Magpie and the Dandelion
by The Avett Brothers
  • Record Label: Republic
  • Release Date: Oct 15, 2013
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
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  1. Mojo
    Dec 18, 2013
    80
    Filled with tearful ballads and ragged-trousered country, the Avetts' playing may not be the most technically accomplished but the feel they bring to Never Been Alive and Another Is Waiting is alone worth wading through their previously misfiring albums. [Jan 2014, p.96]
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  2. Magnet
    Nov 27, 2013
    80
    The Avett Brothers are thankfully more interested in contemporary relevance than lockstep allegiance to dusty history. [No. 104, p.52]
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  3. Under The Radar
    Nov 14, 2013
    75
    North Carolina's Avett Brothers have filled Magpie and the Dandelion with taut, unaffected verses that dredge the past, weigh damage against possibility, and seek emergence through selflessness and emotional responsibility.
  5. American Songwriter
    Oct 31, 2013
    80
    Magpie is chock full of tracks that show the Avett Brothers are (very wisely) growing their sound, while remaining true to their core principles and what listeners like about them to begin with.
  6. Blurt Magazine
    Oct 28, 2013
    80
    The Avett Brothers have established a singular style. And with it, a well-deserved reputation that assures their place among the best of the breed.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    Oct 18, 2013
    75
    When the band turns from evocative imagery to lyrics that just feel confusingly circuitous, Magpie loses its footing. [18 Oct 2013, p.65]
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  8. Pretty Much Amazing
    Oct 16, 2013
    75
    But for the most part, Magpie provides us with another bundle of easygoing tunes from a band that seems to have a limitless supply.
  9. Paste Magazine
    Oct 15, 2013
    75
    It’s a solid record that showcases all of The Avett Brothers’ talents and captures them, as well as their songwriting, in an interesting emotional place on their journey further down the road.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Oct 15, 2013
    70
    More hard-bitten and somberly reflective, Magpie exposes lyrics that tilt into hokey romanticism. But the craft is automatic.
  11. Exclaim
    Oct 14, 2013
    70
    The 11 tracks on Magpie and the Dandelion were recorded during the same Rick Rubin-produced sessions, and now stand as a well-timed response to those that found The Carpenter too weighty for its own good.
  12. AllMusic
    Oct 14, 2013
    70
    Perhaps the Avetts are best when they run a little bit loose and ragged, letting the tempos push a little bit hard, allowing their harmonies to clash and happy to have their loose ends remain untied. Often, this means that the ballads are just a shade too tidy.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. BKM
    Oct 18, 2013
    6
    While it's certainly a pleasant and listenable effort, Magpie and the Dandelion suffers from production that is too slick and songs that haveWhile it's certainly a pleasant and listenable effort, Magpie and the Dandelion suffers from production that is too slick and songs that have been done before and better. If the Avetts are to ever regain the anguished howl of their best work, Rick Rubin may have to go.… Full Review »
  2. KPOD
    Oct 15, 2013
    9
    Very strong effort from the Avetts. Things are kicked off by the Alt-bluegrass Open Ended Life perfectly juxtaposed against the beautifulVery strong effort from the Avetts. Things are kicked off by the Alt-bluegrass Open Ended Life perfectly juxtaposed against the beautiful Morning Song. Perhaps a bit heavy on ballads but each song is well constructed and delivered with the proper mix of intensity and understatement. Other standouts include Vanity, Apart From Me and the lead single, a Another is Waiting.… Full Review »
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