Folk bluegrass band The Avett Brothers are back again with yet another amazing album, Magpie and the Dandelion. Produced by the famous and talented Rick Rubin who has been working with them since their hit album I and Love and You, in 2009. Despite much debate on Rick Rubin producing their albums from long-time fans, this album certainly has soul and depth. But is it really enough to please all sides of their fans?
One of the biggest issues that many indie bands face these days is getting “too big”. It should be a good thing, and yes it is, but many fans dislike when this happens, selfishly. Unfortunately the indie and alternative genre is mostly supported by “hipsters” and when one of these, unknown underground, bands gets discovered, some fans are miffed at how the band “loses their way”. Yes, bands do change direction and sound, but if they don’t change then they get claimed as old and repetitive. It’s almost a no-win situation.
I’ve personally been a fan of The Avett Brothers for years now, and yet I still found this album to be great. Magpie follows the theme of love, heartbreak, and leaving. The opening tune, “Open Ended Life” is an upbeat song about leaving and not being stuck in a bad place, I was taught to keep an open-ended life and never trap myself in nothing. Indeed a similar theme from the band. This leads you into the next track, “Morning Song” which could possibly be the backlash from the first, the true feelings after leaving, with the lyrics, It’s alright if you finally stop caring.
One song in particular that stood out to me was “Good to You”. A powerful and emotion filled song about constantly not being there for someone you love when they need you. Something many musicians can relate to. I want to be there for you, I want to be good for you, and when I come home, do you still want me too?
And listen below to one of their hit tracks, “Another is Waiting” off of this great album.
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