BON IVER LIVE SESSION AT AIR STUDIOS

BON IVER SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

They don't do many public appearances, so this has been heavily anticipated, and it is indeed breathtaking. This is their performance of "Holocene" live on SNL last night. An exceptionally well-groomed ensemble of visionary musicians playing music together, that is all. The textures of each instrument, the build up of its layers, the beautifully harmonious melody. Sure I've never used these words before, but that's because my ears have never heard anything like this before. I must go see them live. You must. It's just real music and I am blown away.

BON IVER EP DELUXE EDITION

Tomorrow sees the release of the Deluxe Edition of Bon Iver's incredible self-titled second EP. It may not include any more songs than the original, but as a download-only digital record, it features accompanying visual films for each of the album's 10 tracks. They haven't been dubbed as "music videos" but what they provide is beautifully crafted atmosphere and visualised feeling of the music they accompany, enhancing them to unique heights. It's an innovative concept that aims to make the most of the availability (and popularity) of the iPads and co, and it promises to be an enriching experience. Watch the full clip for Track 6 "Hinnom, TX" now, which was exclusively released here at Time Magazine.

JAMES BLAKE AND BON IVER COLLABORATION

Fall Creek Boys Choir it's called, a huge collaboration between two of the coolest artists around. By that I mean their individual sounds are something special, it's just beautifully meaningful music and I'm still not quite sure how to describe them. Alternative, Dubstep, Electronic, call it what you want but I don't think any of them does justice. Today their collaborative tune had its first play and it is quite simply their respective strengths put together in a song. Justin Vernon does the vocals in his incredibly expressive and powerful manner with James Blake on beats, production and most of everything else actually. I'm not sure whether this is a single for official release or what, but it's certainly an attractive project which I hope, as a fan of both musicians, will be continued at some point in the future. If that does become the case, it would be a massive appeal for me, more so than say Jay-Z and Kanye West.

BON IVER HOLOCENE MUSIC VIDEO

A beautiful song, visualised in the beautiful Icelandic background. Director Nabil Elderkin fittingly shot the music video in one of the Earth's most incredible sites of true nature as Bon Iver sings about life. This was released earlier today and the scenery is quite 'magnificent', exactly the kind of setting I would listen to his album in.

BON IVER HOLOCENE SINGLE

Bon Iver's self-titled second album is pure magic. I've been listening to it a lot lately and "Holocene" has been a track I've particularly taken a liking too. I love the alternative soft rock and R&B influences making this epic textured sound, beautifully soothing, despite the deep poetry that is the downbeat self-analytical lyrics. Although, I have to say that's quite easy to overcome considering I find it difficult to comprehend what he's saying most of the time anyway.

Just so happens that "Holocene" is the A side to their upcoming single, announced just today. It's set for release on September 6th, coupled with a Peter Gabriel cover of "Come Talk To Me". From a widely appreciated album, the single is sure to be well received.