS ALBUM TOO QUICKLY!
hasta el momento no me cautiva como su debut. Admito que Vernon no baja su calidad, siendo tal vez yo quien deba darle (muchas) más oportunidades.
Due to some stealth piracy, and an inability to wait on things, I’ve had this record for a while. But what that really means is that I’ve had time to really sit with it and now can give a proper opinion in a timely fashion.
Unlike my fellow reviewer, when I caught word of the new Bon Iver record, I was stoked. I immediately downloaded the single and proceeded to wear it the hell out. I told a friend that I thought the song was good, but when placed within the context of a record, had the opportunity to be great. Well, the record is here, the context is set, and it’s great.
I think that “Bon Iver, Bon Iver” is great. In the context of the first record (For Emma…) and the “Blood Bank” E.P., this record is the perfect step forward. It’s a movement away from the sparse, i-moved-to-the-woods-and-accidentally-made-a-great-record vibe of “For Emma..” into a bigger, fuller sound. With this record, Justin Vernon illustrates perfectly that risk-taking in music is actually a good thing
In short, if you’re trying to decide to buy this record or not – do it.
When I heard Bon Iver was coming out with a second album, I immediately thought it would be a sophomore slump. But I was still excited to give it a listen. It’s not out yet, but npr had it available to stream. After a few listens of the album, I am completely blown away. In my opinion this album tops For Emma, Forever Ago. I feel that there is more emotion to this one and that the music has a bit more substance to it. I love this one and I think the critics will rate it album of the year.