Bon Iver & Chieftains – “Down By The Willow Garden”

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Irish folk band the Chieftains have been around for literally fifty years, and to celebrate they’re releasing an aptly titled record, Voice of Ages, which includes collaborations with folk artists of all ilk, including Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, who lends his silky falsetto to traditional Appalachian ballad “Down in the Willow Garden.”

Not only is hearing Vernon bring that voice to a song about killing one’s true love kind of jarring, so is hearing him sing over fiddles and other traditional Irish instrumentation – but while it’s new, it’s also beautiful. Voice of Ages will also include collaborations with The Decemberists, The Low Anthem, and others; it’s out February 21.

THE CHIEFTAINS – “Down By The Willow Garden” f/ Bon Iver

by Luis Tovar on January 19, 2012 ‡ 93 reactions