I'm trying to avoid doing a rundown of my favourite stuff that has been released this past 12 months, but as and when the mood takes me, I'll highlight some songs, artistes, bands and gigs that have meant something a bit special.The other day I gave a plug to the Contrast Podcast, and it was via that medium last February that I first discovered Bon Iver.
Contributors were asked to make up a CD of music and pass it on to a fellow contributor who would then select their favourite and introduce it. Now, the CD I made up went across to someone in the USA who dutifully said her bit and then two weeks later gave up on Contrast Podcast altogether - so much for my compilation which was full of great if largely unknown Scottish bands.
The CD I received came courtesy of Marcy of the blog Lost In Your Inbox. Entitled North American Scum, it featured 22 tracks from Canadians, Americans and Mexicans, many of which were brand new to me. I ended up over the course of the year seeking out CDs by many of the artistes that Marcy had brought to my attention (so much for music fans on the internet and in blog-world only being interested in things for free), and the one that has had most listens has been For Emma, Forever Ago.
I was lucky enough thanks to Marcy to get a preview of an act that was to wow the critics here in the UK when the LP arrive here in May 2008. There's little point in me trying to add to what many talented writers have said in their end of year round-ups - just google Bon Iver and see for yourself.
But from this fan's perspective, it's a work of real beauty that at times is quite heartbreaking and in parts difficult to listen to. A bit like The Wire on the telly, you have to sometimes listen closely to hear what is going on.....but the effort is well worth it. It's only got 9 tracks on it so, you'll need to make do with just the one offering:-
mp3 : Bon Iver - Blindsided
Thanks Marcy.
5 comments:
If Bon Iver tickles your tinsel I'd recommend checking out the magnificent but still unsigned Sonic Excutive Sessions
JC
I've experienced so many moments of serendipity with your blog - just yesterday I came across Bon Iver for the first time, was blown away, and picked up the album on iTunes.
Also, I'd been after those Memphis tracks for ages. Many, many thanks.
DC
well you are most kind, kind sir! i'm really glad you liked the cd and the bon iver in particular. i was on the fence about including it in my own top-ten but i think it's made the cut. it is a very fine album, in the sense of fine like a spiderweb. it sounds a bit delicate but it's made of strong stuff. wow, i think i'm going to have to put that in my post! : )
Crikey Marcy, that's a Pulitzer price-winning simile, right there.
Marcy, I often leave comments about artists and songs that end up working their way into a post! Random commenting is a great way of clearing your thinking and coming up with the goods.
I don't get Bon Iver though. I've just never been able to get into him.
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