new: Bon Iver EP

"Forever Ago"

It's been over a year since Justin Vernon self-released the phenomenal For Emma, Forever Ago and alot has changed since his first NYC appearance. A lot. First off, Bon Iver sold out two nights at the legendary Town Hall, and tickets are going for over $150 on Craigslist (!). Luckily for the Brooklyn faithful, Bon Iver added a third date at Music Hall, which sold out in 13 minutes (but we got ours). Now, our good friend and west coast correspondent Dura notifies us that JagJaguwar has a webpage for a CDEP/12"titled Blood Bank, due out 1/20/09 (aka inauguration day, aka Animal Collective release day). From JagJaguwar:

The four song Blood Bank collection continues down the path forged by 2008's critically acclaimed For Emma, Forever Ago.

While still tied to the identity of the place where it was born, Bon Iver is no longer an unplanned entity synonymous with Justin Vernon. It is an idea, a place and sentiment that has now become as international as it is timeless. From the title track's remembrance of the winter warmth we seek, to the summer love tribute of b-side gem "Babys," Bon Iver's snow-blanketed harmonies live across the seasons. Still, there is a reverence for sabbatical, solitude and the winding down of time. As much as Emma is about the cold, the Blood Bank collection is about the warmth that gets you through it. You can feel the air move. Like a fire you've been stoking for hours and finally got to sustain itself, the heat blisters your face while your back is frozen solid.

Bon Iver has grown to include more than what was available at the much-fabled Wisconsin cabin, such as piano, slide guitar, and vocoder. As Justin layers on harmonies in the meditative R&B a capella "Woods", he declares "I'm building a still to slow down the time." It is as poetic as it is necessary. Both expansive and intimate, these four songs explore the darker and lighter natures of the seasons and what they signify, and offer a dynamic glimpse into the natural energy and refined craftsmanship that characterize Justin Vernon's music.

Tracklisting:
Blood Bank
Beach Baby
Babys
Woods

You heard it here first people. Make sure you thank Dura next time your in the Haight.