Buy This Album: Bon Iver "For Emma, Forever Ago"

The weather in Tulsa is cold and getting colder. A big sleet & ice storm quickly approaches and even though I'm itching for Spring, the sounds of Bon Iver soundtrack the closing moments of winter so perfectly that I'm okay with these gray and bitter days.

Not to say that For Emma, Forever Ago is a dark or sad album. Actually, it's beautiful and ghostly sounds are more peaceful than sad. There is a haunting tone that creeps behind the acoustic guitar and the outstanding vocals that gives them an uplifting airiness. This is music of the winds and skies, songs best heard in coats and hats, or melodies to enjoy alone indoors looking out at the bare trees, beaten by the season's weather, waiting for life to blow through again.

Bon Iver, whose real name is Justin Vernon, first released this album last year via the web only, but it got a wider release yesterday. For me, it couldn't have come at a better time. I'm at peace with the winter and while I'll welcome Spring when it's time comes, today I'm fine with just bundling up and holding on.

Check it if you like:

• The vocal work of T.V. on the Radio
• Ray LaMontagne, but are embarrassed to admit it
• Wearing big coats or at least a hat and a scarf
• quiet late nights

Odds and Ends

• MySpace
• Dude, he's got a Virb
• Stereogum Interview