I have been inspired. This is not the first time I have been inspired by Andrew Heffner, but this time it is due to his recent posts over at sonicarch.com. Reading his thoughts have made me want to share mine again. Also, please read Cynicism vs Sincerity in the Music of Bon Iver. GREAT article.

Like many, For Emma, Forever Ago by Bon Iver has made my list of top albums since it came out in 2008. It’s creator, Justin Vernon, released his latest album under Bon Iver this past Tuesday, titled Bon Iver. I’ve had it’s pre-release for a bit and, honestly, was having trouble falling in love with it. (If you are unfamiliar with For Emma, Forever Ago, here is a small taste).

I have a self diagnosed issue with sophomore releases. This is true especially in the case where an artist has redefined music listening for me. Justin Vernon’s layered falsetto, soft horns, and basic rhythms redefined my understanding of ‘sadness through music’. I think when I get so emotionally invested in an album it is the songs themselves that I grow attachments to, the words, melodies, arrangements… not the artist. Though Justin Vernon was the creator of For Emma, Forever Ago, his second release, Bon Iver had to compete with himself the same way any other band’s new album would. I have had this issue before (Aquaduct and Clap Your Hands Say Yeah come to mind).

When I first started listening to Bon Iver there were moments of resentment, a kind of guilt, as I was betraying my original love. These feelings are normal with a followup and I have learned to subdue them and just keep listening. As you listen more you will gain that familiarity and recognition with the new songs. But it just wasn’t happening. I knew I wanted to love the new album, all of the components of music that I enjoy were there. If you have every REALLY fallend for an album you know this feeling. It’s the difference between love and appreciation. I appreciated it, but had not transitioned to love. I believe this transition is out of our control and often times happens for no reason.

The “power of live” took hold when I finally caught Bon Iver on The Colbert Report playing Calgary. I have found that this transition from appreciation to love can be made from experiencing a live performance. It often forces you to hear a song differently every time you listen to it afterwards. This was the hickory switch to my backside. It wasn’t much. It wasn’t an intimate performance at the Crowley Theater. It was just a 4 minute internet video at 3:42pm on a Tuesday afternoon.

I had a similar experience in April when I caught The Decemberists at Calvin College. I had been listening to their opener Justin Townes Earl for a few months and though I wanted to find love… the transition was never made. The power of live did it for me and I have been a hearty Justin Townes Earl listener since (Treme helped).

Another example is The Tallest Man on Earth album Shallow Grave. Here is the song that I tried to love. Here is the live version that made my transition from appreciation to love.

I guess my point is… Let’s please not forget the power of live. Lets remember that the transcendent ability of live performances is one of many reasons why high prices, Ticketmaster hassles, long trips, cold lines, over-priced drinks, hot stuffy amphitheaters (or sometimes a 4 minute internet video of the aforementioned frustrations) are all worthwhile.

So for any who have not heard this band before, I just introduced you to your new favorite band. For everyone else, aren’t they fabulous!? The Midnight Organ Fight is my most prized album right now, a definite contender for my number one Album of 2008.

The band’s lyrics are highly notable. They push emotive longing, emptiness and fear to new levels. Scott Hutchison pours out his soul in raw lyrical feuds, accenting their strengths: pounding beats, soaring vocals and powerful guitar riffs. No one could expect one with his voice to play so perfectly with the lyrical depth and musical magnitude expressed on each track (his scottish accent helps). I can’t rave enough about how amazing my journey through this album has been these past few weeks.

Also, I am excited to announce that I will be in Chicago this Thursday to see them live. They are playing with the French-Kicks who I really dislike ever since their horrible performance at Calvin with the Decemberists. But do not fret, Frightened Rabbit will be worth all of the bustle. If you are interested we are leaving at 5:00pm and will be home later than 2:00pm. Everyone is welcome. I know I know, this will make work the next day tough, but it will be well worth it, trust me.

I am in love with every track on this album so choosing these are hard, but to prove that I’m not just crazy, here are two great songs that I think most encompasses their sound. So give them your deserved attention (and buy their CD from emusic or insound) because they deserve it. You can also listen to more Frightened Rabbit at their Myspace.

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Click on image to view larger. You can see Bill, Matt and a little of Reggie in the back.

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