Bon Iver, the quirky band with the funny name, is hotter than ever. The band cleaned up at the Grammy’s this year, winning best new artist and best alternative music album. They were also nominated for song and record of the year, for their song “Holocene” off their self-titled second album.

The album Bon Iver was released on June 21, 2011, and since then, the band has gained the respect of critics and fans alike.  This could be due to a slip-up that made the album available for download on iTunes about a month before its scheduled release.  It was soon removed but not before being downloaded by dozens of fans, old and new.  (Wikipedia.com)

After the Grammys, hearing the name (pronounced Bon-ee-vare) was nearly inescapable. I had decided to find out what all of the fuss was about and purchased the album. Even listening to just one song, I was mystified by lead singer Justin Vernon’s unique voice. It provides a haunting presence to each song.  Grammy nominated track, “Holocene” stuck out immediately as one of my favorites. The lyrics set a melancholy tone but it is sung so beautifully that you can’t help but be carried away.

“The title is a metaphor for when you’re not doing well. But it’s also a song about redemption and realizing that you’re worth something; that you’re special and not special at the same time,” said Vernon of the song (Wikipedia.com). Other tracks I recommend are Perth and Michicant; the mix of soft guitars and horns make for an intriguing sound.

Bon Iver is a band with a wonderful sound and brilliant lyrics, so if you’re into folk or acoustic genres of music, then they are definitely a band worth checking out.