Overrated / Underrated

UNDERRATED

The Avett Brothers: On first listen, this trio led by brothers Seth and Scott Avett can seem almost too earnest, like that friend at the bar who can’t stop talking about his first love. But we’re charmed by the Avetts’ 2009 record “I and Love and You,” whose rustic yet orchestrated flourishes were a big part of the band’s barnburner of a set on “Austin City Limits” recently. Sample the last call-ready title track and the banjo-flecked “January Wedding” for proof.

Jay Pharoah’s impressions: We’re not entirely sure how this newcomer to the “Saturday Night Live” cast hasn’t usurped Fred Armisen as the show’s go-to presidential mimic, but it must be only a matter of time. In addition to nailing President Obama’s speaking patterns, Pharoah showed a deft hand capturing Will Smith on the season premiere and a YouTube video of his Denzel Washington is not to be missed. It’s time to give the rookie the ball, “SNL.”

OVERRATED

Outcry over Justin Timberlake’s musical inactivity: Despite his fluffy boy-band beginnings, Timberlake struck pop gold with his 2006 album, “FutureSex/LoveSounds.” And while he’s kept busy acting in “The Social Network” and flexing surprising comic chops with Andy Samberg, fans are clamoring for Timberlake to get back to his day job. We admire the loyalty, but everyone may need to move on. How many times can one person really bring “SexyBack”?

The new fall season: Like baseball’s spring training, the new TV season begins full of promise as we wonder which new show will capture our hearts and offer yet another reason not to get off the couch. Is it just us, or has every new addition fallen flat? “My Generation” and critically lauded “Lone Star” died before their billboards could even come down, and “Boardwalk Empire” has been overshadowed by its pricey set. At least we have our old favorites.