A couple of EP's

Two different but worthwhile EP's have been released in the past couple of weeks. The first is Bon Iver's Blood Bank EP, which may be the best clue as to what his next full length release may sound like after last year's phenomenal album, For Emma, Forever Ago. For those itching to hear this after having devoured For Emma, this may tide you over, as the title track has Bon Iver expanding on his already familiar sound. Woods has Bon Iver doing his best Kanye impression, with his vocals completely distorted by an auto-tune machine. If you like this, you can hope it's a preview of what's to come. The rest of us can always hold out that he's just getting his ya-ya's out before his next LP.


The second release is and iTunes only EP from My Morning Jacket, live from the Palms at Las Vegas. The email I received from the band implored me to listen to this on a candle-lit bench, in a secluded nook, or at a "sensuous" dinner party. Normally a "live" album wouldn't probably implore the listener in these ways, but this sounds like it was recorded in a studio--there is no crowd noise, feedback, or static here. It really is a "sensuous" listening experience. Jim James renews his takes on the old classics Knot Comes Loose, From Nashville to Kentucky, and They Ran. For serious MMJ fans, this is a must-have, not only because of these reprisals, but also for the new track Dear Wife. Others should probably stick to the band's previous LPs.