Jim September 11, 2012, 17:17:59

Great review & great album…well done Avetts!!

Josh September 25, 2012, 16:08:54

This is not as rowdy as some of the early years stuff. However I love the more polished sound and this album grows on me more everyday. How is it possible to not like The Avett Brothers. They continually strive to improve. They delivered an album that certainly was worth the wait.

James Friel September 25, 2012, 16:25:11

I respectfully disagree with the direction they’re going. The elements raw and brash are missing from the equation, and they were essential for contrast against the emotional and “lovey dovey” lyrics. It just doesn’t work for me. Sorry.

Matt September 25, 2012, 17:04:05

I sadly agree with James. Some of the lyrics don’t hit home quite as much. “Paul Newman vs. the Demons” is actually the first Avett Brothers song I can say I hole heartedly dislike. It reminds of me of an emo hard rock band, way too whiney sounding. I probably skip over more songs on this album than I have in any of their others combined (given thats still probably only about 3). Not as many songs to do the folkish jive to. But I’m sorry for raggin so much Avett Brothers, you guys are still the best! And this album is still better than most others out there. You have to do what you feel. I’m just a fan hoping you’ll feel more “Emotionalism” as opposed to “The Carpenter” in future albums. Much love.

nobodymm September 25, 2012, 17:39:36

i agree, the album is way too standard…middle of the road… boring. i like February seven, and live and die, but nothing on this album is exceptional, except for the publicity its receiving. i can only hope nee fans will judge them on their whole collection, not this album. “untitled one” should be on this album, everyone check it out on you tube, it gives me chills. but alas, this album is a let down.

nobodymm September 25, 2012, 17:42:31

and by the way, they are still tops in my book. i’m going to see them in Chicago Sept. 28 AND St Louis Sept. 29. should be a great weekend!! sorry for ragging too Avetts.

Mary Mallon September 25, 2012, 18:09:07

I first heard of the Avetts when “I and Love and You” came out – so I guess I could be considered a relative “newcomer” ( I have gotten quite a few of their earlier albums since then – The Gleam albums, Emotionalism…etc). But, I have to say, I LOVE The Carpenter!! It grabs you from the first song and doesn’t let go. I don’t know, maybe you have to have lost someone close to you – since alot of the songs have to do with life and death, living and dying. I lost my son when he was 5 and 1/2 to the same kind of brain tumor the Avett’s bassist’s daughter is fighting right now. I think of him every time I hear “Through My Prayers” – such a beautiful song. Thank you Avetts for this wonderful album – it was worth the wait!

Paul H September 25, 2012, 19:27:01

I’ve grown along with the Avett Brothers for quite a few years now. Cut my teeth on the earlier stuff others have mentioned and still love it. I think it’s strange when people find disappointment in a band’s evolving sound. Do we really want every release to sound just like the last one? Things change and get strange with the movement of time … it’s happening right now to you.

Connie September 25, 2012, 20:11:37

To those who are unhappy with The Avetts…would you rather them die than grow? They will evolve and perhaps their music will change somewhat…but the words and music of Scott and Seth are real and life written…and I don’t think that will be changing anytime soon. Thank you Avett Brothers for coming into my life!

William September 25, 2012, 20:28:11

I’m with James and Matt. The is far too plain for my likings..and I’ve been with the brothers for some time now. I love their lyrics and they paired brilliantly with their rugged musical accompaniment. Now it just seems boring to me…I’ve skipped over a lot of tracks. That said, they still putt on a stellar live show.

Christy September 25, 2012, 22:01:23

I have yet to hear an Avett song that I don’t love. As musicians they are going to continue to change and grow in what they do. Just like with every concert they play a completely different set list to make each show different and give the audience a new Avett experience. Even if they didn’t change up their shows, I would go anyway. Their music is real and true and “Emotional”. That’s why it connects to so many different ppl for some many different reasons. I love that they felt comfortable enough with their fan base to come up with such a different sound for them (Paul Newman vs. The Demons). They play what they feel. We have all loved what they have been feeling for years now. We all have these different feelings and emotions inside of us. They are just phenomenal at transforming feelings and heart into words and to music. You guys are my absolute favorite brothers!! You are extraordinary. Thank you for your genius!!

Nancy K September 25, 2012, 23:32:11

People,people,people. Are your lives that stagnant that you cannot appreciate growth and change? It is called art because it is creative. Creativity comes from life experiences new and old. As a true fan of the Avett Bros art, I expect nothing less than new and stimulating music.

Ayarica September 26, 2012, 05:52:52

I discovered them a liltte while back, from Band Of the Day app. I instantly downloaded their album, have been listening to it probably bi-daily for a month, and have evangelizing my world of audiophiles with their innate awesomeness.And I can’t tell you how much I love the two-minute official video for Cats and Dogs,’ though it seems to be tough to find online.

DEW September 26, 2012, 13:22:43

I was disappointed with this album on my first listen (pre-release thanks to NPR), but since then, I’ve been listening to it daily, pulling out more and more depth with each reiteration. Like many Avett songs before, I’ve already found new ways to connect and process to pieces from this album. I go to sleep with lyrics running through my head and wake with a new song in its place. There are a few tracks I don’t care for, but that’s okay – it’s music and no one is going to love everyone’s song. What’s important is that The Carpenter speaks The Avett Brothers’ truths, just as all their other albums have before, and does so beautifully. And damn, can you hear Joe Kwon’s cello in there!