I'm a fan (and you should be too) because the overwhelming impression coming through in their music is honesty. From the first time I listened to them until now, I don't think I've heard a song that comes across as contrived. Everything that they sing, say, or play is delivered to us and presented at face value. There's no gimmick. They aren't bending backwards to be categorized, or to live up to an expectation, or justify any preconceived notion. They feel, they write, they share. And it's not in a take-it-or-leave-it fashion. It's their desire, their passion, their joy to include their audience in their songs. It's as if each note is their favorite and they just can't wait for you to hear it. Their lyrics are simple and to the point but beautiful and poetic at the same time. Their voices are full of inflection. You can hear the pain or sorrow, happiness and joy. Guilt. Love. And the biggest reason that I love these guys is that they are like me. And you. They aren't the world's most talented musicians and vocalists. They are imperfect, just like us. But they refuse to let that stand in the way of them sharing their songs with you. And in that, they become perfect. Perfectly honest. That's what makes them so wonderful; their music so powerful. That's what makes them real. And it's that perfect imperfection, these flaws that smack a string-breaking, banjo-slapping, drum-kicking exclamation point on their music and on their performances. They make our hearts pound, our voices hoarse, and bring tears to our eyes. That's why I'm a fan of The Avett Brothers from Concord, NC. And that's why I always will be.