Folk Symbol

For Emma, Forever Ago
Bon Iver
Jagjaguwar, 2008
4 stars

Listening to this album, you'd be excused for thinking Prince had re-invented himself as an introspective bedroom folk hero, ala Sam Beam of Iron And Wine. Justin Vernon has a sensational voice - soft, but with great range, easily capable of hitting the high notes. Songs such as Lump Sum are essentially straightforward pop songs, but given a rich, atmospheric campfire-chant-folk treatment they become something else entirely. And the thought of Prince singing folk songs may not sound like an instant winner, but on highlight The Wolves (Act I and II) it works beautifully. The best parts of this album come from simple combinations of subtly layered vocals, strummed acoustic guitar and a basic beat - musically there's nothing over-the-top happening here, but as we all know the simple things are often the best.

Artwork: C+