It might have been the title of her second record, but it's here that Clark is truly an actor: on 'Chloe in the Afternoon,' she's a cold-hearted, lusty vixen on the album's title track, she's a vengeful partner-in-crime to a wronged compatriot and on 'Champagne Year,' she's a penitent cynic. Against the minimalism of Strange Mercy, Clark's guitar heroics and knack for subtle arrangements come hurtling into relief, and make her sudden detours into distortion and off-kilter rhythms all the more transfixing. Vincent's Strange Mercy, mere months after it was drowned in a froth of critics' saliva? Annie Clark's third album under the divine moniker is everything fans hoped it might be: as devilishly eccentric as her first record, as dramatic as her second, and with the right mix of studio magic and confidence to make starkness a point of praise.

Thankfully any egregious bravado is tempered by his grounded humbleness, which is a refreshing combination compared to other creative geniuses. It forces the listener to fully consider the scope of Vernon's bizarre and brave artistry. It works both as a brilliant summarizing of affairs ― electronic keyboards, vocal distortion, moody saxophone ― and a warning cry of what's to come. 'Holocene' aches with a similar winter-y feel, but the drum rolls and spare arrangement focus all the attention on Vernon's vocals and the lonely refrain 'I can see for miles, miles, miles.' For all this distress and earnestness though, Vernon's bolstered by some balls, as evidenced by 'Beth/Rest,' the album's last song. The hopeful 'Calgary' starts tranquil and cold, but warms as the layers of drums, guitar and synthesizers crescendo and retreat.

But this time he's armed with fabulous '80s flourishes. His outstanding follow-up reveals that while time (and success) healed certain wounds ― note that his own moniker takes the title (twice!) this time 'round ― our folk-hero is still a fractured soul searching for his place in the world. Bon Iver Bon Iver, Bon Iver (Jagjaguwar)īack in 2008, Justin Vernon, aka Bon Iver, won over hearts by taking the broken pieces of his and turning them into his bedroom-bruised debut For Emma, Forever Ago. Listen to our Best of 2011: Pop & Rock playlist on Rdio by clicking here.ġ.

Bon iver beth rest piano sheet music