Bon Iver at AIR Studios (4AD/Jagjaguwar Session)
Video Overview & Insights
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.
Wow. Words cant describe how good this is. â€â€
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.
been listening many times a year since 2014, and still...goosebumps
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
It is July 2026 and this continues to be my all time favorite. â€ïž
2. Wash.
3. I Can't Make You Love Me
4. Babys
5. Beth/Rest
<3
Director: Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard
2057 am I right?
Recording & Mixing: Jake Jackson with Brian Joseph
Recorded in London at AIR Studios, October 16, 2011
Im always hereâ€
"Hinnom, TX", "Wash.", "Beth/Rest" (c) 2011 April Base Publishing (ASCAP)
"Babys" (c) 2009 April Base Publishing (ASCAP)
14 years ago, I bought a red hoodie only because of this
"I Cant' Make You Love Me" (c) 1991 BMG Songs, Almo Music Corp., Bird Blues Music, Hayes Street Music (ASCAP)
More User Perspectives
Wow! It's amazing! I can't believe I hadn't discovered this masterpiece before.
@raphaelsouto3801The balls and brains it takes to make this kind of music is off the chartsâŠso unappreciated. I would give my entire life savings just to be a fly on the wall in that room. FUCK AIâŠthis is music!!
@NickNoltingHello Stargate boy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHIYcTnUZKc
who's here in 2030?
@RangaPirateAnyone planning on being here in 2032?
@aldosanchez2187When I'm absolutely swimming and drowning in it, I plug my laptop into my PA and this can't be loud enough.
@wilcogrundens9086May 2026, still listening.
@phoenixme742027
@kellys7291Wash is just something else
@adchac80Incredible as always
@marielchenier8532Ken Block of music
@thenetworkguy_Im in love with this music and these men.
@bonnielyden7570I never knew what real pimps looked like, until today.
Peace
2027 Who's coming to listen?
@TehDoublesGameI can never finish this video, every time i hear:
In the first of light
Past the Noachide
Bodies wrapped in white
i gotta restart it
One of the most emotional live sessions out there.
@pheavyrecord14 años... volvĂ, volviste?
@lucanazo14 years later still here, this is my happpy mostly sad and cry time. Love you all. x
@OhWendyonly 12 mil views? deserves a bil
@blvckflvg5Wow
@essy.andrewI am! This masterpiece has carried me through some hard times in life. Absolute beauty.
@Foxxglove222Man. Sean Carey is also amazing
@augie84drake45i'm here in 2027, and 2028..... already called it
@ianjohnson9545Thank you
@romualdomgnThat version of beth/rest.
Holy shit.â€
This Carey dude rocks, I didn't know much about him before watching this, but I'm a fan now.
@spaceork6973Another year, back for a fix. Absolute magic. Still.
@masterbraniganLiking old comments to bring people back
@jb3133-z3onever gets old! my heart opening up with every note!
@strohbi85â€ïž
@lucascipriano819Probably, the most beautiful live studio recording I've ever heard.
@thermatico2980crying at 8:10
@amaneyugi3868Phwoah!
@rosswilkinson141Keep coming back to this. Love the exchange of looks at 02:50 to notify the change. Its sooooo nice when yer making music with your person.
@bradsmith2362026 and I'm back again.... Fuck I love these two!!
@dsfbsdfvjustin and anthony gonzalez from m83 are most unique creatures in whole music world. thank you,
@KatyTarantinoKeep coming back. Keep coming back. Keep coming back.
@benvoncampOne of the best 25 minutes in music
@ryanralston7359The reallyđ«really art is .... to singđ¶đ”đ¶đđ¶ it twiceđ in the same wayđ ....
@Elke-f4bIâm never leaving this video
@BizzleTX2008 - 2013 ~ awesome years of indie scene growing
@aloefgrenThe best live music session on the internet.. for me at least. There is nothing that calms me down or relaxes me faster than this.
@thesameeffect