Holocene: How Bon Iver Creates A Mood

SOURCES AND FURTHER READING:

Jon Dolan, "Bon Iver's 'Bon Iver': A Track-by-Track Breakdown" (via Rolling Stone

Gary Ewer, "Clever Instrumentation Can Really Class Up A Song" (via ESS)

[benjaminvroman]

This song makes me feel like I’m in love and also like my heart is simultaneously shattered on the ground in a million pieces.

[whywelovefilm]

I’m not even exaggerating right now. This is the greatest song ever made. It has honestly saved my life.

[JoshuaFagan]

This guy has become my favorite YouTuber. He puts so much thought into these videoessays.

[LowkoTV]

Probably my favourite song of all time. Awesome video! Thanks for the explanation.

[besheraboshala]

Sometimes it's hard putting into words why certain music feels nostalgic, you nailed it man.
Great video!

[dunnyt]

This video was the final trigger for me to go start a Patreon account and pledge to you, Evan. You inspire me so much and please keep doing what you do.

[museeddin]

Everytime i took a long drive in the morning and the scenery is soothing with mountains and fogs, i play this song immediately. Makes a perfect day.

[MrXxgreendayxX]

One of my favourite YouTubers making a video about one of my favourite songs!!

[mikejia]

I've always interpreted the message of Holocene as a reminder of our insignificance in the grand scheme of things. We're actually in the middle of an ice age that's lasted 2.6 million years. The warm holocene period has only been around for the last 10000 years and it won't be long before we're plunged back into the ice age again. Everything humans have accomplished has basically taken place during a warm moment in the middle of a long and bitter winter. Our entire specie's current existence was a flash in the pan, and we're just mind-bogglingly lucky to be here to appreciate it.

[puppylovergirl]

I have always been facinated with how Vernon approaches the voice as an instrument. He makes the words hard to discern (at least for those unfamiliar with his vocal style) and experiments with autotune, falsetto, etc. A good example of this is also in "Woods".

[JimSaysHey]

The trumpets in the background during the quiet part between verse 2 and 3 reminds me of a quiet, northern, midwestern winter night when you can hear geese in the distance chatting away, snow falling, nearly no wind, fire crackling maybe, seeing your breath, the crunch of snow beneath your feet. I love this song.

[JDyEV]

This is my all time favorite song. It’s an absolute masterpiece, just like everything else he’s made. I truly, cannot describe my love for his music. It simply can’t be put into words, I just feel at ease when I listen to him.

[mij]

Beautifully done, Evan. Regarding the last section of the video, here's a quote that I think fits: “What is most personal is most universal.” (Carl Rogers)

[chaosinorderrr]

You should do one about Sufjan Stevens!

[moonpieface]

What a great explanation of a great song. Exceptional editing throughout.

[cmickie]

You got it, exactly. This song captures. Takes one back to the moody nostalgic parts of the heart where we store up our precious pieces of all the things that changed us. And in a magic moment we live it one more time in an almost omnipresent way. This is why Justin Vernon is an artistic genius. Beautiful review. Many thanks

[GabrielTomei]

this is absolutely my favorite channel on youtube. every time you find a way to describe my thoughts on any given subject in a way I don't have the vocabulary too. A+, and 100%

[gillian]

This has always been one of my favourite Bon Iver songs. It always gives me chills, makes me feel nostalgic for things that I haven't experienced. Now I know why. Great video!

[DigvalleyMusic]

I'm not sure how, but this made all the sense in the world. And how you connect the music with the voiceover, and the visuals, is a piece of art in itself.

[sicsempertyrannis]

After a few hundred listens, and a half dozen times watching this video, you'll eventually pick up and appreciate the bass guitar in this song.