Being the smart (and semi-local) guy that he is, I think Justin Vernon waited until the weather turned gorgeous enough around these parts to suit the first single from the highly anticipated Bon Iver album. The track is called "Calgary," and it's available as a free download on his site if you join the mailing list. I highly suggest you do it -- and today. The track offers just a hint of the electronic flavor that Vernon picked up from Gayngs, but it actually turns rawer as it picks up steam and ultimately sounds like it could've been included on "For Emma, Forever Ago."
Bon Iver's label Jagjaguwar is now offering various pre-order packages for the new record, a 10-song self-titled collection due out June 21. Vernon is hitting the road with a semi-new band starting with a pair of Milwaukee gigs on July 22-23. Have no fear, Twin Cities fans, a local date is in the works, though it may not be until the fall.
