I'm a fan (and you should be too) because...
I first became aware of The Avett Brothers when I read an article about them in the Charlotte Observer. There was a b&w picture of these seemingly Civil War era men looking earnest and kind of skanky on a rundown wooden porch. I was fascinated by Seth's beard and detected a young face under it, and wondered what kind of young person would do that to himself. But I thought Bob was a babe. Scott made no impression at all. The writer was over the rainbow impressed by them, so I Pandora'd them. They were my first Pandora because that morning I'd just discovered it.
I listened and I think it was Talk on Indolence, because I was disgusted by the off notes and screaming. I thought they weren't for me and I forgot about them. I continued to listen to their channel though and sometimes I'd perk up because I liked the song. It was always one of theirs. I started recognizing their voices. Then I started saying "Hey, have you ever heard of TAB?" Then I determined I would see them next time they came to NC even if it was very expensive. Then I saw them a few months later in Cary. I've never looked back and I'm completely obsessed by them. I'm not a child, I'm 51 years old and have been obsessed with KISS, Alice Cooper, David Bowie, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Mozart, Stevie Ray Vaughn and others throughout my life, but I've NEVER experienced anything like this. Maybe it's partly because they're local boys made good. And I know people who know them and they're "SOOO NICE!" and restore your faith. Maybe it's because the music makes me hopeful/sorrowful/emotional/happy. All I know is I read of the experiences of others and know this is bigger than me.