8 years ago today (2/19/08), Jagjaguwar Records officially released Bon Iver’s debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago in the US. It was first self-released in July 2007, and later saw wide release on theJ agjaguwar label in February 2008. The album is principally the work of singer-songwriter Justin Vernon, who had previously performed in the band DeYarmond Edison. After college, the group moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, but broke up in 2006. Vernon fell ill with mononucleosis and a liver infection, and grew frustrated with his songwriting and life. He escaped Raleigh and drove an hour northwest of his hometown, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, hoping to be alone and recorded the album over the course of a harsh winter. The album became a success and has earned Vernon a spot as one of the one of the most uniquely talented indie/folk singer-songwriters. Watch Bon Iver perform “Lump Sum” from Belgian TV show De Laatste Show on 10/6/08,
