New Bon Iver - "Blood Bank" (Live)
Through all the nights I've spent with Bon Iver over the past year, somehow I've never brushed up against the band while they were in a roadtesting mood. Last night Dodge at My Old Kentucky Blog did, though, catching two new songs: "Blood Bank" and the yes-it's-spelled-this-way "Babys." And it turns out someone's had "Blood Bank" on YouTube since the band's show in Montreal earlier this summer. It sounds like what you'd expect from a guy who's recently started writing again while not locked in a cabin, and with a band around: like it was meant to command a crowd from the very start, and with a band around.
Nice song. People are amazed at Bon Iver's ascent, but it's simple: when he sings, you can feel it. Whenever we come across "Babys," you'll know. Lots happening for Mr. Vernon -- from producing the long awaited Land Of Talk full-length to other promising rumblings not confirmed to the point of "official news" just yet -- so while it may be awhile before we hear a For Emma follow-up, there's little doubt it'll be worth the time spent holding steady.
[Pic from Fork Fest '08]
UPDATE: Here's the studio version:
Bon Iver - "Blood Bank" (MP3)
Enjoy.
Posted at 11:16 AM by amrit in Video
Tags: Bon Iver
I saw this guy open for wilco. He explained several times how his bands name is pronounce "BONE EEE VAR" or something.
Anyways, I don't want to lie and say I found the show worthwhile.
Wilco on the other hand...
Score = -7
He came to my tiny Christian liberal arts college last semester. I was too busy writing a paper about rats to go to it. I regret that decision quite a bit.
Score = 0
does this sound like john mayer or is it just me?
Score = -6
sounds like could be a neil young riff. nice.
Score = 1
yeah, it's just you.
this DOES sound pretty dull, unfortunately.
Score = -4
Go go /MEGAFAUN\ ! >> http://stereogum.com/archives/band-to-watch/band-to-watch-megafaun_008106.html
Score = 0
it's a decent song. it sounds better in the flesh though. the video doesn't do the song much justice.
Score = 1
meh it's decent, but definitely not as good as anything off For Emma. and he needs to loose the tank tops. please.
Score = 1
"other promising rumblings not confirmed to the point of "official news" just yet"
That's kind of like when someone says something to the tune of, "I have to tell you something... oh, wait... nevermind, I can't..." Prettttttttty Pretttttttttttty gaaay.
Score = -3
I just urinated liquid excitement (also known as the fluids in one of those "Gushers" chews) at the thought of the Bon Iver fucking follow-up album.
Score = 3
nice
Score = -1
He played the same two new ones in Columbus. I thought they sounded great. From the full review: "Both featured Vernon on the keys instead of guitar. “Babies” was a slow burner built around a repeated keyboard melody, dynamically adding more instruments as it developed. There was no verse, no chorus, just mood. Really lovely. “Blood Bank” was a rocker that found Vernon ditching his trademark falsetto for some deep, blue-eyed soul."
http://juststandingthere.blogspot.com/2008/08/bon-iver-bowerbirds-wexner-center.html
Score = 2
I was at this show (in MTL), and it was INCREDIBLE. This video does no justice to how incredibly powerful the show was, how raw the performance was, and how fantastic the new material is. It isn't really fair to judge a song based on a YouTube video shot with a point-and-shoot.
Seriously, ever so worthwhile. nothing dull OR John Mayer-esque about it.
Score = 2
I didn't enjoy blood bank when i heard it live in portland. It started powerfully, but settled for coldplay when it could've been much more (the bridge was fantastic). babys was indeed lovely. certainly it's a matter of preference but i wouldn't mind if he kept writing songs while locked away in a cabin.
Score = 1
Maybe I'm a little easier to please than most (although I would beg to differ), but I think this is awesome.
Score = 1
The "blood bank" was jammed in Boston as well. We also got a cover tune from the early 80's / 90's experimental group, Talk Talk:
http://hip2besquare.net/2008/08/05/bon-iver-museum-of-fine-arts-remis-auditorium-boston-ma-72508/
Score = -1
I love the song and it is great live, but it starts of to a sound similar to that "constant craving"
Score = 0
woo I shot this video. Sorry for the shitty quality, I shot it with my cell phone. The video doesn't really do the song justice. It is much better live, that is for sure. Hope you enjoy it nonetheless.
My review of the show is located here:
http://themiddledistancerunner.wordpress.com/2008/07/24/bon-iver-live-at-cabaret-music-hall-montreal-july-23-2008/
Score = 0