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Smithsonian

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2016 8:51 pm
by BoxofMattches
Okay, is it just me or does this song suck?
Excuse my negativity, but I think the new song the Avett Brothers played at SXSW is probably the worst song they have ever written. The melody is uninteresting, the lyrics are dull, the string instruments don't blend with the rest of the song, referencing Romeo and Juliet is such a cliche move, and the whole science/museum metaphor is extremely cheesy. Maybe the song is a joke and I have no sense of humor. It's disappointing because the other new songs they've released like Ain't No Man and Satan Pulls the Strings are amazing, the second one being one of the best songs they have ever performed in my opinion.

Here is a link to the video. You can state your opinion too since this is a free country:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCKeuVPJ_jk

Re: Smithsonian

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 1:48 am
by stirred
I like the melody and the rhythm. I can't really make out all the words, so I won't comment on that yet. Has anyone transcribed them?

Re: Smithsonian

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 8:40 am
by Michael
By the last chorus on the first time I listened to it I found it really catchy. I also really liked the last verse.

I'm a fan

Re: Smithsonian

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 2:57 pm
by Michelle
In all fairness - we've heard a muddy live clip from a club venue.. also - it was like the first time debuting. They seemed a little reserved in the performance. I'm hoping once they get comfy with it, it'll loosen up. It's very difficult to hear the instruments in the two videos I've watched. I'm going to hold off until I hear the song as it's intended. I wasn't crazy about it on first listen - it did seem a tad boring.. but shoot I wasn't crazy about hand me down tune or if it's the beaches and now those are true gems to me.

Re: Smithsonian

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 4:37 pm
by stirred
Call the Smithsonian, I made a discovery
Life ain't forever and lunch isn't free
Loved ones will break your heart
With or without you
Turns out we don't get to know everything

Get the young scientists, tell them come quick
I must be the first man that's ever seen this
Lines on my face, my teeth are not white
My eyes do not work and my legs don't work right

I wonder if Romeo ever got scared
Taken, but shaken
Unprepared
Under the balcony, under the tree
Fully unknowing of where this would lead

What if we marry or give up the ghost?
Or we abandon those we love most?
What if you carry me and lay me down
Once you get used to me being around?

My bedroom's an office, my kitchen's a car
My life is a joke, my bathroom's a bar
I go there a lot, more than I should
I know I should stop but it feels to damn good

Re: Smithsonian

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2016 10:16 pm
by mao
I agree that they seem to be feeling it out and are kinda reserved. It'll probably tighten up.