Believe the hype! Bon Iver (aka Justin Veron) and The Tallest Man on Earth was another top notch show. Playing to a sold out crowd at The Barrymore Theater, Bon Iver played a majority of the critically acclaimed For Emma, Forever a Ago as well aa a couple from the upcoming EP titled Blood Bank (soon to be release on CD)..

Opening the show was Sweden’s The Tallest Man on Earth (also known as Kristian Matsson). His songs evoked an early Dylan feel with plenty of earnest and clever emotion. Towards the end of his set, TMOE (pictured below) pulled out a great version of Son House's Death Letter.

Then came Wisconsin's indie-folk pride and joy; Bon Iver. Vernon took the stage with his disheveled look and began his amazing set with beautiful track from his Blood Bank. Justin talked to the audience and mentioned how he was happy to have some of his family in the audience (which included the two young girls behind me). I over heard them talking of the only other time they had seen him perform - in their living room over Christmas. A sold performance at the Barrymore was quite a change from the "family living room". He dedicated the song For Emma to them and said how he wrote it at the cabin upon their leaving.  

Overall this had to be one the top shows for 2008 (Thank you to Tag (True Endeavors) for hooking up MMR). I am looking forward to hearing more from Bon Iver 2009.