This is a story about how I live. It begins several years ago. I was reading an article in a music magazine, probably Spin, but I don't actually remember. The article was comprised of an interview with a semi famous person, I don't remember who. The question had something to do with a favorite album. The answer was "For Emma, Forever Ago" by Bon Iver. I had never heard of Bon Iver at the time but I decided to check the out. Then I promptly forgot out it for a few months. But one day I was in the library perusing the Cd's and stumbled upon "For Emma...".
I few days ago I would have said that in all my years of listening to music, there has never been an entire album that has had such an affect on me. I won't go into all of the gory sentimental details. "For Emma.." is spare, painful and beautiful. The album is so amazing that by the last track, Re:Stacks - when Justin Vernon sings This is not the sound of a new man /or a crispy realization / It's the sound of the unlocking and lift away / Your love will be safe with me, I am usually wiping away a few tears.
And then on Tuesday something amazing happened. Bon Iver's self titled sophomore album dropped. "For Emma..." will always be "For Emma..." but "Bon Iver" is transcendent. In "Holocene" Vernon sings, All at once I knew I was not magnificent. Oh, I understand the meaning of this, but I will argue that Justin Vernon is indeed magnificent in that he is the brain child of Bon Iver. And "Bon Iver" the album is truly magnificent. It is impressionistic. It is lush. It is broader. It is happier. It is visionary.
My story continues though. Of course, I downloaded the album immediately, although I had heard it before the official release date. And in a moment of complete abandon, I purchased two tickets for a show 200 miles away. This may sound pretty basic but it is unheard of for me. For one, I am a die hard procrastinator when it comes to purchasing concert tickets - usually waiting long enough that they sell out. I also purchased two tickets without knowing who will go with me. That, my friends, is crazy. I am a hard-core planner. The idea of purchasing tickets, kinda on a whim is extraordinary. But I did it because if I miss the chance to see Bon Iver this time, I may never forgive myself.
The life lesson here, is to surprise yourself, to allow yourself to be someone unexpected, to explore and to transcend. And that means, my friends, take a little listen to Bon Iver. Even if you think it may not be your cup of tea. Try it, I dare you. This band might just change your world.
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