I just learned about this band after being intrigued first by the cover art, then by their music. Now I want to know, what exactly is that thing in the lower-left part of the painting? Is it her arm?

I might go buy a vinyl copy to see this up close... and also listen to it.

This painting captures the true definition of the Italian phrase "chiaroscuro" or contrast between light and dark. I only know this because I teach art and had to endure so many art history classes. What I really like about this method however, is the painter to whom it is most commonly associated with; Caravaggio!! Thanks for the artwork!!!

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bradleyp

also keep the negativity to yourself please! appreciate whats in front of you and that they've previewed it to you.

First and foremost, the new cover is an amazing painting that shows just how talented the Avett Bros are, as if their music didnt show everyone that to begin with. Would everyone rather it was rainbows, butterflies, and smiley faces?? With the first 7 albums, not including live albums, they have provided us with some of the most impactful music I have ever experienced. Im sure the meaning behind this painting and the amazingness of this upcoming album will go right along with the ingenious lyrical and musical talents they have given us all along. Hasn't everyone listened to the songs that have been played/released. So far hearing and seeing I and Love and You, Laundry Room, and Kick Drum Heart, I couldnt be more excited about this album. They couldve put a picture of Barney on the front and I would be excited. The Avett Bros are amazing and will continue to be. How about everybody support these guys with their success and endless artistic abilities!!

Thank you to the Avett Brothers and congrats with everything! Cant wait for the album. Come to Minnesota again soon, although I will travel anywhere and everywhere to see you.

PS...anarchristopher sounds like a smart man.

Im a fool for not realizing to choose the name LaserPants, but I switched it up!

Ok. Im indecisive. Back to SorryMan.

I don't know why I keep letting all these comments about Rick Rubin and the possible sucsess of the band get me so down. The Avett Brothers music, at least for me, has been so consistently great, and I love every live song I've heard off the new album; Laundry Room must be one of the best songs they've ever written along with a handful of others. I honestly don't think there's reason to worry; the band is simply evolving.

The cover art was, I'll admit, different than I expected, but the fact that it's a Scott-painting seems a testament to the fact the band has remained the driving force behind the record; their own concept seems to be shining through, despite how much tweaking the album's apparently going through. It's not as if it's some cheesed-up drawing...it's really beautiful and personal, just like the Avett's music has always been.

i do enjoy art for art's sake. my initial physical reaction was simply a smile, but with a background in art history i can't help but apply what i know about the subject. i guess my instructors in college did a pretty good job. my opinion/knowledge was shared for the simple fact that i thought it would help clear up some questions because the clear fact is people have questions when they look at art. the most simple question people always ask is "why did the artist make that?" we may never know for sure because we are not the artist, but we can look for meanings through themes and techniques that have been used for centuries.
so sorry to comiccharlie and the lookers with no questions for the little light bulb that went off in my head when i realized i could apply my college education to a real life situation outside of my job.

plus with scott's formal art training, i can't help but think that there is a connection.

I must say, that does help.

aha! @TessMcClellan I absolutely recall vanitas now that you are jarring my memory. I'm so glad you put it in that perspective for me! It's been over 2 years since I took art at a college level but you are absolutely right! I recall from that class the skull must be present because it is the skull that reminds us that the other elements of the painting are short lived.

Now that I've made the connection it all makes perfect sense... the painting symbolizes the right way to live (as does most of the Avett's lyrics) in suggesting that spiritual well being is of much more importance than material wealth.

But now, can you clarify what else is in this painting other than the girl and the skull?? I can't quite decide what it is. I thought her arm at first but now I'm not so sure.

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happy's not the word, you make me free...

I wasn't expecting that, but cool painting.

I think we're just worried. We want everyone to love the Avett Brothers as much as we do and this, while everyone seems to agree it's an amazing painting, is not something that someone unfamiliar with TAB is going to just grab off the rack. They're not going to know Scott painted it. They're just going to overlook it.

I think the painting/new cover is quite amazing. Does it really matter what the meaning behind it is? I think the only person to know its true meaning is Scott. Plus who really cares what is on the album cover. Its all about the music anyways. The cover just shows me another amazing talent that the Avett Brothers have. Not only one hell of a musician but a skilled artist as well. I love it! Cheers to the Avett Brothers and their success! Hope to see you all in Minnesota again reall soon.

Really interesting though.

I absolutely agree with you, Johann357.
I too am worrisome.
I'm both excited and dreading the release of this album.
Yes I know I said dreading...but every time I read an article or a review of this album, like the link they posted on here, I hear stuff about the songs and how they could "make this band awfully famous."
And while I would love for more people to get interested in the Avetts,
I wouldn't want the band to lose their integrity for that to happen.
Let's face it, 99% of music on the radio is crap.
The Avetts are different. Their down-to-earth and very real....unlike the music that is popular today.
But by signing on to a major label and having the album produced by Rick Rubin...I fear that might change.

Why such a dark cover? Doesn't seem to accurately reflect the music.

I'm sure there is a connection with this and the theme for the website, but I'm certainly not seeing the link right now.

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"The words you wish your head didn't say are the ones their heart will hold onto the longest." -- Bill Mallonee

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...an amazing artist

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"a woman's heart runs on gasoline"

Shocking and beautiful. I wonder why they chose this

Is that Julianne Blackburn?

This preview is suspicious to me. It's either a hoax, or a cool painting by Scott (he's the painter right?) and they're gonna add some happy fonts to it.

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It's not a lie, if YOU believe it.

That weird fleshy thing sticking out at an odd angle?

I have literally listened to I and Love and You a record amount of time sin the past few days so much so that I am sure my girlfriend is going to strangle me with headphone cables, however it's just that good.......... I am still bummed that Late in Life has not made the album but, I am still reeeeeal stoked on it never less. I also think that they should do a covers album, with some of those Langhorne joints and the Tom T Hall, Townes van Sant, Jessica Lea Mayfield, stuff sauch as that on it.

Very dark....wonder if it reflects the subject matter of the album.