It's funny how different albums affect you. Last year, I bought The Avett Brothers' newest album, The Carpenter, because I loved their debut album. This one is a solid 3 stars on my rating scale.

I've barely listened to the album since i bought it. Partially because it lacks the folky quality of their first album. It's production is a bit too smooth sounding for my taste. It's too different from what I loved with the first album.

The big thing is while it's a really good album. It's just a 3. There's nothing exceptional about it. It's just a good album.

Marketers say that if you want to be noticed, make something that polarizes people. You should love it or hate it.

Instead, I just keep wishing this album was great so I could enjoy it more. Or I think I'd be happy hating it too. Then I wouldn't bother listening any more.