The Avett Brothers Essentials

Scott and Seth Avett's band began as a grassroots phenomenon, blending back-porch banjo and homespun acoustic guitar riffs with a tuneful indie pop edge. With some help from superproducer Rick Rubin, they became an Americana institution. But whether they're delicately unfolding a graceful, piano-laced ballad like “I and Love and You” or laying down the gospel-tinged clap-along “Ain't No Man,” the Avetts' mix of down-home soulfulness and captivating hooks is always shot through with unadulterated emotional honesty.