Bon Iver, Decemberists, others nominated for 2012 Grammys

 



This year's Grammy Award nominations have been announced, and among those in the independent circle, Bon Iver came away with four nominations: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, and Best Alternative Music Album. His song "Holocene" receives the nod for both record and song of the year.

A handful of nominations for other independent artists were also included in the list of Grammy candidates. Alongside Bon Iver, The Decemberists picked up nominations for Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song for their track "Down By the Water." Wilco's album The Whole Love was nominated for Best Rock Album.

 

To view the full list of nominees you can check out the entire shortlist here.

Bon Iver and James Blake Collaborate on New Track

On August 17 James Blake's Twitter (@jamesblake) sparked mentions of a collaboration between himself and Bon Iver. BBC Radio 1 had the pleasure of debuting the collaboration August 24. The song "Fall Creek Boys Choir" features the experimental electronica sense of both artists, as the vocals layer into a whirlwind of sultry electronica goodness. The vocals were performed on behalf of Bon Iver with James Blake backing the production aspect of the track. The song will be available for purchase on August 29. You can listen to the collaboration below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aqKA_2UUy4&feature=player_embedded#!

Bon Iver comes back strong with sophomore record

88.1 WKNC’s Pick of the Week 7/7


Coming off of the success of his self-released debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago, Justin Vernon, lead singer of Bon Iver, had a lot to live up to. Where he could have relied solely on the success of his debut, Vernon decided to evolve out of the cold, isolated feelings of the debut, and move into a world of sound that is optimistic yet grounded in reality, and colorful in its production.

The execution of tracks is quintessentially different. While in For Emma, Forever Ago the instrumentals were consistent and to the point, Bon Iver have produced a sound that is complex and varies multiple times within any given track. "Perth," the opener, starts with drums that drive the song forward. Then come along Vernon's vocals that push the forward. Then both come together for what is an extremely powerful moment within the opening track.

Bon Iver's self-titled album is muddled in its beautiful and tragic compositions—the mixture of sounds and paces transforms what could have come off as another tragic album into something that has hints of hope.

Although grounded in reality, the guitars are precise and add a level that compliments the lyrics in ways that introduce overall depth of the record overall. They are precise and the intensity of the guitars alongside the vocals helps dictate the overall feeling of the album.

It is the range within the vocals that also stands out within this work. In songs like Minnesota, WI, Vernon's ability to go from a somewhat unexpected low sound to the normal higher pitch makes a stunning difference in the delivery, and his ability to transition between the two sounds works seamlessly within the emotion Bon Iver projects. While the deeper vocals accentuate this very blunt meaning, the higher vocals emphasize the vulnerability of the subjects in the tracks.

Timing and precision are some of this album's greatest qualities. While in moments that feel similar to the dark and cold Bon Iver of before, Vernon and company construct these little moments that capture everything the listener needs to understand about the emotions that are being expressed, without weighing the listener down.

The perfect example of this comes in "Wash." As the track begins with a very simple piano intro followed by Vernon's vocals, it then picks up additional orchestral elements that fade in and out in a flash. Yet, as they seem to linger in the background, they provide for one of the most piercing moments in the album. The violins provide a brief, striking whirlwind that emotes all of the anxiety that builds up until Vernon sings with appropriate punctuation, "We finally cry."

Even in moments that seem completely unexpected, Bon Iver is able to tap into the dreary themes that won over so many earlier. In the final track "Beth/Rest," all the emotional sadness and intensity of any Bon Iver track are dominated by this 80s sound filled with vocal correction, saxophone and funky synth. However, they are all twisted brilliantly to work well within the arsenal of Bon Iver's catalogue.

If there was one thing that could have potentially got in the way of Vernon and company with their sophomore release, it would have to be the immense hype and anticipation following the critically acclaimed debut. In using the tragic tones of previous works and in expanding the musical arsenal of Bon Iver, Vernon has not only met the benchmark set by his first, but also raised it to a whole new level.

Bon Iver will come to Raleigh July 29 to tour with local band The Rosebuds, at the Raleigh Amphitheater.

88.1 WKNC Pick of the Week is published each week during the summer in the print edition of Technician, as well as online at technicianonline.com and wknc.org.

Sharon Van Etten Signs to Jagjaguwar

The folk songstress Sharon Van Etten, who released her amazing album Epic in 2010, has just been confirmed to sign with Jagjaguwar and leave her previous label Ba Da Bing. Although not much is known about her upcoming album, she will release her third record sometime in early 2012 with her new label. She will be joining an impressive list of artists including Bon Iver who just released their self-titled sophomore album. The new labelmates have worked with each other in the past during Sounds of the South.

Bon Iver slated to stop in Raleigh—and we have tickets!

Live Nation Concerts presents Bon Iver in concert Friday, July 29 at the Raleigh Ampitheater with special guests The Rosebuds. Tickets for Bon Iver at the Raleigh Ampitheater go on sale this Friday, May 13 at 10 a.m. at LiveNation.com, but we have them now! Just be the correct caller when the WKNC DJ asks for it at 860-0881 or 515-2400, and score a pair of tickets to the show. Both bands are supporting new summer albums, so this is definitely an opportunity not to be missed!

And because we love you....

DJ Ones' Five Music Facts from the past week

1. Matt & Kim have announced a massive tour with a show in Carborro at Cats Cradle in October. The duo plans on returning to the area after the band plays several festivals and shows including Lollapalooza.(via Pitchfork)

2. Justin Vernon, more commonly known as Bon Iver, is set to play alongside Megafaun at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham this September. The two acts will collaborate for three nights, and the two plan on holding several conversations at Duke and the surrounding area the week of September 13. (via Triangle Music)

3. Interpol has signed back to Matador records. After releasing their 2007 album Our Love to Admire on Capitol, the band is set to release their album this year on their old record label. (via Paste)

4. Klaxons, who haven't made much noise in the music world since their debut album in 2007, have announced plans to release their sophomore album this fall. The album is entitled Surfing the Void and contains one of the most interesting album covers in recent memory. (via Pitchfork)

5. Dave Sitek is set to record an album alongside Karen O, and it will be released in August. The album is set to have a more dance based feeling. Sitek told NME, "I had total freedom when I was making this record, so when I was recording it, it felt like I was putting everything into one basket and letting it float off into space." (via NME)

DJ Ones' Five Music Facts from the past week

1. Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig has revealed that the inspiration for Vampire Weekend's next album, Contra, comes from both the popular 1987 Konami game and the Nicaraguan rebel groups. He added, "I did have a moment where I stopped and thought, 'wow, everybody my age, when you say "Contra," thinks of the video game, and everybody my parents' age thinks of the counter-revolutionaries in Nicaragua." via (NME)

2. Singer Jarvis Cocker received a honorary degree from his hometown's university, Sheffield Hallam. In regards to receiving the he said, I'm called a doctor now," and, "Don't worry, I won't open a surgery. But I guess if you are a songwriter maybe I could have some kind of musical surgery. via (NME)

3. Animal Collective has revealed plans for their follow up to this year's album "Merriwether Post Pavilion". The five-track EP, which is titled Fall Be Kind, is set to be released for digital download on November 23, with a CD and vinyl version set to be released in December. via (NME)

4. !!! drummer Jerry Fauchs has passed away after an elevator accident in Williamburg, New York. The 34-year-old died after attempting to leap to safety from the elevator to the fifth floor of the building. via (NME)

5. Peter Gabriel (formely of Genesis) is set to have orchestral covers of bands including Bon Iver, Radiohead, and Arcade Fire. Althogh no dates have been officially announced the album is set to release some time next year. via (Pitchfork)

Music for the changing seasons

As the annual and always abrupt North Carolina summer-to-winter jump occurs outdoors, I'm forced to make some adjustments to my closet, as well as to my playlists.

There are some artists I can't help but associate with cold weather. With my scarf collection is Bon Iver's "For Emma, Forever Ago" and "Blood Bank EP," with my winter coat comes Fleet Foxes' "Sun Giant."

And as December creeps closer, I wait as for Santa's Christmas morning arrival to break out Sufjan Stevens' holiday compilation "Songs for Christmas," volumes one through five. These albums go hand in hand with cold weather.

I also look forward to adding to my winter music repertoire. From what I've heard so far, The Swell Season's recent release, "Strict Joy," may be a perfect addition.

What are some of your cold weather favorites in your music collection?

DJ Ones' Five Music Facts from the past week

1. Morrissey made his return to his tour playing at London's Royal Albert Hall on October 27, after his onstage collapse on October 24. The former frontman of The Smiths was taken to the hopsital after he experienced breathing problems and collapsed onstage during the first song of his set at Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon, England. via (NME)

2. Spoon has announced its next album will be released on January 26 and will be entitled Transference. The 11 song trackset includes their latest EP's title song "Got Nuffin". The album will be released in North America by Merge. via (Pitchfork)

3. All of the members of Los Campesinos! have been diagnosed with H1N1 virus. The band announced all its members had been diagnosed via its Twitter account with, "ALL OUR BAND IS BEING DIAGNOSED WITH SWINE FLU" before its show in Leeds, UK. They followed up with, "AND WE HAVE TO GO ONSTAGE IN TWENTY MINUTES!!" The band has no plans to cancel any upcoming shows due to illness. via (NME)

4. The Cribs has released its cover of the Kaiser Chiefs' "Modern Way." The cover, which was initially released as the B-side to its 2005 "Mirror Kissers" is now available for download with the proceeds going to Cash for Kids Action on Neglect Appeal. The organization helps children who have been neglected in the Leeds and West Yorkshire area of the UK, where two of the members are from. via (The Cribs)

5. In another act of goodwill, a charity album which features Arcade Fire, Cat Power, Bon Iver, and Grizzly Bear has raised around $590,160. The album entitled "Dark Was the Night" features more than 31 tracks from various artists and the money raised from the album goes to The Red Hot Organization, which supports HIV/AIDS charities all around the world. via (NME)

WKNC's Top 10 Daytime Albums of '08

WKNC's daytime music directors spent their first week of the new year locked in a room with nothing but a typewriter and 4 cartons of Lucky Strikes.  The result is the list published below of our picks for top albums of '08.

1. Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

2. Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

3. French Kicks - Swimming

4. Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead

5. TV on the Radio - Dear Science

6. Why? - Alopecia

7. Mr. Gnome - Deliver This Creature

8. Hot Chip - Made in the Dark

9. A Faulty Chromosome -as an ex-anorexic's six sicks exit,...

10. Lost in the Trees - All Alone in an Empty House

John Darnielle, Bon Iver, & Alina Simone In USAToday Top 100

Perhaps its time to stop placing Bon Iver and Alina Simone in the Local category, but its not time to stop giving them any attention.   And hey, we can still call John Darnielle our own right?  All three cracked the top 100 of USATodays Pop Candy 2008 People of the Year poll, compiled by Whitney Matheson.

The purpose of USAToday's Pop Candy is to "unwrap pop culture's hip and hidden secrets."  No secret to us or our listeners though, these three can all claim some citizenship to WKNC and the Triangle.

Bon Iver (aka Justin Vernon) comes from DeYarmond Edison, transplanted band from Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  Vernon left the band a year after moving to Raleigh, and Megafaun was born of the remaining members (Brad and Phil Cook, and Joe Westerlund).  We are still thanking Justin for that, and also for his latest release For Emma, Forever Ago which has scorched the airwaves all over America in the past year (I still listen to "Blindsided" about once a day).  Matheson put the band at #88 on her list with the kind words:

"The band, led by singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, transfixed fans of all ages with a winning debut, For Emma, Forever Ago, and must-see live performances. "

Look for Bon Iver's Blood Bank EP to hit the shelves January 20th (if you havnt already gotten an illegal copy that seems to have found its way to every wanna-be pirate website on the net- just google it).

Alina Simone claims to preside in Brooklyn, but we in North Carolina know better.  Her unique brand of alternative folk/indie/ukrainish-punk (whatever it is) can be heard many times live throughout the Triangle during any given year.  Lets all convince her to just move down permanently.  Matheson made her #83 on the list saying:

"It's true that I can't decipher what Simone sings on her latest record, Everyone is Crying Out to Me Beware. But the singer's emotions come through on this powerful tribute to Russian punk/folk musician Yanka Dyagileva. "

Not familiar with John Darnielle?  How about the Mountain Goats?  Thats what I thought.  Darnielle concieved the Durham based band in 1991 while in college in California.  Interestingly enough, he didn't make Matheson's list for his music, but rather for his book Master of Reality.  He is #79 on the list:

"While he's best known for his band, The Mountain Goats, this year the musician grabbed my attention with his book about Black Sabbath's Master of Reality. Instead of delivering a dry history of the record for Continuum's 33 1/3 series, he penned a moving, fictional account of a metal-loving teen trapped in a mental hospital. By the end, readers get a sense of why the music matters -- and feel an overwhelming urge to spin some Sabbath."

Matheson forgot to mention that Darnielle used to work as a psychiatric nurse.

As of today, there are still 50 more spots to go, and while I normally disregard polls such as this, its always nice to find those North Carolina gems getting some hard earned recgonition.  So congrats!