I’m a big fan of The Avett Brothers. I’ve attended shows anywhere from the great states of Pennsylvania to Wisconsin and even Nashville, Tennessee. I’m a member of the Avett Nation Facebook group, which is full of dedicated fans like myself. It’s safe to say that Scott, Seth, Bob and Joe stole my heart years ago. Why am I telling you this, giving you a little background on myself? As a loyal fan, I have my roots in the Avett Brothers I connected with years ago, the Avett Brothers that produced songs like, “January Wedding,” and “November Blue.” But this isn’t about that time in the career of one band; it’s about what’s out now. And that just happens to be True Sadness.
True Sadness is the latest installment of The Avett Brother’s musical career. It includes 12 songs, all created by and for the brothers themselves. True Sadness was produced by Rick Rubin, who has worked with artists from Ed Sheeran to Lady Gaga to The Dixie Chicks. Rubin, who has previously worked with the brothers 4 times over, is considered a musical genius in the industry – a man who allows artists to push their boundaries and work outside their limits while still remaining faithful to the sound they’ve aimed for all along.
I think that’s just what happened here.
I decided not to listen to True Sadness in its entirety until the release date, June 24th of 2016, in order to collect my thoughts and opinions by myself. However, that did not stop me from reading reviews and watching interviews before that date. Fans of all ages, hometowns, and backgrounds weighed in on True Sadness. Some fans gave more positive reviews, beaming with joy that this record reflected an ever-changing music industry and the group of four men. Others were disappointed, most notably at the possibility of the brothers, “selling out,” to the big names in the industry. But as June 24th rolled around, I listened with my own ears and reflected on each song, and the record as a whole. Let’s break it down track by tack.
1. Ain’t No Man.
This was the first single released from the record. Personally, I think it does a great job of straddling the line between over-production (as a result from Rubin) and raw, authentic music. It conveys a jazzy and blues message while still remaining true to folk roots.
2. Mama, I Don’t Believe.
While it’s only the second track, it already has a completely different feel than the first. This piece reminds me of something The Counting Crows would produce, and I am thankful for that. It is authentic, and while it is produced, it is still enjoyable. This fits into the The Carpenter era nicely.
3. No Hard Feelings.
Similar to track two, this song is well mixed and conveys a wonderful message both lyrically and musically. It is not too much or too little, and it seems as though it would be played similarly live, a trait I adore.
4. Smithsonian.
Arguably one of my favorite songs on the record due to its incredible collaboration between more traditional folk and popular music. It is a simpler song lyrically, but the musicality of it is extremely inviting.
5. You Are Mine.
Perhaps one of the more Rubin-esque songs of the record. This song, in my opinion, is slightly over-produced, and I think I would’ve appreciated it more without the various synths and added electric sounds. However, it is dynamic lyrically and still showcases the brothers in a positive light.
6. Satan Pulls The Strings.
This song has been out for quite some time now, being played at shows all over the States. Because of the fact that I have heard it live multiple times before, the studio version threw me off. I enjoy the studio version but think the energy and raw sounds of the live version are, unfortunately, missing.
7. True Sadness.
In all honesty, this song has been a little hard for me to swallow. I think it’s the mix of the more light-hearted and upbeat instruments along with a deeper, philosophical message. It is almost like the music and the lyrics don’t quite fit together to produce a similar message.
8. I Wish I Was.
Most definitely my favorite piece of this record. This brings me back to The Avett Brothers of the Emotionalism days – full of emotion and heart, but still musically interesting and entertaining. It is lyrically diverse as well as catchy, somehow remaining a pop song and folk tune.
9. Fisher Road To Hollywood.
This is a beautiful reflection on the journey the brothers have taken over the years. It presents itself as very natural, without too much editing. I enjoy this piece very much, especially for its honesty.
10. Victims of Life.
The first time I heard this song was as I kind-of-sort-of snuck backstage at the Milwaukee show to hear the sound check just hours before the show. I loved the energy on stage and think it is a fun summertime hit. The studio version is almost exactly the same as the live version, and I am thankful for that.
11. Divorce Separation Blues.
When the boys yodel, I listen. This piece relates to a very personal subject in a way that makes it relatable as well as understandable. I enjoy the folk foundation and the fact that it is still edited and produced in an enjoyable way.
12. May It Last.
While I enjoy this piece lyrically, I do not find the instrumental aspects of it nearly as pleasing. To me, it reflects the Rubin touch that takes it from being soothing and calming to overdone. It seems that the instrumentation is just too much for the subject matter.
It’s easy to tell that The Avett Brothers have worked long and hard on this record. I applaud them for, in some cases, going outside of their comfort zone. This brings forth new ideas and sounds that will be heard by fans across the nation in their living rooms and in live audiences. While I disagree with some of the production decisions, especially in regard to the level of production itself, I am proud of the record produced. I can understand both sides of the argument, both loving and hating the record. For some, this pushes too many boundaries and overproduces too many songs. For others, it reflected the nature of the music industry, and of men growing up and getting older. Regardless, it is certainly a record to be proud of, and they are 12 songs full of emotion, experience, and energy.
In the ever-changing music world, The Avett Brothers have continued to evolve while pleasing fans, with True Sadness being no different. I am very excited to see this records story continue, and to see where The Avett Brothers go to next.
