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 (Jagjaguwar/Inertia)
Justin Vernon is back on the market.
I may be in the minority when I say that I don’t think Justin Vernon’s debut, For Emma, Forever Ago, is as great as a lot of people thought it was. Vernon, and his indie folk band Bon Iver, can write some moving individual songs, but with regards to the debut, I sensed that listeners were more drawn to the whole broken heart/wood cabin narrative rather than the record itself. On the self-titled follow up, it is obvious that the veneer of pain that supported the debut has been replaced with something akin to confidence, which explains the sudden appearance of elements like pedal steel, bass saxophone, horns and strings. These elements work well on songs such as Towers, an upbeat alt-country number, and the quirky but engaging Michicant. You might even say that Vernon seems happy. But some things don’t change and Vernon’s falsetto is even more pronounced here, sometimes to the point of irritation. Indeed, opener Perth makes it seems that Vernon is trapped in some sort of an echo chamber. Elsewhere some of the musical decisions are questionable, like on lead single Calgary – which may be promoted as edgy, but is perhaps better suited to the graveyard of ‘80s pop music. The indulgent Beth/Rest is more humourous than insightful, and somewhere between the chorus-laden synth and triumphant guitar noodling, one wonders if Bon Iver are deliberately fucking with us. In the end, this record shows Vernon and Bon Iver as they should be thought of – moderately talented songwriters who can pen the occasional winner amidst otherwise average content.
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DARRAGH MURRAY
1. Written by Tom, on 22-06-2011 22:33
Darragh, I'm shocked that you review music professionally with this sort of opinion. I have no qualms with you lacking appreciation for this music, but for you to come out with the comments 'moderately talented' and 'occasional winner' is frankly absurd. I am a music fan and I can certainly understand the opinion some hold on Justin Vernon, that he is 'whiney' and 'over-emotional' - this is common amongst those who don't appreciate his writing, but all as far (as I have experienced) see why others do. 'For Emma, forever ago' is astonishing as every song has attractive qualities to it. Occasional winner or consistently brilliant? Songs that didn't jump out at me initially on that album have become some of my favourites. Lyrically he is SUPERB and you cannot deny that, unless you have not taken the time to attend to what he writes. No mention of 'Holocene' either, which is as good as anything he's ever produced. Please suggest superior song-writing, or artist that you hold in higher regard - I believe this may open our eyes to your reviewing capabilities……R Kelly? Thought so. |
2. Written by Alan Smythe, on 23-06-2011 21:01
"My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my
Sullen load is full; so slow on the split"
What SUPERB lyrics! I've never seen anyone transform the base metal of problems with ejaculation into such wonderful artistic gold.
(P.S. Tom, there's a search function on the site. Type in "Darragh Murray" and you can see what he likes. It isn't R Kelly.) |
3. Written by JOSHUA, on 24-06-2011 04:33
This is the single most ridiculous piece of shite I have ever read in my life. I am sorry, but you are just wrong. Firstly, "For Emma, Forever Ago" was one of the most beautiful albums ever, to suggest that it only had some good songs shows your complete lack of ability to appreciate music, which is a rather terrible quality in someone who reviews music. Not only was "For Emma Forever Ago" an amazing album, but "Bon Iver" Blew my mind for a second time. To put it into an 80s revival category is just stupid and ignorant. All of the songs were beautiful and, like "For Emma" the album ran through perfectly, not a single song was out of place. By referring to any song on this album as humorous just reveals your arrogance and stupidity. When I first listened to "Bon Iver" I knew that there would be people who would take the opinion that you have. If one pays attention to the music, it is clear that Bon Iver are not trying to "pen the occasional winner", they write for themselves. Do not cheapen their name by suggesting otherwise.
"one wonders if Bon Iver are deliberately fucking with us" BULLSHIT. BULLSHIT. BULLSHIT. I guarantee you that if Bon Iver were Fucking with you, it would be one of the most pleasurable experiences of your life. Vernon is an amazing singer. It is in no way irritating, it a beautiful transport for equally beautiful lyrics.
I would very much like you to never express any of your opinions ever again. |
4. Written by Justin Vernon, on 24-06-2011 09:23
Thank you for your kind messages of support against the anti-christ, Darragh Murray, my bleating followers! |
5. Written by Pitchfag, on 24-06-2011 09:35
R Kelly is a wonderfully specific reference point.
Miami Sound Machine feat. Gloria Estefan? Thought so.
Peanut from The Kaiser Chiefs? Thought so.
The original Broadway cast of The Rocky Horror Show performing Touch-A Touch-A Touch Me? Bloody well thought so. |
6. Written by UNSKINNY LOVER, on 24-06-2011 16:06
@Joshua - I would very much like you to express your opinion again. It is a beautiful transport for an equally beautiful mind. |
7. Written by STEREOBUM, on 27-06-2011 11:01
Where's Emma when you need her. |
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