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Free Music Notes for EmotionalismFree Music Review: One of the best albums of 2007. Period. Hit: 5 StarsWhat a great introduction to a maturing band. I've been a fan for a couple of years but I must admit, the early music is an acquired taste. I enjoy it more today than when I first heard it. The latest, Emotionalism, grabs you from the beginning with deeper shades of, like the title says, emotion. If you don't know this band, start here. Next try The Gleam, not to be confused with The Clear.
Free Music Review: Huh??? Hit: 2 StarsWhat happened guys?
My dear wife Cathy and I have been listening to these wonderful boys for years. Sometimes (a lot actually) as in-car soundtracks to road adventures we trasure. Apart from the cheeky interest and somewhat "forward looking" aspect of the first track, we have a trainwreck. The bulk of this CD is just a flat spin out of artistic control. Emotionalism indeed...What's next?
Free Music Review: Refreshingly Musical! Hit: 5 StarsI first noticed the Avett Brothers at a big Americana festival, and I had no idea who they were. At the time, their EP had just come out (Gleam), and so after being amazed by the huge energy they had on stage, I decided to spring for it. It was a lot softer and more thoughtful than the live performance. Turns out it was better than I'd hoped. Emotionalism is a spiritual successor to Gleam, in fact some of the songs seem to be obvious "sequels" to the EP tracks. This makes both discs more valuable to me from an emotional standpoint. Now on to this album, Emotionalism.
I can honestly say I've never heard a band rock so SOFT and with so much ABANDON at the same time. The lyrics are thoughtful and deeper than they might at first appear, but the more you listen, the better appreciation you have for the gifts of these guys. The harmonies are raw and thick and powerful. A couple of songs ("Will You Return") borrow heavily from the Beatles' chord progression book, but the homage is appropriate. The Bros. have managed to capture in lyrics and sound a feeling that I think defines the generation of kids born around 1980 or so. The "Emotionalism" of this album aligns exactly with the way I feel a lot of the time.
I've been turned off more and more by not only "pop" music but "alternative" as well. In the 90s, alternative music was my sanctuary from the stuff on top 40 radio. Now it is the other half of top 40 radio, blending painfully well with hip-hop and dance music. I started moving away from this a few years ago, and somehow I've ended up in what can only be called alt-bluegrass. Apparently people are calling this "newgrass," and that's fairly appropriate. Mandolins and banjos and acoustic bass seem to dominate the CDs of the music I'm increasingly drawn to.
If you're in the same boat, I recommend strongly two artists: The Avett Brothers and Chris Thile.
I can (and have) listen to Emotionalism and Gleam over and over. I'm not that kind of music listener! I rarely listen to the same thing twice in a month, much less in a day. But this band has forced me to make an exception.
I don't see how anyone could dislike this album, so if you're on the fence, just go ahead and buy it. You WILL like it. If you don't, maybe seek counseling?
Free Music Review: Great Band! Hit: 5 StarsI was tunred on to this band when I went to Smilefest in Lake Toxaway, N.C. They are a great band to see live if you haven't seen them yet. They really play on the crowd's enthusiasm and I can't wait to see them again soon!
Free Music Review: Superb harmonies and sparkling lyrics. Very satisfying Hit: 5 StarsOne day while listening to Folk Alley dot com on the net (excellent site) I heard a track from Emotionalism and my ears perked up. Spot on harmonies and the words, now that was something to pay attention to. What caught my attention was the insightful dialogue known as "The Ballad of love and hate". So totally unlike the Leonard Cohen dirge about the same subject, this was a fascinating dialogue spoken in the voices of the emotions of love and hate as they tried to hash out an unending conflict. I found a great deal of depth of insight in this particular song and it is worth contemplation when you're singing along.
These two guys are obviously talented musicians and although this is a new group to me, I will certainly cherish this album and look to buy others. Very impressive and I'm sure they are worthy of more exploration. Terrific album.
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6
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