Written by Fantasma el Rey
Country, folk, bluegrass, a hint of punk describes The Avett Brothers pretty well; American roots music is a better overall description for the music put forth by the two multi-talented brothers from North Carolina. I And Love And You is their sixth full-length album since their debut in 2001 and their first major label release. Put out by American/Columbia and produced by big fan Rick Rubin (his favorite new band says Rolling Stone), the new CD is a collection of 13 songs about life, love, and dealing with it all as you transition “from youth to adulthood” and starts “hoping to build something.” The Avett Brothers, Scott and Seth, speak volumes in their lyrics while keeping their music simple and enjoyable.
From the start, I And Love And You grabs hold and brings you into the world of the brothers (who play most of the instruments) filled with piano, vocals from the heart (which they switch off on), basic drums kits, cello (Joe Kwon), stand-up bass (Bob Crawford), percussion, and some banjo for more kick. Most heavy-hitting are the lyrics, kept simple yet arranged in a way that gives them snap and sting with the reality of life. The Avett Brothers paint pictures with words, using both gentle and fierce strokes and flushing them out with music arrangements that range from whisper to shout.
For the first time the brothers let the chore of song order go to someone else. Rubin chose them well as they move flawlessly from track to track. He understands the brothers and arranges their songs to further paint and expand the pictures of love and life they present.
The title tune deals with the difficulty of uttering those three words. It begins with the easy arrangement of them, then the breaking them up gives them different meaning .Add in lyrics like “what you were then I am today” and “the highway sets the travels stage/ all exits look the same” and the story of a road trip to Brooklyn unravels to tell the tale of how those words became so difficult to say.
On “January Wedding” the music perks up a bit and we get more country/bluegrass picking of guitars, banjo, and stand-up bass reminiscent of The Stanley Bros. The song pretty much conveys, what is in away, the height of those three words, expressed with lyrics that hit the heart: “She keeps it simple/ and I’m thankful for her kind of loving” and “she’s talking to me with her/ voice down so low I barely hear her/ but I know what she’s saying/ I understand because my heart and hers are the same.” The lyrics continue to describe the right reasons why people should get married. As the song goes on we hear how the couple is surrounded by darkness. The narrator doesn’t feel weak but sometime needs her “to protect me/ and reconnect me/ to the beauty/ that I’m missing.” Call me insane but is that not what a mate and partner-in-crime should do for you? Pick you up when you’re down, and provide the true feeling that everything will be all right and the sun will shine again?
Article comments
1 - Cindal Lee Heart
I am reviewing this show in Boston this month, I am very happy to read your review. It came across exactly how I was thinking, but was unsure I could put into words- As the brothers I believe have set those words already perfectly. Thank you for this. :)
2 - zingzing
i've loved this band since they were playing free shows at a little place in charlotte called the wine vault. i picked up "country was" (their first ep, i think) from a friend, and then took a bunch of people, including a guy who was later my best friend, his girlfriend (whom i later... yeah, well...), and another couple out to said free show. everyone bought their newest album, which was called "carolina jubilee" and we did a bunch of blow and had an awesome night. i've seen them about 15 times since then, but only twice in the past 5 years, as i've moved from charlotte to seattle to new york. they put on such an amazing live show and i have so many great memories associated with them.
i can't wait to hear this one. i hope it's the one that will put them over the top. i was really into charlotte's local music scene while i lived there, and we always wondered if any of them would ever break nationally. as soon as i saw the avetts live, i knew it would be them. and i'm about to be right. i like being right, so that's really cool.
ordering this up right now. but fuck em for leaving ramseur (their local label) for a major. fuck em. but best of luck.
3 - Nick
I disagree with most of these reviews. I felt the Avett Bros were trying to be the Beatles but lack the artistic craftsmanship. It left the album stale, slow, and dull. I've listened to the album twice and I can't recall a tune. The songs form one big gray sound blob, all of them lacking originality.
4 - FLC
Not a bad review. Although you forgot to mention Ill With Want. Which in my opinion is the best track on the album.
5 - chissy n.
this new album is awesome. i just got it and i can't stop listening to it. the avett brothers are awesome and i can't wait to see them live!
countdown to i and love and you.
6 - countryst
There's a review of the Avett Brothers' new CD "I and Love and You," at Country Standard Time's website.
7 - El Bicho
then buy some ad space, CST