Bon Iver: ‘For Emma’

The first official single from album ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ (that one recorded in a hunting cabin), this is also the most upbeat track of Justin Vernon’s oeuvre so far.

His high vocals sing the dialogue of a break-up over the brisk guitar riff: ‘go find another lover to bring a— to string along'. Meanwhile, an unexpected horn section grows prouder in its majesty until it almost overtakes everything else. An interesting track to say the least, made poignant by its brevity and grace. On the other hand, enjoyment of B-side ‘Wisconsin’ largely depends on your tolerance for morose Jeff-Buckley-isms.

Released on 15th September 2008 by 4AD.

Written by Polis Loizou.