Emotionalism (Dig)

The Avett Brothers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 15, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ramseur Rec.
• ASIN: B000OZ2CLQ
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,450 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #3 in Music > Indie Music > Country > Alt-Country & Americana
  • #4 in Music > Folk > Contemporary Folk > Alternative Folk
  • #4 in Music > Country > Americana

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Though the banjo might seem to relegate this decidedly non-bluegrass trio to the alt-country fringes, the buoyant melodies and heart-tugging harmonies on the album-opening "Die Die Die" and "Will You Return?" owe more to the early Beatles. Despite the stripped-down, largely acoustic arrangements, the 14 cuts here cover an impressively expansive musical terrain, with "Pretty Girl from Chile" and "Pretty Girl from San Diego" full of twists and surprises. Elsewhere there are echoes of influence from the Band, the Burritos, the Everlys, and beyond, but the music of this North Carolina family band refuses to be pigeonholed. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Truly enjoyable experience of Newgrass, rustic folk songs., September 9, 2007

By 

Nicholas Soucy (Lansing, Mi United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Emotionalism (Dig) (Audio CD)

This is a talented band of brothers. Simple acoustic guitars,piano and banjos complement the strengths of the lyrics and the delivery. They employ judicious use of passionate crescendo and artful silences. The band sounds like it had fun recording this music, and it shows, especially in tracks like "Will You Return?"

Fans of the blending of country, folk, bluegrass and alternative rock will enjoy this band. One might label this what I call "NewGrass," in the tradition of calling new folk music "Neo-Folk."

Fans of Christopher Denny, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Will Oldham/Bonnie "Prince" Billy and Johnny Cash will feel right at home with the Avett Brothers. They deliver the same feelings of earthiness and authenticity.

And listeners will be pleased by the variety of melodies from track to track. This is definitely not the kind of band whose songs blend together in one boring, unabbreviated album. Instead, each song has its own character, its own story and distinct allegiance to the themes of love, sorrow and tribulation.

At times, the vocals seem derivative of My Morning Jacket, and even a touch of Weezer (Die, Die, Die). But in fairness, The Avett Brothers have crafted their own sound worthy of recognition.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional Fulfillment, May 24, 2007

By 

Zesty Droog (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Emotionalism (Dig) (Audio CD)

Wow. I was really taken aback after listening to this cd for the first time. This cd is quite a musical change for the Avett Brothers, but it is definitely in the right direction. There's a lot of familiar and unfamiliar things going on here. However, the vocals are stronger than ever, the lyrics smart, and the instrument playing is extremely polished. There's even some drum work and piano! I've been an Avett fan since 'A Carolina Jubilee' and it's been interesting to hear the musical transitions from new release to new release. This is definitely the boldest! "Pretty Girl from Chile" and "Salina" are fine examples of the boys' willingness to explore new territory. If you were passionate about the Avett Brothers' previous release 'The Gleam', then you'll be all over 'Emotionalism'!

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Can't Find Better Than This..., May 16, 2007

By 

K. Garber (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Emotionalism (Dig) (Audio CD)

This is the best group out there.
Their shows are always a good time, without fail, but not just a good time....there's substance to these guys and a charming sincerity in everything they do.
Nothing beats a live show, but you won't be disappointed just listening to a cd....all of a sudden you'll come back to your senses and realize there's a smile on your face.

Thank God for people like this.