[Heavy] sadness of Townes Van Zandt, the light pop concision of Buddy Holly, the tuneful jangle of the Beatles, the raw energy of the Ramones.

I think it’s fairly apt. Their latest album especially. They let loose with a lot more rock. The album can be streamed and listened to, in it’s entirety, from NPR’s website for the week prior to the album’s release, which might be today… I can’t remember.

The live show was really awesome but, in a way very strange and very sad. Strange because of the demographics of the crowd. I didn’t really expect to see so many frat boys and sorostitues there. Sure, not all frat boys are into Dave Mathews but still. These were just not your expected kids at this concert. I expected many more hipsters and folk hipsters. I didn’t expect to see so many women with shiny earrings and makeup on. Guys wearing khaki shorts and a Bud t-shirt. When the band played songs about deep, heartfelt love? The frat boys ate it up, singing along and cheering. I watched as some frat boy got upset at the two girls with him because they were talking during the show. He repeatedly would tell them to be quiet. Really? I expect this at Newby’s or at a DMB concert but The Avett Brothers?

Why did I find it very sad? Well, I’m very happy for the band that their popularity is such that it attracts a large and diverse crowd but at the same time it does make me sad, yes. Sad because I can’t help but fear that such a rise in popularity coupled with the big studio record deal will in the end spell out the demise of their good music. As their audience widens so might their music to the point that it’s no longer the wonderful Avett Brothers that I love so much. Hopefully this won’t happen, they’ll be able to keep it together, and I won’t have to go through the heartache of watching a beloved band fall into the pit of economic greed and musical suck.

All in all though, they’re one of my favorite bands ever. I mean, I listened to their entire catalog yesterday, straight through, chronologically before I went to the show. These guys have some of the most heart moving music I’ve ever heard. I highly suggest them to anyone and everyone, even the frat boys.