Dad Reacts to Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

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Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
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For Emma, Forever Ago is the debut studio album by American indie folk band Bon Iver. It was first self-released in July 2007, and later saw wide release on the Jagjaguwar label in February 2008. The album is principally the work of singer-songwriter Justin Vernon. While living in Raleigh, North Carolina, Vernon fell ill with mononucleosis and a liver infection, and grew frustrated with his songwriting and life. He left Raleigh and drove to his father's remote hunting cabin an hour northwest of his hometown, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, hoping to be alone.
The album was recorded at the cabin between late 2006 to early 2007. Vernon abandoned his old songwriting methods and instead focused on wordless melodies that he later set to words, which he felt evoked a more subconscious meaning. The record's lyrical subjects include lost love and mediocrity. His folk-infused songs include heavy choral arrangements, featuring Vernon's falsetto, and horns. He hunted his own food and spent much of his time isolated. Though he did not intend to make an album, he received strong encouragements from friends and decided to self-release For Emma, Forever Ago in July 2007. After several performances and online exposure, he was signed to Jagjaguwar later that year.
For Emma, Forever Ago attracted wide acclaim from music critics, achieving a spot on dozens of end-of-the-year lists, as well as several awards. It became a major commercial success for Jagjaguwar, an independent label, and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for combined sales, streaming and track-sales equivalent of over one million units. "Skinny Love" became the album's best-performing single and also went gold. Vernon gathered together several musicians to form a band to tour with. The album's touring cycle lasted two years, ending in late 2009, and visited several countries and music festivals worldwide. In 2020, it was ranked 461 on Rolling Stone's list of the greatest albums of all time.

[@tailgaters1284]

An interesting idea would be having your dad choose some of his favourite albums and having you react to it in the same format

[@marcusmccraney3333]

i’ve been thinking this ^^

[@yeekski]

he's probably already listened to his dad's favorite music considering how music centric his dad is and how much he seems to love music

[@danieljames412]

Yes, turn the tables as it were 😅

[@collinbeal]

@@yeekski yeah my dad is into music, and there's no music he likes that I haven't been introduced to.

[@Camothor10]

He probably grew up with all that music though so cant see that that would work

[@Middle8]

Justin had friends add trumpet and trombone to "For Emma" after coming home from the cabin.

[@oxymoron9097]

This is definitely a winter album

[@DJKuroh]

It always felt like the start or end of winter, with a little snow on the ground, versus like deep 3-feet mountain winter, to me.

[@oxymoron9097]

@@DJKuroh rightt

[@adamnordmark7709]

You're totally right. Bon Iver has made 4 albums, and each of them follow a certain season, this one being Winter.

[@subwoofer7302]

@@adamnordmark7709 What albums are the other season?

[@lauriewhittaker]

@@subwoofer7302 for Emma is winter, bon iver is spring, 22 a million is summer, i,i is fall/autumn

[@Middle8]

That stuttering string in "Flume" is him using an E-bow. A key-fob sized device that magnetically throws/vibrates the string. Probably something you'd find in the bottom of a musician's backpack but it makes that track.

[@r3dsnow757]

Middle8 with the amazing insights and explanations again! Loved your video on TBHC and the Bon iver one!

[@erikamundson2507]

Shout out

[@abangwu]

fancy finding you here @middle8

[@saroachman]

as someone who bought an ebow a couple years ago, I never related more to a statement

[@MobbareKurtz]

Also well used by Radiohead on songs like Iron Lung and Nude

[@spicoli4217]

This is my comedown album after anything rough happens or shakes me up in life. Beautiful record

[@samwilkins6768]

FR!

[@sarah-anneperry6932]

YES me too

[@yeekski]

thought u meant like lsd or mushrooms

[@crossoldwasp39]

This! (and, Novo Amor - Cannot Be, Whatsoever)

[@horubeeevans]

nice profile pic

[@greyscale2539]

Justin Vernon is one the greatest artists of this Generation, hands down.

[@saycheesealex2726]

No one comes close. I consider him of of the best recording artist of all time.

[@hobbes8737]

i thought the same till his newer music came out. i cant even listen to it . and i consider his first 2 albums some of the greatest albums of all time

[@James-yf6bd]

@@hobbes8737 ratio

[@romanspataro1688]

@@saycheesealex2726 exactly

[@JohnDoe-vb2mm]

@@hobbes8737I see where you’re coming from but 22 a million has some of his best songs

[@bennyt4840]

This album never fails to make me feel completely isolated.

[@rosalie9954]

'For all your lies you're still very lovable' the most beautiful line

[@subiout]

This was my dad's favorite album that we would listen to all the time. Sadly he passed away a month ago. thank you for this video

[@johanR5183]

Hope you're doing okay bro 🖤

[@vistapus]

Sending you lots of love my man

[@nemo2327]

Sending you love. He'll be watching over you

[@lucasmalachias]

sorry for your loss.

[@wolfborn4967]

Hope you're doing well 💗

[@milespaget3229]

For Emma is one of the most beautiful records I've ever heard. Truly encompasses sorrow and the longing for a feeling of love.

[@GonzaloAros]

as Justin once said “Emma is a place that you get stuck in. Emma's a pain that you can't erase.” and this album feels like this. It was a spectacular reaction. Thanks!

[@Middle8]

Bon Iver da🐐no 🧢

[@luked6286]

Earned a subscriber with this comment haha

[@alewhois]

can someone explain this? haha

[@nicolasviaje7159]

Fleet Foxes self-titled is a must now. A big inspiration to the artists you were naming.

[@justinhughees]

This would be amazing!

[@Nikelaos_Khristianos]

Yes. ☺️ Gosh, Fleet Foxes... 💙

[@Saraah4]

this!!!

[@JoshHitti]

💯 agreed

[@_CoasterNinja]

I concur! All the albums, not just the s/t.

[@Kzd13355]

If there was one album I wish I could experience with my dad, it would be this one. I have yet to find an album that gives me this certain feeling this one does. My father decided to leave when I was 7 and ever since I started watching your channel I feel as if it’s helping me heal and gain some of the experiences I never had. Thanks guys and keep up the amazing content

[@moisesaguilar6575]

Lucky my dad left so I really can’t do that

[@bienvenumyriel7233]

This comment actually made me realise the reason I like these videos so much is maybe because I miss my dad and their relation is somehow cathartic. My father died 7 years ago! Great videos anyways!

[@vincemasauding6487]

You might want to give Coldplay's album named Parachutes a try :)

[@buccosboy2231]

I listened to this album for the first time when I was dealing with a lot of anxiety. I started going on nightly walks and found that having a new album to listen to every night helped me to have a sense of stability and control in my day. One of those nights, I played this, and it started to rain. I went back into my car and listened through the album while the rain poured down. I’ll never forget the peace I felt during that first listen. Those walks and album listens are what really sparked my love for wholistic albums, and For Emma Forever Ago, will always be an album I associate with that time.

[@Unherist]

Thanks for sharing. Hope you're doing ok now. ❤️

[@godspeedzzz1]

@@Unheristyou’re a great person we need more people like you

[@watermelon-]

Here are the timestamps - 00:37 - Flume 02:58 - Lump Sum 05:19 - Skinny Love 07:38 - The Wolves (Act I and II) 10:01 - Blindsided 11:53 - Creature Fear + Team 14:56 - For Emma 18:49 - Re: Stacks

[@NadXCII]

so fast

[@melik5455]

thank you

[@Lellos_]

lump sump

[@watermelon-]

Haha, I'll edit it out - I did it in a hurry

[@meagan4605]

Over the summer, I got to see Bon Iver live. During the encore, he played "re: Stacks" and let me tell you, the crowd, after a few excited gasps, was so silent you could hear a pin drop. They got their phone flashlights out, too. It was such a beautiful moment.

[@BloggerMusicMan]

Were you at the show in Lewiston by off chance? He played Re:Stacks during the encore there and it was magical.

[@meagan4605]

@@BloggerMusicMan I was, yes! My friend and I were at the top of the hill, right smack in the center. If you heard someone shouting excitedly during "Yi" and "iMi", that was me lol

[@BloggerMusicMan]

@@meagan4605 Nice to have unconsciously run into you. :) I wasn't that far from you. I was around the top-centre of the hill too. I don't consciously recall someone yelling during those songs specifically (though they are very good songs), but i was with two friends and we all had a nice time. Glad to meet someone who felt the same way. :) We came from Canada to see the show. It was my first time in Lewiston. It has a lot of the beauty of Niagara-on-the-Lake, but that town doesn't have the beautiful state park and concert venue. :) Are you from the area?

[@lucasfourniermusic]

@@BloggerMusicMannot to intrude but I was also at that show and I’m from Canada! I was pretty close up and it was absolutely incredible. My two favourite BI songs are Beth/Rest and 8 (Circle) which they almost never play live, but they played BOTH at that show. Absolutely stunning.

[@meagan4605]

@@BloggerMusicMan Lewiston is gorgeous, I love the whole cozy vibe of it. It's beautiful in the nighttime especially. I'm from further south (twenty minutes from Buffalo) but I go to college up in Niagara Falls.

[@kquinn1030]

Re: Stacks will forever be a song that transports me to different moments in my life. 15 years and hundreds of listens later, I still can't hear it without fully drifting into it.

[@cas8612]

re:stacks is one of my favorite songs of all time. Literally flawless

[@ilikemilkshake22]

I don't really care if it's apocryphal or not, but listening to this album with the story in mind of his breakup, him disappearing to a cabin in the woods and creating this absolute masterpiece will never not be incredible to me

[@Gerry_Hannan]

Love this album. It’s so comforting but so sad at the same time. The perfect winter album in my opinion

[@Christina-fk5do]

This album almost has to be listened to in order and in one sitting. I listened to this so much in high school and I will never get tired of it. The little pitter patter in the pause before that second explosion of sound in Creature Fear is my favorite part of the whole album. I subscribed to your patreon last night to see this whole video uncut and I am so glad I did. Pleeeease do consider listening to his self titled album at some point. I think it would be a great opportunity for Kevin to hear Justin’s voice in a way that’s not quite as manipulated as it is in 22, A Million but not exactly as raw as it is in For Emma.

[@zach.hanford]

This album does things to me that no other album ever has. The overwhelmingly beautiful melancholy hits like a freight train. And it keeps aging like fine wine, becoming more relevant as I age and experience more of the hardships of life.

[@ninxq4980]

This album is probably my favourite of all time, it's so special to me because of it's rawness and pure emotion. I can only imagine how Justin felt making this record.

[@ceejundersiege]

This album always keeps me level. To end the record with "Re: Stacks" is painful, but it's the right amount of pain. Love this react and love y'all.

[@moomax8649]

Its almost a comforting pain right? Like I get a sense of hope

[@ceejundersiege]

@@moomax8649 Absolutely! It's a longing that really bleeds (ha) right into the Blood Bank EP and their second full-length.

[@taylorvansickle8928]

This is the same for me man. This song in particular always destroys me. Levels me every time. Completely humbling. I think it must be how married the music and lyrical content are. The sentiment is so honest. It's catharsis, acceptance and release. 'It's the sound of the unlocking and the lift away"

[@Gabriel_Alex]

Bon Iver music heals the soul

[@austinchampion4041]

One of my favorite albums of all time, reminds me of when I went to Alaska

[@luquiqs496]

I saw him live in november and instead of having a huge climactic encore he just came back without his band and performed re:stacks for like ten minutes and it’s genuinely one of the most beautiful things to happen to me ever

[@cdnz0424]

YESSSSS ANOTHER BON IVER ALBUM THANK YOU GUYS

[@Onewholovesrock]

This is one of my favorite albums. I myself live in a small house out in the woods here in Wisconsin. This album sounds like home. Especially in the cold fall/winter/spring months.

[@greyscale2539]

I also see the self titled in the background so can't wait for that.

[@DivvyDeluxe]

It's been about 11 years of constantly revisiting this album whenever shit hits the fan or my mental health wavers. The story, the sound, the person, it all fits together to craft an experience when listened to in its entirety.

[@eilamlam]

This album is a perfect 10 and I don't think anything else needs to be said.

[@blakegass1001]

My wife and I were lucky enough to catch him on his last tour and I involuntarily started crying when he played Lump Sum. Such a beautiful work of art.

[@xapradnz]

Oh man OUT OF NOWHERE, it is just my favorite album off al time

[@BloggerMusicMan]

This album is really special. You know a piece of music is special when it has the feeling of perfectly encapsulating a certain feeling or mood. Erik Satie encapsulated melancholy in the Gymnopedies, and I think Bon Iver encapsulated a certain kind of being lost on this album. I also love your dad's reaction as well. He understands it.

[@wade7198]

this album is so beautiful love seeing kevin react to these amazing albums

[@edcady-ross9858]

This record is stunning and probably one of the best indie folk records of all time

[@TheMrbreezy93]

My favorite album of all time. Thank you so much for this.

[@user-bv7jc]

I always go back to his first two albums whenever I just don't know what the hell to listen to and I wanna chill. Bon Iver - Bon Iver is my favourite

[@robinhosking7311]

The timing of this video is so weird. I literally bought this album today at my local record shop, could not wait to get home and listen to it. Played it all the way through then switched to watching youtube and low and behold your video 🤯 love it ❤

[@littleolbear]

One of my all time favorites. Such a beautiful album.

[@sjeanmacleod]

I got this masterpiece on vinyl for Christmas. Wonderful

[@Luna-rh5fb]

This album changed my life. Justin Vernon is a genius and capable of always getting to the bone of emotion with his music.

[@tobyrainsford365]

This album is magnificant. Some of the faster, louder and more upbeat songs around the middle just make me appreciate the slower ones that come before and after. I will always listen to this album from start to finish like it was meant to be.

[@kestralbossard-kruger3088]

this album has gotten me through some really rough times recently

[@diegoebustamante]

This is so interesting to watch your father analyze all of this and understand it’s depth. I would love to watch him do a book review

[@TheGobbit]

An all time favourite. Captures the feeling of isolation perfectly. Looking forward to the reaction.

[@frostvg1535]

This is my favourite and will always be my favourite album, the way he is able to express so much emotion through this project is insane. Such an incredible piece of work!

[@philosophicaloli8954]

So pleased you’re revisiting Bon Iver, following the albums through chronologically makes a big difference. Great work as always!

[@johnguerrero8473]

BEEN WAITING FOR THIS

[@willgardner151]

This was the first album I had in my car when I passed my test at 17. It reminds so clearly of feeling free and hopeful but also scared whilst winding through the country lanes in Gloucestershire and Wales. Thanks for reacting to it guys, was a fun trip.

[@cyno562]

what an album, i forget it exist at times and everytime i come back its so much sweeter then before. has definetly tought me not too continously relisten to an albums i enjoy despite the urge to hit repeat for 7 days straight

[@yungbruhsiplean]

so happy you guys did this

[@greenky22]

Love that you showed him this album!! ❤️❤️

[@samanthawoodcock8135]

I just found you guys today and THIS is my all time favorite album. It’s next level. I have the lyrics tattooed on me and I am obsessed with Justin Vernon. This is the way to experience him!!

[@kime7518]

Man, every time I watch one of your videos I automatically have to listen to the entire album on my own. Album is incandescently beautiful ❤

[@Luke-we9oh]

One of my favourite albums, so glad your dad enjoyed it

[@syrnin]

i literally just relistened to this randomly yesterday. i love yall ❤️

[@joeljob6037]

Damn loved his reaction to this one!!! Makes me even more excited for him to hear self titled! How I would love to hear Perth for the first time again

[@theshazzy]

This album means so much me. Thank you for sharing.

[@deatharm]

this album changed me im so happy you guys made this video

[@xTechHockey]

Such a great album

[@the4thdwnqb646]

Pretty certain he used his old HS band class to get horns in “For Emma”

[@the4thdwnqb646]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqnLe2SkfZ6WeNUsi=ZXnVtpyOPQf8l2Lt

[@caimoriarty9004]

Dudeeeesss I just started listening to this album for the first time properly, and it’s inspiring me a wholeeee lot atm, thank you guys, this is one of those destinyesque moments, love x

[@alfredoestevez8950]

YES!!! This album is so special to me. Glad to share this moment with you guys 🙌🏽

[@aidendominguez269]

YOOOOOOOOO IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOERVER AGOOI

[@collinbeal]

Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief did the same thing when she broke up with her girlfriend, most likely inspired by this album. Her two albums, "songs" and "instrumentals", from this time are beautiful. Biggg recommend. She was already no stranger to letting ambient sounds into ger music, as her previous solo EP, "abysskiss", had dishes being washed in the background of "from", as well as other ambient noise across the album. When it's the forest's birds and the wind and the chimes, though, the soundscape becomes breathtaking. I think more folk music should be recorded in remote cabins.

[@colinmcevoy9787]

Amazing album. Saw them perform this live as only a 3 piece in a tiny little venue with bout 100 people. One of the best gigs I've ever seen.

[@HaleyJeanASMR]

one of the best albums ever!! so specific and special. loved this reaction

[@aidscamel4025]

Incredible album.

[@BrokenPapilioGlaucus]

Love your reactions! Can’t wait to see you listening to the Self titled album, as that was my introduction to Bon Iver it’ll always have a very strong place in my heart

[@nfd4327]

Been waiting for this one

[@rest4x]

Oh my goodness, I can’t wait to watch this. One of my favorite albums of all time - I have a tattoo of the black crow w/keys from Re:stacks, and it’s far and away my most played song over the last ~5 years. I could talk about that one song for an hour. Thanks for this.

[@TheFrazerlove]

One of the greatest albums. This helped me through a lot of hard times when it first came out.

[@JoshHitti]

Man, I’ve listened to this album hundreds of times and don’t see myself stopping. Close to perfection.

[@themaysonbrown]

Wasn't in a good place and really needed something tonight. Thank you for this.

[@fernandogonzalez-by1jf]

Oh my god I’ve been waiting for you guys to react to this album!! Finally!!

[@MichaelWooley]

One of my all time favorites. Can’t wait to watch

[@Yeetminn]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this one.

[@drunkencontender7140]

i really like the lighting in this episode!

[@chrisbrochu3663]

I was going back to the earlier videos I can tell how much the production quality of these videos has improved, mainly the lighting it feels so lush in this video

[@teo5358]

Thank you for doing this Album! It is my favorite album of all time!!

[@muzzap21]

This is so strange I've been listening to this on repeat recently. I always go back to it when I'm going through a tough time. Who says wallowing is bad for you!? ❤️

[@pmfbeats8603]

finally, I was waiting for this

[@theimh]

y’all have to do bon iver, bon iver

[@audr3yaudr3y]

this is THE album. thank you for this. i love watching people experience this.

[@cadenbenton6235]

Man, two amazing and some of my favorite albums I love back to back

[@Synebon]

MORE BON IVER YES TYSM I LOVE YALL

[@Synebon]

also it's the season for for emma, as it's the album representing winter, so happy yall got to it when you did :))

[@JacobClements]

I'd really love to see your reactions to all of the Bon Iver studio records!

[@cdt_3]

YES, this is one of my favorite albums ever and my first thought when I subbed to you guys was that you had to listen to this

[@dyangruber8441]

The way that listening to this album every single day in 8th grade probably did irreparable damage to my psyche

[@JJ-gh2is]

Great vid - hope you eventually follow up with their self-titled album. I think it’s the perfect blend of the best aspects of Bon Iver

[@kneely9603]

I love this album. I’m so glad you guys reacted to it.

[@Twpg204]

All the nostalgic feels

[@fayetopias]

so glad y’all listened to this! thank you

[@a.maskil9073]

YESSSSSS! So glad you did this.

[@a.maskil9073]

I think the full album is best experienced in a dark room in bed though. My and my best friend just listened and closed our eyes about a year ago and put it on the speaker. Was a really fun experience.

[@muzzap21]

This album is truly brilliant. ❤️

[@jirijuas95]

My favourite record of all times, I'm so happy you're reacting to this

[@nemo2327]

This album is like a warm blanket. thanks for shedding light on it