The Avett Brothers, everyone's favorite bluegrass punks, have ditched their long-time home, Ramseur Records, in favor of greener pastures (read: makin' dem duckets) In a surprising move, the North Carolina act has signed to American Recordings/Columbia. A letter to fans via their Web site also reveals that the Avett boys are recording their next full length with none other than this man:
Rick Rubin.
The choice is appropriate in the sense that Rubin is the big kahuna at Columbia, but I hope their music doesn't suffer because of it. Look, the dude's a legend, and he's done some brilliant things (revitalize Johnny Cash, help bring the world hip hop) but he also has a knack for sometimes ruining records (here's looking at you, Weezer.) Let's hope this all works out, because The Avetts' raw Emotionalism was in my top five of last year, and the follow-up is on my shortlist for most anticipated. I'm trusting you, Rick. Leave the banjos be, and please, no breakbeats.
Meanwhile, the band's new EP, The Second Gleam, will be their last release for Ramseur and is in stores July 22.
-Andrew Daniels
