I used to DJ for my university’s radio station. While I had consistently bad time slots (think 3-5AM) and consistently crazy callers (threatening to kill me, or asking me to describe my body to them), I had a blast.

Why you ask?

WRUW has an amazing, amazing record library. Over 100,000 CD’s. At least twice that in records. I was in musical heaven. The on-air room also had amazing speakers, and frequently I used my time slot as an opportunity to have a solo dance party to my most current favorite songs.

In the on air room there was a shelf of new music, and you got brownie points if you played new music on your show. I constantly poured through the new music, gleeful at the possibilities.

One band that I found from this new music shelf is The Avett Brothers.

Initially I was skeptical. The description on the front of the album mentioned punk inspired bluegrass. The very concept blew my mind. Being a good little musical trollop, though, I gave it a whirl and played the recommended track “Talk on Indolence“.

From that moment on I was hooked. At least with that song.

Some years later I was rocking out to “Talk on Indolence” when I realized I had never really made it past that song. It sounds silly, but even though I adore “Talk on Indolence”, I never moved on to test other songs on the album.

Some years later was actually this year, and forward I charged into the heart of “Four Thieves Gone: The Robinsville Sessions“.

And it was good.

Oh, oh so good.

If this is what Bluegrass is like, sign me up. The album is fantastic. Mostly high-energy without being goofy. Folksy and acoustic without seeming unprofessional. The lyrics are great, the singing even better, and most of the melodies could prompt very pleasing sing-a-longs if one were at the proper state of inebriation.

Even their slow songs are very heartfelt and sincere, lacking any hoakiness that I might expect from a similar song from a different band.

What to Expect?

Bluegrass that will rock your face off with sheer awesomeness.

What to take away?

The Avett Brothers are a Bluegrass band that is easily palatable for those who have little to no interest in Bluegrass. And if you’re afraid of twang in your music, relax. It’s not present.

What drink to pair it with?

Moonshine. Or homemade beer. and lots of it.

Favorite song?

“Talk on Indolence” still ranks pretty highly, but “Distraction #74” is also particularly awesome.

Bluegrass.

Pair it with a hot summer evening, on a patio surrounded by daisies and red raspberry bushes and a glass of iced coffee, and I dare you to not be content.

My most recent couchsurfer, Andy Berkhout, played a wonderful set at the Vine and Bean Cafe last evening. He showed up equipped with a harmonica, banjo, ukulele, tamborine and an acoustic guitar.

I was really excited about that ukulele. I had never seen one played in earnest before yesterday. Even though I enjoyed the ukulele, I think the banjo ended up appealing to me the most. It just fits perfectly with summer, and thanks to that YouTube video, i can’t seem to disassociate “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” from ukuleles.

There is something infinitely soothing about simple but well done bluegrass. Whereas I normally tweak out about people sitting or laying around at concerts, Andy made me want to stretch out in the grass and watch clouds, or lay in a hammock reading a book. His music is the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing day. Just when it was about to get perhaps too relaxing, however, he threw in some tambourine or harmonica, pulling you back into the music.

This mellowness in his music was deliberate. His music is purposefully simple and most of his songs are about love and peace. The whole experience of seeing him perform felt wholesome.

He really made me want to just sit back, relax, and enjoy myself. Apparently that was completely his goal.

His song writing came about after returning from a half year in South Africa, as a means of stepping away from the hectic pace of America.

I will admit my bluegrass knowledge is more or less completely non-existent. The Avett Brothers are about as far as I’ve really gotten, and I feel that they must be on the fringe of Bluegrass normality.

I can’t really compare Andy to any standard of bluegrass, therefore I can only compare him to my own sense of enjoyment. And I enjoyed. The next time I plop down in my dome chair and pull out a book, it’ll be to the sounds of Andy Berkhout.

What to expect?

Andy masterfully picking on the guitar, banjo, or ukelele to the most laze inducing music I think I’ve ever heard.

What to take away?

A relaxed disposition that may very well lead into a nap if you’re not paying attention.

What to pair it with?

While i was drinking iced coffee while listening to Andy, I think lemonade would probably be more appropriate. Spike it with vodka or rum if that’s your bag, but for music this wholesome, I think perhaps a wholesome beverage is in order.

Favorite song?

Wake Up for the Day. Though I find it amusing that such relaxing music is commanding me to wake up.