(For earlier dispatches from Avetts Week, click here and here.)
Today's video clip is "Will You Return," from the 2007 album "Emotionalism." You'll see cello player Joe Kwon here -- he joined the band in '07 -- along with friends and crew members jammed in the back of the Avetts' tour bus. This song is an example to me of the band's evolution -- there's still a banjo in there, and they're still playing loud, but what carries the song is the early-Beatles-era melody.
A reminder: You can listen to the new album, "I and Love and You," streaming on NPR from now until the record hits stores on Tuesday.
A couple of other links:
-- The latest in the band's roll-out of mini-videos for each song on the new album: "Laundry Room."
-- The debate among longtime fans over the direction of "I and Love and You" is fascinating. Check out this discussion on the Avetts' official site and this one on the NPR site.
Let's continue the discussion here. Is the new record too different from the Avetts' older stuff, is it a natural progression, or something in between? I'd love to hear your thoughts as we get Sunday's story ready. What do you think?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Avett Brothers Week, Day 3 -- more video, plus fans debate!
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8 comments:
I think the new album is a pretty natural progression for The Avett Bros. I've been a huge fan for almost 4 years now and at first I was very reluctant to like the new album, but after listening over and over (and over and over) I saw the error of my ways. The new album is great. Heartfelt, intelligent, catchy. It's a new sound (for the most part) but still a great one. I have no worries about them forgetting their roots or their sound, with lyrics (from Salvation Song) like: "And they may pay us off in fame, But that is not why we came "
Here's the problem- their "punkgrass" sound and high energy does great job of showcasing their brilliant lyrics while passing off their (admitted) lack of musicianship as passion. This new album is full of the brilliant poetry, but is attempting to grow sonically- and the instrumental ability just isn't there (yet?). Although I love the title track, Laundry Room and Ten Thousand Words, it sounds pretty flat to this pair of ears.
There's just no comparing this album to their first couple discs. Their appeal to me was in the three-piece, minimal, bass, guitar, banjo, kick drum and high hat sound... The piano, drum kit, cello, and full band sound just clutters everything up. Oh how I miss the days when it was just the three of them...
I listened to the full album last night. Captivated immediately. I though I was only sitting down for a few minutes, but instead listened to full album, twice!!!
I am relatively new to Avetts...about a year now. I have already seen them live 4 times. I have completely enjoyed their progression and love discovering their beginnings too.
There is just something about these guys.
I listened to the full album last night. Captivated immediately. I though I was only sitting down for a few minutes, but instead listened to full album, twice!!!
I am relatively new to Avetts...about a year now. I have already seen them live 4 times. I have completely enjoyed their progression and love discovering their beginnings too.
There is just something about these guys.
They sing the songs that make the girls cry.
If the girls dressed more skanky they'd be better.
"I and Love and You" is a definative departure from the local band we have grown to love and embrace. And undoubtably some fans will object and criticize. HOWEVER, this new direction is painfully necessary and will only help this band to grow towards their ultimate true potential to be one of the greatest bands in this new era of music.
"I and Love and You" is brillant. It holds true to their original format of the banjo/guitar/bass bluegrass and then evolves into a musical experience that stirs my soul. I cried. It was that beautiful to me. And my pride and joy in their accomplishment to unite with Rick Rubins cannot be expressed here. They are gifted. They are The Avetts. And I will remain their fan no matter what musical genre they decide to embark on.
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