An old, unheard Bon Iver track just landed on the internet, and we are (calmly) stoked.
The organizers of Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival–where Bon Iver revealed two new songs last year–recently sent limited edition cassettes (long live the cassette renaissance!) to all of its ticketholders. Among the B-sides and demos from bands in the festival’s lineup was “Haven, Mass,†a unreleased song from Bon Iver.
Some generous soul made a recording of the track and shared it to Youtube, begging the question: When are Macbooks getting tape decks to accommodate cassette uploads?
Justin Vernon responded to inquiries on Twitter, tweeting that the track dates to 2009 or 2010. The song title seem to mesh with the geographical theme of the Wisconsin band’s second record, Bon Iver, Bon Iver, which was recorded during that same time. The tone of the song fits, too.
Like the album’s A-side offerings – there is no actual B-side, just four additional tracks attached to Bon Iver, Bon Iver singles (“Haven, Mass†is not one of them)–the newly revealed song is steady and subdued. Vernon’s vocal drifts effortlessly over piano chords, vintage pads and a plodding drumbeat. It’s an indie rock lullaby that deserves to be heard.
The festival, curated by Vernon and the National’s Aaron Dessner and held in Vernon’s native Eau Claire, Wisconsin, takes place July 18-20. It features both Bon Iver and the National, as well as Spoon, Sufjan Stevens and other great folk musicians–many of whom are also featured on the highly sought after cassette.
It makes you think about all the other music that could be lying around unheard. Are there any artists that you hope have a few gems stored away on their hard drives? Let us know in the comments.
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IMAGE: Artist
HT: Pitchfork
