4AD and Jagjaguwar have collaborated on a live session that captures a truly unique Bon Iver performance, featuring Justin Vernon and Sean Carey. On recent tours fans will have become accustomed to seeing Vernon flanked by an eleven-piece band, with the swell in numbers lending a grandiose element to even his most delicate songs. Sidestepping expectations, the idea Vernon presented for this session was to provide a wildly different experience.
Recorded in AIR Studio's Lyndurst Hall - a building that was originally a church and missionary school designed in 1880 by the great Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse (designer of the Natural History Museum) - Vernon was joined only by Carey, with the pair positioning themselves opposite one another at two grand pianos. Although neither Justin nor Sean's first instrument is piano, they were able to remodel the songs in a way that showcases their complimentary vocals and, perhaps more strikingly, a seemingly effortless ability to experiment with form and structure.
As such, fans are treated to jaw-dropping interpretations of several songs from both the new album and the 'Blood Bank' EP, as well as a cover of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me". And interpretation is an apt word, as these songs are artfully abstracted from their original incarnations. Rather than layer the sound as on 'Bon Iver, Bon Iver', the focus is on paring back, in part evoking the minimalist approach of contemporary classical music, while remaining true enough to the source material to retain those elements characteristic of Bon Iver.
As on "Babys" and "Hinnom, TX", Vernon's trademark falsetto is positioned centre stage, framed by subtle and unexpected instrumental flourishes that render the performance simultaneously weighty and airless. It's quite an achievement that songs so widely-known and loved in their recorded form are able gain in emotional impact, and stands as testament to Bon Iver's singular talent.
1. Hinnom, TX
2. Wash.
3. I Can't Make You Love Me
4. Babys
5. Beth/Rest
Director: Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard
Recording & Mixing: Jake Jackson with Brian Joseph
Recorded in London at AIR Studios, October 16, 2011
"Hinnom, TX", "Wash.", "Beth/Rest" (c) 2011 April Base Publishing (ASCAP)
"Babys" (c) 2009 April Base Publishing (ASCAP)
"I Cant' Make You Love Me" (c) 1991 BMG Songs, Almo Music Corp., Bird Blues Music, Hayes Street Music (ASCAP)
Anybody here in 2024?
here i am
Here. Old faithful. Come back to this always
🎉🎉🎉
🥂
Back again. Still awesome.
11 years later and I'm still coming here enjoying this session like it's the first time I'm hearing it.
Correct!
Same here!
Same
Same
Here too
Who's watching in 2024?
Always
Jip
Me ❤
@@tommy.whitty yup
Me
Anyone watching in 2021? I love everything about this..
yes! almost 10 years after the initial post!!
This version of Wash is one of the greatest pieces of music
I've been listening for the past 10 years. I'm on minute 8 far too much.
Ditto
I watch this frequently. Love it.
My Son Jack Heine studied drums withe Sean Carey, He passed away on August 25th 2014. My Son turned me on to Bon Iver when they cut their first CD and played live at Racys in Eau Claire Wisconsin. My son and I sat in the 4 feet away and felt the joy and love that day. Thanks Jack for sharing this experience with your mom. I love and feel you everyday.
carin griffiths sorry for your loss x
So sorry for what has happened. Take care, Carin
Bless you. That is a beautiful memory. Sorry for your loss.
Hold that close and don’t forget that feeling. I’m so sorry for your loss. X
May he rest in peace mam
Honestly, 90% of the time I can't comprehend the words that he's singing but it's like I don't have to. His music doesn't reach your brain, it reaches somewhere deeper. It's like he's some kind of musical savant.
+TLYang12 well said, i couldnt have put it better myself, all of his music reaches me on a spiritual level i didnt even know i had.
+TLYang12 Some vocalist’s come to a realization that the voice can be (is) unique among all instruments, that it can move, alter a state of awareness like no other can. Cheers
+TLYang12 I am at about 80% :) but still sooooo good...
+TLYang12 He actually writes the music first and then puts lyrics to it. He has admitted himself that the lyrics don't have too much meaning, but more so the way they sound says it all.
Me too, I thought it was because I'm not a native english speaker
Almost 12 years later - still the best studio session ever.
Real
Ever Bro. I don't even like this type of Music and Bon Iver is incredible. The first album Messed me up. I still can't listen to is some times. It put me in a mood.
What's all this "anyone watching in 2023?" rubbish? It doesn't matter if it's 2023, 2056 or 2096. This is a timeless masterpiece.
This session video has survived with me through 7 strange years, 3 girlfriends(1 I genuinely loved), 1 rehab stint, and more burnt bridges than I care to admit. It really means a lot to me to be able to listen to it whenever I need to. Thank you Justin
It's been my rock in times of real upset but also there in times of pure joy. I strongly advise listening to it when you're at your best too!
Dembelah life is so strange man and it’s crazy how some things remain a constant like this music and how so many other things fade or get lost with time.
❤️🩹❤️
Sorry for your struggles... I can relate to having my own and this piece always being here for me. I hope that this comment reaches you in a good place and if not, that it lifts you up through solidarity. "Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence". I truly love this saying.
Such an honest and beautiful comment. Thank you, and I wish you peace and simple pleasures in your life.
Anybody still watching in 2020?
Yupp. Can´t get enough :)
Absolutely. This is iconic
Gets old like a good wine !
Ill be coming back for decades!
Ines Evangelista HELL YES
10 years later and this still hits.
yup
Totally!
until today, sometimes it plays Wash or Hinnon in spotify, than I pause it, and come here just to listen this performance, cause specially with these two first musics i do prefer way much more this version in the air studios! much more powerful!
2024 just came xx
Still absolutely slaps in 2024
After weeks -- actually more like months -- of my baby screaming and screaming before sleep, no matter what I tried, I tried this. Volume up full. It has now been eight weeks of this incredible meditation as I feed him in the dark while he goes to sleep to this. Each evening I get this, and he still absolutely needs it, and I come out such a blissed out, thankful mama. Thank you. This is truly life-changing for me.
I wish I was fed this when I was a baby. You are officially an amazing parent : )
This comment warms my heart. Music certainly has a wonderful power to soothe the soul. Baby has good taste.
+Johanna Sargeant I love it :-) I do often sit with my son and let music play he totally relaxes and when its time for bed I do used this approach just to relax him before he gets settled. I'm happy for you no better way to get away from the world, that dark room with your baby and music must be magical
So true how music works, for my 1st born son it was Van Morrison's album Astral Weeks.....a gift so mighty!
I rocked my first daughter to sleep with Bon Iver Bon Iver. I couldn’t say how many times i have listened to it from start to finish. Im thankful for your talent and the opportunity to experience it !
Almost forgot to watch this today.
Did you watch today?
Before my granddad passed he gave me a Bon Iver CD, and I stored it away, never listening to it, until he left us, and I found it tucked away in my shelf, and everytime I hear their songs I can't help to remember how much I love life and the people who love us.
What cd was it? :)
My brother and wife have both cancer at the moment... The two persons i love more in the world. i've learned a lot of life during this process: impermanence, acceptance. I have learned that without adversity and pain, there would be no well-being, so struggle is necessary to achieve happiness. Bon iver saved me from falling into a very dark place these days. These guys are special, they are healers. Their music feels very real, sincere and somehow every time they touch the deepest fibers...
@@alejandrosanchez1730 same for me. After a major surgery during which i lost the possibility of use one of my ears, first thing I did post surgery was grab the mobile and listen to their music. I started to cry and process everything. And get over it.
Bon Iver is one of the few artists where I don't feel like I have no idea what words are being said most of the time and yet it hits harder than most artists.
I’m trying to piece together his songs. Lotta visits to a dictionary
Same here!! His songs make me feel so much.
Arguably the best studio session ever.
+LowkoTV No argument. It is.
+LowkoTV brilliant session
+LowkoTV This comment brings me such joy! Great taste in tunes, Lowko!
Check out Radiohead in rainbows live from the basement let me know what you think
Taste shouldn't be argued - i am glad to see all the positive responses, as I love Bon Iver, and I think he's a pretty nice person. However, I got the limpest dick ever when listening to this session.
This is pretty much the best corner of the internet. I think I''ll stay here.
💓💓
Good on ya
8 years later this remains the best live studio recording ever made.
Radiohead in rainbows in the basement has entered the chat.
@@chickenmuffin sorry, that is a beauty, but nothing tops this❤
@@chickenmuffin radiohead can smd
2022 and still going strong. Used to listen to this when I was having trouble sleeping and still calms the soul to this day.
I started using it for sleeping with my baby too!
I'm hesitant to share this because it is so personal to me now that if someone doesn't see the beauty of this session we can't be friends
_
Yes!
Feel you on that...
This is so true. I was just thinking about posting it on facebook but i couldnt. Its kind of selfish, but still feels right. And I actually was thinking about how i could ever love someone who cant love him. Crazy
i know right?!
My routine is to watch this when i wake up, listen to Bon Iver and Volcano Choir on the way to work, leave work to listen to more on the way home, and finally watch this video before I go to bed. Repeat all of the above the next day. Been doing this for about 2 months now and my life hasn't been better.
Yes volcano choir :))))
Good for you Dude keep it up & keep smiling :-)
Parker I do the same thing. Honest to God.
andrew lussier yes, and for the most part, it still is.
Its a bit like Ground Hog's Day ( The Movie ) But its certainly a great day to enjoy over and over again. Good for you. if it makes you happy. Then Yes, Good for you.
I don't comment alot..but I always come back here every year. Justin's work is not music to me. Rather, it is a place of refuge..and solace..a place I run to whenever life gets to me. Or to remember my loved ones who have passed on..or to unwind and relax..or plan..home. Justin's music to me is home. Long live Justin Vernon.
2023 still here ❤️🔥
That performance of Wash. has to be one of the most gorgeous things I've ever heard.
its truly a master piece
Too right!
@@jmt9185 ew
It literally brings me to tears...this whole set is gorgeous beyond words... all these years later it still gives me the feels...best break up music on the internet by a country mile..
Is Beth/Rest possibly one of the greatest songs ever written?!
The Colour Code Music Yes, it is.
No doubt
yes it is..!
The Colour Code Music yes. One of the greatest songs in the genre for certain.
The Colour Code Music Yup :) No doubt.
I have been watching this on repeat for 6 years.
This still makes me feel so much in my heart. Am sending love to anyone who needs it. Never give up. 💚
Love to you mate, I’m struggling at the moment big time.
@@jamiegardiner1795 One day at a time!
0:00 Hinnom, TX 3:10 Wash 8:09 I can't make you love me 12:45 Babys 18:30 Beth/Rest
thanks bra
And here I thought they were improvizing
+poindeckster2 improvising*
Dan
Peregrine M i
I love how friendly people are on this video and it's not even ironic
My wife listened to this nonstop when she was pregnant. After my daughter was born she always calmed down when I put this on. Now almost 5 years later this is still the go to tunes she wants to listen before sleep. The father is thankful that even after listen to this propl over 1000 times by now this still is as good when I listen for the first time.
I remember exactly what era of my life I was in 10 years ago when I first heard this session. The many times I listened to it, sitting alone in the park, getting over some boy I never thought I'll get over, it was winter, I smoked cigarettes and just sat there out in the cold. I haven't listened to this in years and randomly decided to listen to it now, as it's raining outside, I am alone again and I am the same yet completely different. But I look back on mini me and I am happy she made it this far. Music is magic.
Possibly one of the best music videos on the Internet. I've watched it about 100 times and will always go back to it.
same
same
same. This always makes my day better.
Elisabeta Laura Tatulescu
Them's rookie numbers my friend.
I want a friendship and musical partnership like Justin and Sean. The chemistry they have is out of this world.
+Paolo Camero i was exactly enchanted by their chemistry!!!! defffff out of this world
I feel you there
Take my money and Be my friend
I don't know if any body will even read this but I always go to this video when I'm properly stressed out and it never fails to calm me down, thank you Bon Iver and thank you Justin Vernon for letting us see your beautiful soul stay stafe everyone one lots of love
Makes two of us 👌
3!!
4!
Cant believe we're getting this session released alongside the self titled 10th anniversary rerelease, actually that keen for it
This is talent in its purest form. Being a musician for more than 25 years, I could not perform in a studio without any flaws on the first take. Maybe it wasn't the first take, but dueling with grand pianos with the falsetto range that both artists have, it's magic. This little 25 minute video is everything that is right with music, and represents what music should aspire to be. Inspiring on so many levels!
amen
Thank you for this Aaron Collins
S. Carey deserves credit here! What an underrated guy. Brilliance from both of them....
abhijeet baliga I couldn’t agree more. Fantastic duet
Whatever, Vernon is a powerhouse. Upstages Carey at every turn.
junkwes I hate to say it but you’re right. I love this session but I hate that Sean starts I Can’t Make You Love Me because when Justin comes in on the second verse and blows Sean out of the water with pretty much exactly the same melody.
Listen to Sean's solo albums. They are great.
I know S Carey my favorite artist
I always find myself going back to this around December. Became sort of my holiday tune tradition. Such a good performance.
Keep coming back here every week since the last 7 years. This is the greatest video of all time.
just 2 dudes, 2 pianos and an endless amount of feels
That moment around 6:30, Justin looks at Sean " don't fail me dude " and Sean's like " gotcha bro"
I liked your comment but then i figured that you had 69 likes, so I took the like back. Just wanted to let you know that i like your comment...
I always come back to this video and look for this comment. So good.
Sean is a near-equal genius with a few fantastic albums (which I play at low volume all night when sleeping in distant hotel rooms)
It's more like "Show me what you got my brotha"
This saved my life so many times. In moments of despair this session was the only thing that made me come back to myself. With a broken heart, anxiety or feelings of complete unbearable emptiness,.., this session allowed me to put it all out. Almost 10 years later, after big changes, good changes, I now come back regularly to this with tears, yes, but tears of joy. I'll keep this treasure with me, always. Thank you Justin.
I have been coming back for 23 years to watch this and everytime feels like the first. In between I became a great great grandfather.
I am pretty sure I account for at least 100,000 views.
Two men with two pianos creating some of the most beautiful sounds on Earth
Before you make any big or rash decisions, listen to this 25 minute performance. It doesn't get anymore pure than this.
I watched this video every night for months in a real low point in my life, it was a wee candle leading me through the dark and keeping me company till I reached my own light. It gives you a wee hug each time you revisit
6:15 "Because it's right" is the best-sung line in all of music.
imagine singing and having his voice come out. that must feel great
This performance touches my heart everytime. I can sit to this entire any time of day.
I Am In Love. Listening to this in a dark room alone.
OMG! how coincidental that I stumble upon this(You)! Loooove them!!
Hahahaha. Kindred spirits after all.
yes....
6:15 Justin Vernon transcends English and speaks the language of the soul.
Word!
Doesn’t he always, though?
how many times have I watched this? yes.
There is not a month where i do not listen to this masterpiece, since so many years, Ty guys
Been listening to this video on and off for three years now. So good
+John Doran same here
+John Doran yup! same here. especially around christmas :)
Same here it's so good
ditto. not crazy about the latest song they have out. 33 "God" but honestly I'll probably end up loving it. sometimes it takes a few listens to appreciate it. but it doesn't touch anything they did here. not even close. these songs, and this performance in particular, is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard. It's heavenly. looking forward to see the rest of the new music :)
Can you imagine actually being in that room to experience this masterpiece first hand
9 years later and this still hits just as hard!
Justin Vernon. He is a genius, although very humble. Incredible voice and talent to write great songs. Every single album is a masterpiece. It is the only band I can listen to nowadays.
I still get a musical "high" feeling watching this every few months.
I always felt that Bon Iver shined most when the music was stripped down just to that incredible voice of his and the lovely piano playing. With Sean Carrey added, it's just perfection. 'I Can't Make You Love Me' is one of the best love song covers I have ever heard. To be honest, I feel it's better than the original. So passionate and soulful...
You are truly spot on saying that it's better than the original. Oh, Hell yeah!
I agree. And that’s a bold statement because not only is Bonnie Raitt a treasure, but Bruce Hornsby adds something to it that no covers can equal. Vocally, though not instrumentally, the George Michael life civet is the ultimate. But vocally and musically, this is it.
9 years later, i'm back, listening for the 100th time!!
This never get's old. Might be the best piece of musical magic on youtube.
Let me just click the replay button one more time.
whenever I feel like my anxiety is getting out of control, or if I've had a tough day I always turn to this performance... Bon Iver's music makes me feel grounded and this performance is flawless.
Nicole Fair it really does.. I have really bad panic attacks where I can't breath and I come to this video every single time!! It's medicine!
It seems that’s why I was sent here.
Good way to say it!
This youtube link is going in the acknowledgement of my dissertation
2023 and you should feel so lucky just to know this exists. Music for the heart and soul.
Is there anything better to listen when sitting at your desk late at night? Listening to two voices that are so moving. So incredibly moving. 5.5 million people have viewed this. I am one of the lucky ones to have found Justin & Sean. Please come back Bon Iver...Youre needed in this world.
They played two new songs at the Eaux Claires Music Festival. Fingers crossed!
If Bon Iver reform.. they should another one of these sessions.. with Holocene, Blood Bank, Michicant and Re:Stacks with just Justin and Sean and 2 pianos again..
Heaven.
It's hasn't happened yet.😣
ibanezman04 sorry five years late to comment hear but hearing Justin’s version Holocene on piano would be make my life
I've listened to this thousands of times and this is basically music for my soul. I see a lot of people understandably look for meaning of some of the words. I think however you shouldn't always look for meaning, fill in the blanks with your heart instead. His music leaves room for interpretation. Use that room and feel the music
this will always be a safe place to feel it all.
❤
There are no words for this performance. By far one of the most beautiful things I've ever listened to. Justin is no less than a legend.
Sean's voice is damn good too.
Indeed! Also love his albuns! He's an amazing musician/singer! :)
11:27 that "AAAAHHAAAA" always hits me right in the feels
Props to Sean Carey as well! He plays drums in the NPR Bon Iver show...and his high tenor is amazing!
Bon Iver is untouchable. There will never be another like Bon Iver
One of, if not the greatest stripped down, live performances ever to be recorded.
Not to mention S. Carey's verse on I Can't Make You Love Me, breaking my heart with every word.
I love how they just look at each other and then know what to do.
I don't know what has to happen in a human being to produce such beautiful music, but I'll forever be grateful for it. What was tapped here has touched the infinite. They should be proud, grateful, and appreciative. Thank you.
Many a times I have put my baby to sleep in my arms while listening to this..and every time while I keep staring at him my eyes have welled up with joy. My baby has been listening to this while my wife was pregnant and I guess that's why he calms down everytime I play this. Suffice to say this session and my family have a very special connection. Invokes an emotion that I can't put in words..
Muddasar Hossain that's amazing! I watch this video everyday and I noticed your comment today :) Beautiful words! Namaste
My girl is also pregnant and we heard this a lot, with the loudspeaker pushd to the belly. I hope it will have the same effect to my son
Beautiful
Genius.
my kids are now 24, 22, and 18 - and i still remember the songs i put them down to, standing, dancing/rocking them over my shoulder...i don't doubt you'll enjoy recalling the same.
This is like listening to angels. I think I just fell in love.
November 2023 and still lovin it❤
4 years ago, this was my go to as i was trying to finish my under graduate course. Forgot about it as life went by. Now, it is suddenly recommended by youtube again, nearing the end of my post graduate degree, and thus, here i am again. something poetic about it.
I watch this every couple of weeks.. Always puts me in a euphoric state. Goes best with a glass of red..
and I think the mood is set by Justin Vernon's facial expression at 0.23...
Are we going Pinot Noir , or perhaps something is little more full bodied like a cab or Zinfandel?
over the past two years I just find myself coming back to this over and over again.. It truly is quite magical
This performance of Beth/Rest always makes me ugly cry.
this is for real my most loved session. it would be a gift to have it on spotify.
Absolutely incredible... Whenever I listen to this I feel good and pure, like I'm newborn.
that look on Justin's face 1:05-1:07 sums it all up. it's like he knew what he was getting himself into sitting down across two grands from Sean with a set list in mind but until that moment did he realize just how fucking good and unique and poignant this all was about to sound. i mean goddamn. this is a flawless display of what two guys and two pianos have the absolute capability of doing. transported me to say the least.
Also at 8:20-8:30 Carey realizes the same thing
2023! ❤
2024 back here. Still amazing. Good times! Good memories!
every man wishes he could sing like this man, every woman wishes their man could sing like this man
Nah, I wish musically I could be more like this man rather than just be with a man like him. Not sing like him cos that would be a bit weird for a female to have a male voice. But Justin Vernon is a musical genius and there are so many aspects of what he does that I wish I could emulate.
QUIETDUST As another female musician, I couldn't agree with you ANY more. I usually try to avoid the maddening, inane, vulgar, sexist, ill-informed comment boards, all over the internet. It's infuriating. But I completely admire Bon Iver, it does not mean I want him, it does not mean I want to know every detail of his life, i don't know if he has a twitter feed, since i don't it wouldn't matter, but I'm certainly not going to get one fro him. I appreciate his talent, I recognize the simpler things that prove his skill. No need for computers. You could send them into an old house with minimal equipment & he would walk out with an album of the year.
You guys missed the point of my comment, I wasn't saying women wouldn't want to have or couldn't aspire to have his vocal ability, I worded it like that as I'd imagine most women who are fans of Justin Vernon would rather their bf could sing as well as him or sound like him or whatever. I'm a big fan of a lot of female singers and that would be like me saying I wouldn't want my gf to have an amazing voice because I want an amazing voice. Why the heck I'm even justifying my comment right now I don't even know.
Dalvador Sali Hey, I get the point of your comment. And I don't disagree with it. I'm just saying that for me personally I would prefer to be musically more like Justin Vernon rather than just having a bf that could sing like him. Not that I would have any problem with having a boyfriend that could sing like Justin Vernon. We could sing some sweet harmonies! :)
Yeah no worries, just didn't want to come across as sexist ya know :)
It's been a few years since I saw this last but it's just as beautiful and gripping now as it was then
Hi! just came from the future, where everybody listens Justin to say that we are a better World ! Keep Hope !!!
To this day, this is still one of the best live performances I've ever seen. Such beautiful, tender, emotion
His voice is so deep his falsetto carries weight. lol Definitely an inspiration.
***** first song
***** There is no right or wrong way to sing.
Within the confines of "mainstream" recording studio mindset. This may be true, his style would not have been embraced by typical record labels. "Singers" can have their professional opinions, but their consensus doesn't define, limit, or change anything about this grammy winning artist. ART does not have confines. We have professionals leading the world..... I think its time to put the world in the artist hands.
***** Singing falsetto is still singing.
he may have a bad singing voice or shitty technique, but if you like it then you like it. If you don't then you don't. That's just art. By the way, My Dad is a professional drummer, my mother is a professional singer, My sister is a classical pianist and I've been studying modern guitar for 5 years and 3 years of classical training.
1. Hinnom, TX - [0:01] 2. Wash. - [3:09] 3. I Can't Make You Love Me - [8:10] 4. Babys - [12:38] 5. Beth/Rest - [18:31]
8:10
You da real MVP!
+ElSerge Cruz Jr Love this version of the song!
why do i have to scroll down for this comment?
Still the best studio performance anywhere on the internet. So emotional and makes my hairs stand up on end.
This was my young adulthood. It can never get old.
Two lumberjacks singing falsetto and playing grand pianos. Doesn't get better than that
THE.BEST.COMMENT
Only in the Midwest. Man I miss the Midwest.
right on!
Anybody not?
I am just a Bernie Sanders fan experiencing this pleasant music.