Album review: The Avett Brothers’ ‘Magpie and the Dandelion’

The Avett Brothers are back with their 8th studio album. Magpie and The Dandelion, released Tuesday, follows closely on the heels of the Carpenter (Sept. 2011). This album, however, strays from the mortality of its predecessor and spends most of its time reflecting.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Seth Avett suggested that within Magpie and the Dandelion, “there are these young sentiments.”

It seems more applicable, though, to suggest that these young sentiments come from a middle-aged perspective. Songs such as “Good to You” and “Apart From Me,” can be interpreted as autobiographical, poignant, and more often than not, retrospective. Themes of coming-of-age and the selfishness of youth are accompanied by the smooth rock-folk hybrid that characterizes most of the album.

“Another is Waiting,” was released in August as the only single off the album. The pop/rock feel is a departure from the raw banjo and vocals of the band’s past work. The song’s upbeat tempo and layering of instruments is akin to more mainstream vibe than is normal for this band. It capitalizes on the resurgence of Americana music in pop culture, while hiding their famous banjo beneath poppy chords. The message of the song remains true to the band’s artistry, and focuses on the loss of authentic music in the music industry.

Reflection on youthful wonder underlines the album’s, “Morning Song.” Here we see the title’s Magpie comes to life as a lost love. The bird, known for a strange grace, alights a wire and forces the song to recognize loss. It’s romanticism reminisces on coming-of-age and understanding of loss. This song could be the standout of the album.

If the turn towards a more rock-folk doesn’t satisfy, listen to “Skin and Bones” and “Good to You.” While “Good to You,” is heavy on the piano it calls to mind songs like “Ten Thousand Words,” and other Avett Brother ballads of the past. These two songs anchored to the roots of the Avett Brother sound makes sense in the overarching theme of the album. They seem most autobiographical and explicit in alluding to their own lives. Listen for Bob Crawford’s poignant verse in “Good to You,” and let it invoke images of his young daughter who has been fighting cancer since 2011; that’s what it’s there for.

This much is clear: the Avett Brothers are evolving. Their music is getting denser and their vocals are varied. Their messages are as strong as ever. Magpie and The Dandelion excels as at reflecting on the lives of artists, of humans, and of the band themselves. 

By Kelly Brand