Bon Iver: Sable, Fable review – Justin Vernon's most easy-going record yet
Last October's Sable EP saw Justin Vernon return briefly to the sorrowful man-in-a-cabin vibes of Bon Iver's breakthrough album, For Emma, Forever Ago. Now, the Wisconsin musician has wrapped a soul album around that dark-hearted release, at least figuratively: the Sable, Fable cover shows a black square encircled by a salmon-coloured frame. The Sable songs serve as a jumping-off point for what is Bon Iver's most easy-going record to date.
Things have changed for Vernon since his last full-length, i.i (2019), not least via cameos on songs by Taylor Swift and Charli xcx. The musician has been spending more time in the LA sunshine, trying to shake off the pained rural singer-songwriter role he has played both in stripped-back form (For Emma…) and alongside abstract electronics (the digital soundscapes of 2016's 22, a Million).
Kicking off with the pedal steel-enhanced, sweet soul yearnings of Everything Is Peaceful Love, a vivid kind of equanimity hovers over Fable, which also continues Vernon's run of nuanced duets with notable creatives (Danielle Haim on If Only I Could Wait; Flock of Dimes on Day One). However it's the most glitchy soul tracks, with just Vernon's falsetto to the fore – such as Walk Home – that win the day.
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Edinburgh Live
a day ago
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Vernon Kay's 'dream' dashed by wife Tess Daly as she puts her foot down
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Vernon Kay joked that wife Tess Daly won't "allow" him to get a sit-on lawnmower so that he can fulfil his "dream" of recreating an iconic moment from a Hollywood movie. The BBC Radio 2 presenter told listeners he wants to emulate Tom Hanks' iconic Forrest Gump by investing in a sit-on lawnmower. In the cult-classic Forrest can be seen riding around an American football field on a mower. The 51-year-old broadcaster told his audience that Tess has let him get a lawnmower after he fixed their garden strimmer. It has led Vernon to wonder what other garden equipment he could invest in. Speaking on Radio 2, he said: "I managed to get the strimmer working again, so all this week I will be strimming the borders of the garden. Not yet purchased a lawnmower. "On Friday I finished the show by saying Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly's allowing me to get a lawnmower and I can't wait. I've been doing that thing where you literally peruse lots of websites about garden machinery. (Image: Getty Images) "Goodness me, there's a lot of stuff out there that I didn't realise I needed. I think with this acceptance from Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly's that we do need a lawnmower that I might, somehow, be able to fulfil my Forrest Gump dreams. "Sit on a lawnmower and just mow the lawn." Imitating the iconic character, Vernon added: "I enjoyed it so much, I did that job for free." Before the presenter added: "That's going to be me, I can't wait. I don't think she'll let me have a sit on one though." Vernon and Tess's romance blossomed despite their early days on opposing TV networks, with Vernon at Channel 4's T4 and Tess presenting SMTV on ITV. Their love story transcended network rivalry as they quickly fell for each other. Tess, 56, has openly talked about their "immediate" connection and how much fun they had together. (Image: (Image: INSTAGRAM/VERNONKAY)) Vernon proposed on Christmas Day in 2002 amidst festive celebrations at Tess's family home. The celebrity couple tied the knot at St Mary's Church in Horwich, Vernon's birthplace, followed by a reception at Rivington Hall Barn. Their family life now includes daughters Amber, 15, and Phoebe, 20, with the four residing in a stunning six-bedroom Buckinghamshire home. This lavish residence features a converted shed-turned-home gym, festooned with football memorabilia, and its own private swimming pool. Plans for relocation to a four-bedroom property faltered as the couple faced a rejection of their planning application. 2023 saw Vernon step into the spotlight as he took the reins of his mid-morning Radio 2 show, following in the footsteps of Ken Bruce. He now commands an audience of approximately 6.73 million daily listeners as the host of the station's iconic programme.
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4 days ago
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Vernon Kay addresses 'stressful' time at home as he makes 'terrible' admission
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Vernon Kay admits he was "terrible" after escaping his family home for a round of golf. BBC Radio 2 star Vernon has opened up about the "stressful" time at home with Strictly star Tess Daly and their family due to exam season. Tess and Vernon share daughters Phoebe, 20, and Amber, 15, together. Vernon has previously revealed GCSE season is "up and running" at home. The former Family Fortunes presenter said the exams were "torturous" for some children. On Monday, Vernon told viewers he decided to go for a round of golf to escape the exam pressures at home. He told listeners: "Friday, I treated myself to a couple of holes of golf. "I was terrible, it was awful. We had a bit of stress with GCSEs so I had five minutes and it was really bad, so I went and had a golf lesson on Saturday morning, and it got worse." (Image: tessdaly / Instagram) During a light-hearted moment discussing his golfing woes, Vernon quipped: "Baby steps, baby steps, that's what they keep telling me." Vernon previously opened up about the exam season when a Radio 2 listener said they were trying to convince their son to revise. It prompted the 51-year-old to reminisce about his own childhood. Vernon said: "[We've] "Got GCSEs on the they're here. We've started ours, we're up and running. "Of course, it's stressful. I remember my I don't...I'm lying, it was so long ago - 1990 I did mine. "I remember sitting there thinking, 'Gosh, I wish I'd revised'. I'm not remembering anymore, it's making me depressed." Vernon went on to say he "hated" exams because he was "rubbish" at them. He added: "It's not the way education should be for me, more practical, playing out, hide and seek, I'd have got A+ in that. (Image:) "It's torturous for some kids, isn't it? If you've got who are going through GSCEs, just put your arm around them. "There's nothing else they can do. There's no point cramming. You can cram all you want in your revision, which we all did, let's be honest, but you've just got to hold their hand haven't you? "Guide them along, make sure they're alright between their ears, in their noggin'." The love story between Vernon and Tess began when they were both rising stars on competing TV channels, with Vernon at Channel 4's T4 and Tess on ITV's SMTV. Despite their professional rivalry, the couple quickly fell for each other, with Tess, aged 56, recalling an "immediate" connection and memorable times together. Vernon popped the question on Christmas Day in 2002 amidst festive celebrations at Tess's family home. Their wedding took place at St Mary's Church in Horwich, Vernon's birthplace, followed by a reception at Rivington Hall Barn. Not long after tying the knot, Tess became pregnant, welcoming their first child, Phoebe, into the world on October 17, 2004, in London. Nearly five years on from the birth of Phoebe, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay were delighted to announce the arrival of their second daughter, Amber, born on 30 May 2009. Vernon shared with the Sunday Mirror, "She is absolutely beautiful and I am thrilled."
Metro
7 days ago
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Paddy McGuinness reveals his unexpected celeb crush 'he wasn't supposed to have'
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