| | Full Review | Ratings (52) |
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| 4.5 superb | Kashmir09 | December 9th 09 |
I was originally weary of the track list when I first got this, but after cruising through consistently amazing songs, my worries were rid. 'The Whippgrass' is honestly one of the best Bon Iver/Justin Vernon songs in his whole discography. 'Pier 39' is another contender for that very title, and it's only track two! The album does get a little long in points, and the falsetto background vocals in 'Above The Code' could be described in no other way, than annoying. But some of his most intense songs dwell on this album, as 'Sides' and 'Ring Out' for an amazing one-two punch late in the album, both revolving around religion and Justin's despair and confusion on the topic. Both songs find his voice mimicking a passionate yell by their end, and his vocals are with such melodic conviction that it could warm even the chilliest of hearts. Some of the recordings are sub-par, but that just adds to the intimacy of the record as a whole. 'How Many?' is another dizzying highlight worth mentioning, complete with a subtle, yet respectable guitar solo at the end. Overall an amazing listen, and definitely recommended for a snowy evening to cure those winter blues. Oh and the album's called 'Self Record', I feel like kind of a schmuck "digging" the wrong album title, but oh well, I'm too lazy to add the correct title in the database at the moment. Get this!
2 Bumps | Bump |
| 3.0 good | Thomas S. | September 28th 09 |
The actual title for this is 'Self Record'; it was recorded and released by Justin during 2005 before putting out an album with DeYarmond Edison. Vernon's folk roots are very apparent here, however his neo-soul leanings - which would be further explored in Hazeltons and peak with his current project, Bon Iver - begin to show in many of these songs. An incredibly long album, the bulk of it is taken by long, winding atmospheric tracks that don't really go anywhere. Although this may be frustrating, the persistent listener will find absolute gems between the rough: "Whippgrass", "Ring Out" and "Return to You" are all stand out tracks that are worthy of a listen.
Bump |
| 5.0 classic | Eskate87 | August 24th 09 |
Recently discovered this gem. Only 100 copies hand made by vernon before he made For Emma, Forever Ago. The Whippgrass and Ring Out are classics and are as good as anything Vernon has made to date. Great great record.
Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | JanK | June 2nd 18 |
| 2.0 poor | Alexxx | August 18th 17 |
| 4.1 excellent | Rowan5215 EMERITUS | March 4th 17 |
| 4.0 excellent | Keira | December 26th 15 |
| 3.0 good | Skoj | March 31st 14 |
| 3.5 great | jmh886 | April 24th 13 |
| 5.0 classic | sklart | November 11th 11 |
| 3.0 good | Pagaard | September 10th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | Aikibat | August 13th 11 |
| 4.0 excellent | Lions | November 10th 10 |
| 3.5 great | HeavyB | April 25th 10 |
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