Bon Iver — Blood Bank

If there's one thing Bon Iver's four-track Blood Bank EP shows, it's that the man whose real name is Justin Vernon refuses to be pigeonholed into any kind of "indie-folk troubadour" category. Sure, the opener and title track could fit onto Vernon's For Emma, Forever Ago debut quite nicely, as could the quick "Beach Baby." But by the time you hit the piano-driven "Babys," it's quite clear that you're really out of luck if you want Vernon to keep remaking his debut. If this wasn't already obvious enough, "Woods," the closing a capella track where Vernon's multiple vocals are run through Auto Tune, smacks you in the face with this idea. Kanye West, take note: Justin Vernon can actually sing, and can also use Auto Tune much better than you or Akon can any day. Blood Bank shows true versatility, but it's kind of a bit of a cruel tease at the same time. Why must Vernon make us wait so long for another full-length?

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