The Avett Brothers.

I believe that, as a blog, we need to develop a healthy relationship. So in working on that I will be as open, judgmental, and fair as possible whenever I listen to music and write about it. So I guess there are a few things I need to lay out on the table. I am a huge Avett Brothers fan. Ever since MY DAD introduced me to them while vacationing on Captiva Island, FL during the summer of (had to look this up) 2007. They had recently released Emotionalism and they were unlike anything on my iPod at the time. I don’t know if it was the whole-hearted screaming in almost every song or the pictures their lyrics painted in my head. It could have been that they were from Concord, NC, which is 20 minutes north of where I am from, whatever the reason, I am Nothing Short of Thankful that I stumbled upon their music. . I listened to Emotionalism until the end of 2008 and didn’t delve into any of their older stuff. It is something that I do regret. They came to UNC and played at Memorial Hall for Homecoming in early November. I didn’t recognize much of the music, because I had never heard most of it. I didn’t actually know how much of their music was out there until that concert. Pause. I have to quote Scott Avett real quick. “I love it here at UNC and playing for y’all, even if you didn’t accept me.” I thought that was pretty cool that even though he is an accomplished musician now, we were once wearing the same shoes applying to colleges and all. After the concert, I started listening to Emotionalism more, but it wasn’t until March that I was introduced to their earlier stuff. (A Carolina Jubilee, Mignonette, Live Vol. 2, and the Gleam Series) These disks were on replay on my iPod and computer for the next two months, into the summer. The Avett Brothers aren’t just two Brothers though, as the name might suggest. They are made up of Scott Avett (banjo, vocals, drums, piano, harmonica), Seth Avett (vocals, acoustic guitar, drums, and piano), Bob Crawford (vocals, stand up bass, trumpet), and most recently JOE Kwon (cello). Granted this is what they primarily play. When I saw them in Charlotte in August Scott played the electric guitar and Bob the electric bass. I believe the raw sound of their earlier albums is the reason I fell in love with them. Strictly banjo, acoustic guitar, and bass is a somewhat limited arrangement but what they were able to do with it was magic. Their lyrics are amazing and relatable, another reason that their bluegrass music is loved by many. Their albums are sprinkled with songs about heart-break, love, pretty girls they’ve slept with, and family. These are universal themes but the depth in which they talk about these subjects are different than any other artist and on a level that most everyone can relate to.

This leads into another reason why the Avett Brothers are so unique. They not only come off as country boys that made it big, they are home-grown country boys that made it big. They grew up in Concord, NC, 30 minutes north of Charlotte, on a farm, raised by their parents. They have their roots planted all over my old stomping grounds. So I have come to this insightful conclusion. I proudly share the same stomping grounds as the Avett Brothers. That’s pretty amazing. These guys don’t talk about all the money they have, how drunk they get every night, dancing in the club, for goodness sake, I have listened to every song

of theirs and I have only found ONE curse word. A single curse word in 10 EPs and LPs. That is unheard of these days, when it seems artists are using the curse bleep as a part of the beat to their tune. Not only do they have clean mouths, they are clean cut. They are usually caught on stage wearing slacks, button-up shirts, ties, vests, and blazers. THE WORKS. The Avett Brothers not only make the best music out there, they are upstanding men who set a good example for all. The new album I and Love and You is still the same great Avett, contrary to what some of the naysayers out there are saying. They stray away from their conventional three piece set and expand their horizons by introducing a full drum set (not as much kick drum), violin, electric guitar (which makes is sole appearance in Pretty Girl From San Diego), and the electric bass. It seems as if they gained some diversity once they left the country and entered the “big time,” most notably electricity. Ha. Joke. The lyrics of this album are the most heartfelt of anything they’ve put out, which is evident on every song, but most clear on “I’ll With Want” and

“Head Full of Promise, Road Full of Doubt.” They don’t lose any of the flare that they are known for with tracks such as “Kick Drum Heart,” “Slight Figure of Speech,” and the most memorable one in “The Perfect Space.” Rick Rubin polished up these boys to reach their full potential.

These pictures are from their August 8th,2009 concert at Bojangles’ Coliseum in Charlotte. They aren't the best quality but they are actual pictures. It was, hands down, the best concert that I have been to. And I’m not just saying that. The energy they bring to the stage is bar none.

The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

This is a new tune from I and Love and You with deep, meaningful lyrics. It was their first single for good reason. It was the first taste of the new album that us avid Avett followers got. It caught me off guard because it is slower and…no banjo? That’s right, just like much of the album, no banjo.

“ That women she’s got eyes that shine like a pair of stolen polished dimes.” This description is the most vivid of the album; it’s easy to sketch this image in your mind when listening to the song. Enjoy.

The Avett Brothers - Talk On Indolence

This song is very different from I and Love and You. It is off Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions which came out in 2006. Quite a different sound from the 2009 album, I’d say. The beginning is arguably one of the most creative of any song they have put out. It rivals the “folk rapped” part of “Slight Figure of Speech” on I and Love and You. Make sure to listen about 2:45 in, after you think it’s over, because the beat that they keep isn’t with drums. It’s an interesting way to build the beat back up, another Avett original.

I'd like to post one of the best cover songs arguably in history, by The Avett Bros. (of course). But they are covering The Boss. Gotta give it up to them for taking on the bold assignment. But they definitely do it justice.

This is also a neat little video, very simple, yet amazing in its own little way. Riding on a gondola in Jackson Hole, Mississippi. It makes me appreciate this song so much more.