The Avett Brothers - “Kick Drum Heart” (from I And Love And You)
Now, I realize I am totally late to the game with The Avett Brothers, as some fans are already deeming their new Rick Rubin-produced, major label debut I And Love And You as evidence of them selling out. (Clearly their efforts to gain a larger audience have worked, as I am blogging about them now.) I’ve been aware of them for a while, but I don’t know how or why I’ve never bothered to listen to their previous work, considering I have a clear weakness for most any music that could be labeled as “Southern” or features banjos. Regardless, I am catching up, and most pleasantly surprised by what I’ve heard so far.
I And Love And You is full of both catchy pop songs (like the above-mentioned “Kick Drum Heart”) and soulful ballads (like the title track). If you’re unfamiliar with their previous work, I highly suggest you check them out, and if you’re already a fan, don’t write off this album as merely a sell-out. I’m still kicking around with it, but I think it could be included with some of the year’s best. I look forward to discovering what their previous efforts contain, if this latest is any indication.
