There wasn’t a way to prepare myself for The Avett Brothers’ Emotionalism. It sniped me right in the back to start and then riddled me from all other corners, sending me reeling as it filled my tissues full of something other than lead. What is usually lead in these gunnings, turned out to be potpourri and it turned out to be a universal uplifting that you get when someone compliments your charming personality or when you take a much needed, relaxing shower. It’s the equivalent of – to borrow one of the themes of the season – when the Grinch’s heart grows many sizes too big and shatters the little wooden box that encases it in his chest. We all know that such an enlargement would be detrimental to one’s health and it would no sooner happen than you’d be getting measured for a burial suit, but it’s the idea of having a body filled full of warm wishes, compassion and ideal temperature hot cocoa that’s trying to be put across and this is how The Avett Brothers will win you over. Much like the reasoning that was made on this site last winter regarding the top albums of 2006 and the No. 1 spot going to the Cold War Kids and their remarkable Robbers & Cowards, Emotionalism is further reassurance that there’s still enough true blue songwriting out there that can make you feel things other than trendiness or indifference. This is as close to timeless as you get in these modern times. There’s a steady step pacing and so much expression in every aspect of every song that makes it burn. Scott Avett here tells us about a recent week in five friendly installments. You’ll hear much more about the album when our best of album list posts in a few weeks.

One — Christopher Denny
Denny is a singer-songwriter out of Arkansas. We had the privelage of playing a show with him in Boston, MA last week. As soon as I heard Christopher’s voice from backstage I went to hear more and have been listening to his record, Age Old Hunger, all week… trying to turn all of my firends on to his music. His voice is unlike anyone else’s out there, very classic and original.

Two — Oil Based Printing Ink
I learned this week how superior oil-based ink is to water soluable ink while printing our New Year’s Eve show poster at East Carolina University with printing master Michael Ehlbeck. I love block printing.

Three — My Doc Martens
I had forgotten how “perfect” a shoe Doc Martens were — ten holes of course. I keep shoes on from the time I wake until the time I go to sleep. I was in a fist fight once, back in high school, and I was wearing flip-flops. I found it difficult to defend myself without shoes on, so I always keep a pair on now. Just in case.

Four — Williamsburg Handmade Oil Paint
I love to push paint across canvas. I have been working on a painting for the cover of an album by a very talented, young songwriter from Kent, Ohio. Her name is Jessica Lea Mayfield

Five — The Piano
I love the piano because I don’t automatically go to the “G” chord. I love the “G” chord but at some point you’ve just got to move on.

The Avett Brothers Official Site