Bon Iver

Three years after the release of their critically acclaimed, and commercially successful debut they return with their self-titled sophomore effort. Considering they have had three years( ok, like two at most) to promote and tour for the album they were able to travel to all sorts of places, and some of them inspired songs off of their second record, and maybe even captured the band in a certain point in time. Our first stop is "Perth," (capital of Western Australia) which is filled with a militant's drum-line, and  harmonies that are reminiscent of sounds that are higher than broadcast quality, and a touch of the sax. Let's take a trip to "Minnesota, Wisconsin" while riding on a canoe, taking in the view surrounding the Mississippi, and listening to beautiful banjo; the vocals sound just as nice, but sound different now that we are in a new location. If I may, I cannot listen to the voice of Vernon without thinking of Anthony Green (Alexisonfire, City & Colour). "Holocene" was nominated for a song of the year award at the Grammy's and at first I rolled my eyes, but several listens later I see why.  One of the most upbeat songs off of this record also is one of the few that does not recall a location, but the violin that reaches for heights of the "Towers."  Next Stop 'Hinnom,TX,' but I must warn you that it technically does not exist, and unless you want to enter the "Valley of Slaughter" I suggest you skip it; the sound is misleading, and he sounds like Tunde from TV on the Radio.  Reccurring piano notes are accompanied by the distinctive falsetto of Vernon, which together seems to have a calming effect on the listener, and touches of more strings here and there, sparse lyrics, and after the stoning it is probably a good idea to throw it all in the "Wash." The trip to "Calgary" seems like it is not worth it, but halfway through, it proves it was worth the weight; that of which when carrying the demons of your mate, which may subside. "Lisbon, OH" may be short, and easy to miss, but if you could only skip one tune make sure it's not this. I think of BT when I think of the vocals on this song, and there is something about this last song that makes me love it. I am much too underqualified to describe why, but it seems like the synergy of vocals and instrumentals, harmonies, and just the vocals themselves. I think it would be best if 'Beth/Rest' her eyes because this dream seems all too real "Aren’t we married?/I ainʼt living in the dark no more/It’s not a promise, Iʼm just gonna call it/Heavy mitted love." Beautiful. An album for those who love road trips and scenic routes without leaving the comfort of wherever they are? Perth, Michicant, Hinnom,TX, Calgary, and Beth/Rest are probably my favorites.