The four song Blood Bank collection continues down the path forged by 2008’s critically acclaimed For Emma, Forever Ago. While still tied to the identity of the place where it was born, Bon Iver is no longer an unplanned entity synonymous with Justin Vernon. It is an idea, a place and sentiment that has now become as international as it is timeless.
From the title track’s remembrance of the winter warmth we seek, to the summer love tribute of b-side gem “Babys,” Bon Iver’s snow-blanketed harmonies live across the seasons. Still, there is a reverence for sabbatical, solitude and the winding down of time. As much as Emma is about the cold, the Blood Bank collection is about the warmth that gets you through it. You can feel the air move. Like a fire you’ve been stoking for hours and finally got to sustain itself, the heat blisters your face while your back is frozen solid.
Bon Iver has grown to include more than what was available at the much-fabled Wisconsin cabin, such as piano, slide guitar, and vocoder. As Justin layers on harmonies in the meditative R&B a capella “Woods”, he declares “I’m building a still to slow down the time.” It is as poetic as it is necessary. Both expansive and intimate, these four songs explore the darker and lighter natures of the seasons and what they signify, and offer a dynamic glimpse into the natural energy and refined craftsmanship that characterize Justin Vernon’s music.
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Blood Bank4:45Lyrics
well I met you at the blood bank, we were looking at the bags
wondering if any of the colors matched any of the names we knew on the tags
you said “see look it, that’s yours. stacked on top with your brother’s
see how they resemble one another’s, even in their plastic little covers”
and I said I know it well
that secret that you know, that you don’t know how to tell
it fucks with your honor and it teases your head
but you know that it’s good girl, cause it’s running you with red
then the snow started falling, we were stuck out in your car
you were rubbing both my hands, chewing on a candy bar
you said “ain’t this just like the present, to be showing up like this?!”
as the moon waned to crescent, we started to kiss
and I said I know it well
that secret that we know, that we don’t know how to tell
I’m in love with your honor, I’m in love with your cheeks
what’s that noise up the stairs, babe? is that christmas morning creaks?
I know it well
Beach Baby2:40Lyrics
when you’re out, tell your lucky one to know that you’ll leave.
but don’t you lock when you’re fleeing
I’d like not to hear keys
only hold till your coffee warms,
but don’t hurry and speed.
once a time put a tongue in your ear on the beach
and you clutched
kicking heels
Babys4:43Lyrics
summer comes
to multiply,
to multiply!
summer comes
to multiply,
to multiply!
and I...
I’m the Carnival of Peace
I’ll probably start a fleet
with no apologies
and the Carnival of Scenes...
it grows more and more appealing
but my woman and I...
my woman and I know what we’re for
summer comes
to multiply,
to multiply!
summer comes
to multiply,
to multiply!
Woods4:45Lyrics
I’m up in the woods
I’m down on my mind
I’m building a still
to slow down the time
Justin VernonComposer, Engineer
Mark PaulsonEngineer, Nylon Guitar
Lauren HudginsPhotography
Ashley FarlandPhotography
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