Complete List Of The Avett Brothers Albums And Discography

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The Avett Brothers, an American band hailing from Concord, North Carolina, have carved out a distinctive niche in the contemporary music scene with their blend of folk, bluegrass, country, and rock, often labeled as “Americana.” Their rise from indie roots to mainstream success is a testament to their talent and adaptability in an ever-changing musical landscape.

Early Years and Formation

Formed in the early 2000s, the core of the band consists of two brothers, Scott Avett (banjo, lead vocals, guitar, piano) and Seth Avett (guitar, lead vocals, piano, drums). They were joined by Bob Crawford (double bass, electric bass, violin, backing vocals) and Joe Kwon (cello, backing vocals). The brothers originally played with a different band called Nemo, but after the group disbanded, they pursued a sound closer to their roots, drawing on acoustic music and the folk tradition.

Developing Their Sound

Their self-titled debut EP “The Avett Bros” was released in 2000, followed by their first full-length album, “Country Was,” in 2002. These early works reflected a raw and energetic sound, merging Scott’s gritty banjo playing and Seth’s acoustic guitar with honest, heartfelt lyrics. Their early work captured the intimacy of their live performances, which became a trademark of their style.

Rising Popularity

The Avett Brothers’ fan base began to grow with the release of albums like “A Carolina Jubilee” and “Mignonette” in the mid-2000s. Their live shows, characterized by high energy and emotional honesty, garnered them a reputation as a must-see act. Their album “Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions” added to their growing catalog and showcased their ability to weave storytelling with a broad array of instrumentation.

Critical Acclaim and Mainstream Breakthrough

It was the 2007 release, “Emotionalism,” that marked a significant turning point, earning them critical acclaim and attracting a wider audience. The album featured a more polished sound and included intricate harmonies and a richer, more diverse instrumental arrangement. This album’s success led to the band signing with the major label American Recordings.

The Avett Brothers’ mainstream breakthrough came with the 2009 album “I and Love and You,” which was produced by the famed Rick Rubin. Rubin’s influence helped refine their sound, marrying their raw energy with a more sophisticated production. The title track, “I and Love and You,” resonated with audiences for its poignant lyrics and compelling melody, earning them spots on major charts and a new level of exposure on national television and at renowned music festivals.

Continued Success

The band continued their success with subsequent albums like “The Carpenter” (2012) and “Magpie and the Dandelion” (2013), both of which received critical praise and commercial success. Their evolving sound, characterized by thoughtful lyrics and an eclectic musical approach, has continued to resonate with a diverse fan base.

The Avett Brothers Today

In more recent years, The Avett Brothers have maintained a strong presence in the music world with releases like “True Sadness” (2016) and “Closer Than Together” (2019). They remain prolific in their output and continue to tour extensively, known for their dynamic live performances that showcase the brothers’ musical chemistry and commitment to their craft.

Country Was

Released 2002

The Avett Brothers’ debut studio album, Country Was, laid the foundation for their signature blend of folk, country, bluegrass, and rock. Recorded in the countryside of North Carolina, this album features the early lineup of Scott Avett on banjo and vocals, Seth Avett on guitar and vocals, and Bob Crawford on stand-up bass. Country Was was produced by the band members themselves and recorded at a small studio in Concord, North Carolina over the span of just a few days.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Pretty Girl from Matthews” – 3:27
2. “Jenny and the Summer Day” – 4:14
3. “A Lot of Moving” – 2:22
4. “November Blue” – 4:26
5. “My Losing Bet” – 2:43
6. “Beside the Yellow Line” – 4:58
7. “Old Wyom” – 2:48
8. “Closing Night” – 2:42
9. “I Killed Sally’s Lover” – 2:37
10. “Smoke in Our Lights” – 5:40
11. “Offering” – 2:24

A Carolina Jubilee

Released 2003

A Carolina Jubilee is the second studio album by The Avett Brothers. The album explores themes of love, faith, and personal growth. It was recorded in the rural surroundings of North Carolina, reflecting the band’s roots in American traditional music. The line-up on this album featured Scott Avett, Seth Avett, and Bob Crawford, with their heartfelt harmonies and instrumentation. Produced by The Avett Brothers, the album was recorded at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina.

CD Track Listings:

1. “The Traveling Song” – 3:29
2. “Love Like the Movies” – 3:32
3. “Sorry Man” – 4:44
4. “Me and God” – 4:20
5. “Pretty Girl from Raleigh” – 2:23
6. “Do You Love Him” – 3:03
7. “I Killed Sally’s Lover” – 2:37
8. “Pretty Girl from Locust” – 4:33
9. “My Last Song to Jenny” – 2:27
10. “Walking for You” – 3:28
11. “The D Bag Rag” – 2:21
12. “Pretty Girl from Annapolis” – 4:36
13. “Smoke in Our Lights” – 5:40
14. “Offering” – 3:42
15. “August 15, 1985” – 2:17

Mignonette

Released 2004

The Avett Brothers’ Mignonette is a pivotal album that reflects their growing sophistication in songwriting and musicianship. Recorded in the serene backdrop of North Carolina, it marked a continued evolution in their sound. The album features a mix of high-energy numbers and soulful ballads. Produced by The Avett Brothers alongside Doug Williams, Mignonette was recorded at Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville, North Carolina.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Swept Away (Sentimental Version)” – 4:14
2. “Nothing Short of Thankful” – 3:26
3. “The New Love Song” – 4:04
4. “At the Beach” – 4:09
5. “Signs” – 3:42
6. “Hard Worker” – 2:05
7. “Letter to a Pretty Girl” – 3:18
8. “Please Pardon Yourself” – 4:08
9. “Pretty Girl at the Airport” – 4:58
10. “Pretty Girl from Cedar Lane” – 3:21
11. “Causey Commentary” – 1:03
12. “One Line Wonder” – 4:46
13. “The Day That Marvin Gaye Died” – 3:10
14. “SSS” – 4:07
15. “Swept Away” – 3:53
16. “A Gift for Melody Anne” – 4:01
17. “Complainte D’Un Matelot Mourant” – 5:02
18. “Salvation Song” – 4:48
19. “Signs” – 3:40
20. “Please Pardon Yourself” – 4:10

Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions

Released 2006

Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions finds The Avett Brothers embracing a raw, live energy that captures the spirit of their live shows. Recorded in a cabin in Robbinsville, North Carolina, this album is a mix of raucous energy and tender moments. The recording atmosphere contributed to the authentic and earthy sound of the album. Produced by The Avett Brothers, it features the addition of cellist Joe Kwon to the band’s lineup.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Talk on Indolence” – 3:39
2. “Pretty Girl from Feltre” – 5:32
3. “Colorshow” – 3:57
4. “Distraction #74” – 2:27
5. “Sixteen in July” – 2:54
6. “Left on Laura, Left on Lisa” – 3:59
7. “A Lover Like You” – 2:34
8. “Pretend Love” – 3:59
9. “Matrimony” – 2:50
10. “The Lowering (A Sad Day in Greenville)” – 5:03
11. “The Fall” – 1:49
12. “Dancing Daze” – 3:06
13. “Famous Flower of Manhattan” – 3:52
14. “40 East” – 4:38
15. “Gimmeakiss” – 2:12
16. “Denouncing November Blue (Uneasy Writer)” – 3:37
17. “Four Thieves Gone” – 16:08

Emotionalism

Released 2007

Emotionalism marks a significant point in The Avett Brothers’ career as they continued to refine their sound. The album is a cohesive collection of songs that delve into emotional landscapes with authenticity. Recorded in North Carolina, this album shows the band’s growing popularity, as it features more polished production and songwriting. Produced by The Avett Brothers and recorded at Echo Mountain Studios, Emotionalism helped the band to gain a broader audience.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Die Die Die” – 2:50
2. “Shame” – 3:53
3. “Paranoia in B-Flat Major” – 3:37
4. “The Weight of Lies” – 4:29
5. “Will You Return?” – 2:46
6. “The Ballad of Love and Hate” – 5:20
7. “Salina” – 4:44
8. “Pretty Girl from Chile” – 5:42
9. “All My Mistakes” – 5:06
10. “Living of Love” – 4:31
11. “I Would Be Sad” – 3:44
12. “Pretty Girl from San Diego” – 3:50
13. “Go to Sleep” – 4:04
14. “Hand-Me-Down Tune” – 4:07

I and Love and You

Released 2009

I and Love and You is one of The Avett Brothers’ most acclaimed albums, representing a major step forward in their sound and songwriting. Produced by the celebrated Rick Rubin, this album was recorded in both North Carolina and California, reflecting a broader landscape of influences. Featuring a lush, expansive sound, the album received significant attention for its title track and landed on numerous year-end best-of lists.

CD Track Listings:

1. “I and Love and You” – 5:00
2. “January Wedding” – 3:48
3. “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise” – 4:48
4. “And It Spread” – 4:07
5. “The Perfect Space” – 4:31
6. “Ten Thousand Words” – 5:36
7. “Kick Drum Heart” – 2:54
8. “Laundry Room” – 4:51
9. “Ill With Want” – 4:05
10. “Tin Man” – 3:08
11. “Slight Figure of Speech” – 2:22
12. “It Goes On and On” – 2:57
13. “Incomplete and Insecure” – 2:35

The Carpenter

Released 2012

“The Carpenter” is an album that reflects The Avett Brothers’ depth in balancing introspection with a broad community appeal. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album was recorded at several locations, including Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville, North Carolina, and Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, California. It features a blend of folk-rock and indie sounds that have come to define the band’s unique style. This work saw the band further honing their craft, with themes of life, death, and resilience woven throughout its tracks. It peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, showing the growing popularity of The Avett Brothers.

CD Track Listings:

1. “The Once and Future Carpenter” – 4:52
2. “Live and Die” – 4:31
3. “Winter in My Heart” – 4:55
4. “Pretty Girl from Michigan” – 2:47
5. “I Never Knew You” – 2:56
6. “February Seven” – 4:15
7. “Through My Prayers” – 4:11
8. “Down with the Shine” – 4:04
9. “A Father’s First Spring” – 4:06
10. “Geraldine” – 1:37
11. “Paul Newman vs. The Demons” – 4:42
12. “Life” – 3:44

Magpie and the Dandelion

Released 2013

Recorded during the same sessions as their previous album, “Magpie and the Dandelion” offers a more raw and immediate sound, with production once again by Rick Rubin. The album includes performances recorded at the legendary Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, New York. Its tracks vary from the raucous to the reflective, capturing the band’s unique ability to tell stories through their music. The album debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying The Avett Brothers’ presence in the Americana music scene.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Open Ended Life” – 4:52
2. “Morning Song” – 4:03
3. “Never Been Alive” – 3:10
4. “Another is Waiting” – 2:08
5. “Bring Your Love to Me” – 3:43
6. “Good to You” – 4:25
7. “Apart from Me” – 5:06
8. “Skin and Bones” – 4:11
9. “Souls Like the Wheels” – 4:38
10. “Vanity” – 2:55
11. “The Clearness is Gone” – 4:48

True Sadness

Released 2016

With “True Sadness,” The Avett Brothers achieved a fine mix of their roots sensibilities with a modern production approach, again under the guidance of producer Rick Rubin. The album was recorded at Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville, North Carolina. It marked a continued evolution in their sound and was received with critical acclaim. The album’s poignant songwriting is matched with musical complexity and emotional depth. “True Sadness” reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and the title track was nominated for a Grammy for Best Americana Performance.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Ain’t No Man” – 3:32
2. “Mama, I Don’t Believe” – 4:16
3. “No Hard Feelings” – 5:14
4. “Smithsonian” – 4:33
5. “You Are Mine” – 3:28
6. “Satan Pulls the Strings” – 3:08
7. “True Sadness” – 4:35
8. “I Wish I Was” – 5:16
9. “Fisher Road to Hollywood” – 4:23
10. “Victims of Life” – 2:59
11. “Divorce Separation Blues” – 4:56
12. “May It Last” – 4:39

Closer Than Together

Released 2019

“Closer Than Together” features The Avett Brothers exploring a wide array of subjects both personal and political, a testament to their growth as songwriters and commentators on the American experience. Recorded primarily at Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville, the album was produced by Rick Rubin and encapsulates a sense of intimacy even while discussing broader themes. It’s a reflective album that combines their traditional sound with contemporary lyrical insights, debuting at No. 28 on the Billboard 200.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Bleeding White” – 4:09
2. “Tell the Truth” – 4:38
3. “We Americans” – 4:53
4. “Long Story Short” – 5:35
5. “C Sections and Railway Trestles” – 2:57
6. “High Steppin'” – 3:56
7. “When You Learn” – 3:48
8. “Bang Bang” – 3:33
9. “Better Here” – 2:24
10. “New Woman’s World” – 3:18
11. “Who Will I Hold” – 3:48
12. “Locked Up” – 3:09
13. “It’s Raining Today” – 4:02

Complete List Of The Avett Brothers Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

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