22 Comments
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James B's avatar

This is a beautiful writeup. I felt that bit about deconstruction (I had a bit of a head start on you with that, but I have definitely gone through the stages). SABLE fABLE is probably Vernon's best project to date, and he's been consistently releasing gems.

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Alex Lewis's avatar

Thank you, James. Glad I'm not alone. I'll always have a sweet spot for 22, A Million, but SABLE, fABLE has quickly jumped become one of my favorite Bon Iver albums!

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Shef Tobi 👨🏽‍🍳's avatar

that choice of image to go with this essay is magically creative.

how much time did you spend to come up with the right one to go with it?

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Alex Lewis's avatar

Thanks, Tobi! I always try to find photos that aren’t the artist’s primary press shots, but this one was too perfect. It didn’t take long to decide to go with it

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Shef Tobi 👨🏽‍🍳's avatar

i appreciate the art, man.

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Molly Geoghegan's avatar

Lowkey revolutionary album from J Vern considering the identity most have boxed him in (sad cabin boi) for his career!

Completely agree he nailed the intertwining of sadness and joy even with the simple graphics: sometimes it’s a small salmon box surrounded by darkness and sometimes it’s the inverse. Both are necessary for buoyancy.

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Alex Lewis's avatar

Absolutely revolutionary! That's a great word for it. And yes, I've been thinking about the album artwork a lot. The yin and yang of it feels perfect for the album and Justin's emotional state!

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Pryce Q.'s avatar

I've been meaning to listen to the album myself, so this wonderfully-written post is a timely reminder. I love reading about how a piece of art resonates with someone. I also appreciate the affirmation to find sparks of joy in these times.

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Alex Lewis's avatar

It’s such a wonderful album, I hope it meets you as pleasantly as it met me! Thank you so much for making time to read my words 🙏🏽

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Shivani's avatar

Alex ❤️ this world is so so much better with you in it. Thank you for such a beautiful meditation on place, the passage of time, and grief. Even in all this change and chaos, you are a constant. Grateful forever for you.

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Alex Lewis's avatar

Thank you for seeing me and always inviting me back to community and back to the page. I’m honored to have the gift of your friendship. We got us.

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Cole Henderson's avatar

Man, what an insight! I never noticed the "n" in "rhythm" in the song title! This was beautiful. It was also cool to witness Vernon's bright-eyedness manifest through the promo for the album - really, him just reminding everyone of his love for hoops, haha, specifically the Lynx - it's hard to be depressed when you're moving your body up and down the court.

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Alex Lewis's avatar

Body movement. Physical movement from one place to another. It helps us get out of our heads and understand there's more than just the world we know. Thank you for helping me see the sun. I love you, bro.

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Cole Henderson's avatar

Love you family

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Julius Tunstall's avatar

Everything is Peaceful, Love.

Thank you, big dawg.

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Alex Lewis's avatar

I love you, fam. Thanks for always walking me home.

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Fern Diaz's avatar

Yess reading this in tandem with the new day one video 🌕🌕🌕

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Alex Lewis's avatar

The music video is so fun!!

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Celine's avatar

Such a moving piece. Love this one.

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Alex Lewis's avatar

Thank you so much, Celine. I appreciate you reading!

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Moe Writeous's avatar

Great review Alex!

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Alex Lewis's avatar

Thank you so much for reading!

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