I'm a fan (and you should be too) because...
I had only listened to a few songs a friend played while on a road trip and found them interesting. Later that year they played the All Good festival and I convinced the group I was with to check them out. From the first notes, I was in love! The emotionally raw lyrics, boundless energy in extreme heat, and the way they know how to stir a crowd are unlike any other live act I've ever seen before. Too many artists are so produced it doesn't translate to a stage performance, and I've always believe live music to be better...and the Avett's are the epitome of this. This was approximately 4 years ago and I've been an avid follower ever since. Even travelling from PA to NC to see them was not enough. Emotionalism continues to be a favorite (for the sentimental reason that it was the first that I purchased), but the other 7 I've added to my collection are also treasured.