Picture the scene; dude with a beard realises that life sucks, retreats to a cabin in the woods for three months, drinks beer and writes a bunch of songs. The end result is the album of the year.

The beard in question is Justin Vernon, aka Bon Iver, and the album, 'For Emma, Forever Ago' is, in a word, stunning. Some might call it folk music but I wouldn't know what to call it, other than REALLY FUCKING GOOD. It's been on solid rotation on the 'Pod this past week as I simply cannot stop listening to it; morning, noon and night, it sounds incredible each time. And it keeps getting incredibler.

I missed Justin at End Of The Road (twat) but by all accounts, he reputedly played a set that was better than sex. I shall avenge myself this December, as I have tickets to see him in action at the Apollo Theatre in London. I can't wait, but wait I must, so in the meantime I shall put my earphones back in and remain spellbound. As for the rest of you; there are too many thoughts and emotions summed up here. You need this record in your life.