The Avett Brothers: I And Love And You

The Avett Brothers
I And Love And You
American/Columbia Records [2009]









Fire Note Says: It may be different but it is more infectious with every spin!

Album Review:
Right from the the first note of the opening title track, you will notice a change in The Avett Brothers approach on their major label debut I And Love And You. The record is much more piano driven, polished and subdued then their earlier efforts, which at first will be a harder sell for longtime fans and a quick blame will be put on famed producer Rick Rubin, major label Columbia Records and The Avett Brothers for selling out. The key is not to jump to quick conclusions on this record. It turns out The Avett Brothers are pretty good at scaling back and after you give I And Love And You multiple spins, you start to get it. The lead single and title track "I And Love And You" is one of their most accomplished pieces to date, that could take the band to an entire new audience. There are also still rowdy folk moments like in the foot stomper "My Heart Like A Kick Drum" and the simple back porch sounds of "January Wedding" will instantly connect with fans. I And Love And You also brings some new tricks, such as the quiet piano ballad "Perfect Space" that has an explosive Ben Folds type rock out in the middle before returning back to its low key beginnings and much more focus is placed on the groups solo vocals and harmonies. I have been listening all week to this record and admit my initial rating was much lower but track by track, The Avett Brothers won me over and although they keep their normal folk energy more behind the scenes, I And Love And You is a solid record that will play great live and most certainly should have mass appeal!

Key Tracks: "I And Love And You", "Kick Drum Heart", "Laundry Room"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Clem Snide
The Band
Wilco

The Avett Brothers: The Second Gleam [EP] [Fire Note Review 10/3/08]
The Avett Brothers: Emotionalism [Fire Note Review 12/17/07]
The Avett Brothers: Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions [Fire Note Review 11/24/06]

Official Avett Brothers Website
The Avett Brothers MySpace
The Avett Brothers Info [Allmusic]
American/Columbia Records

-Reviewed by Aidan Rox