Oh the places you will go, Justin Vernon.  

What started as a small project – under the moniker Bon Iver – in a isolated cabin located in the north woods of Wisconsin has led to Vernon selling thousands of albums, headlining festivals, and smoking the stickiest of the icky with hip-hop goliaths Rick Ross and Kanye West in Hawaii.  Add in various musical endeavors with Volcano Choir and Gayngs, and you’d have to suspect Vernon has accomplished more than he ever envisioned when he was heartbroken in Wisconsin.  

His second full-length album, Bon Iver, Bon Iver is the result of these experiences.  A more confident and trusting Vernon is present here, as he is armed with a remarkably talented full band instead of the minimalist approach he used on the debut. Together they have composed the most remarkable album of 2011.  

Bon Iver seem to be a bit confused. Stepping out of the wintry woods and into the hot spotlight can have that effect. 

Following what has become the most infamous period of isolation since Thoreau and his picturesque pond, neo-soul man Justin Vernon has seen his debut full-length, For Emma, Forever Ago, transition from word-of-mouth exchange in 2007 to official label release on Jagjaguwar Records in 2008. The album’s brilliantly simple honesty and chilling atmospheres have captured the hearts and ears of listeners across the country, both fans and critics alike. To call For Emma, Forever Ago a success would severely understate its impact. Bon Iver have been swept up in a maelstrom of radio interviews, in-studio recordings (including Daytrotter and Myspace Transmission sessions), and tour dates with Swedish acoustic artist The Tallest Man on Earth. If AP.net fervor is your measure of achievement, then it’s also important to note that Bon Iver’s gem finished at number seven on the staff’s compiled list of The Best of 2008 and featured prominently in many staff members’ and users’ lists as well. Suffice it to say, 2008 was a pretty bang-up year for Bon Iver.