CD: Nickel Creek - Why Should the Fire Die?

[Ksyrup]

Anyone listen to Nickel Creek? Admittedly, bluegrass isn't exactly my cup o' tea, but then this isn't exactly your father's bluegrass, as they say. I guess the term is progressive bluegrass/folk. The band features three members, all of whom are in their early-to-mid 20's and have been playing together since they were pre-teens. The songs, stripped down, are exceedingly strong and could succeed as introspective bittersweet pop ala Jon Brion/Elliott Smith/Sufjan Stevens, or straight ahead power pop (Jealous of the Moon could be reworked pretty well this way, I think). Anyway, this is a tremendous band. And it's not often that the lead singer also plays mandolin/banjo, while the other two play bass/acoustic guitar and fiddle and also add terrific lead/backing vocals.


Here's the AMG review:

Few aspiring bluegrass artists have tackled the genre as unpredictably as Nickel Creek. For their third offering, the precocious trio have ditched longtime producer Alison Krauss (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:aq5tk6sx9krh) in favor of Tony Berg (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:5xeyxdgbjold) and Eric Valentine (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:48jtear14xh7) (Smash Mouth (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:seknikvjbb19), Queens of the Stone Age (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:rluk6j787190), Good Charlotte (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:20zsa9ugl230)), and quietly crafted one of the most explosive acoustic records of the year. Longtime fans who were mystified by Chris Thile (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:kem1z8oaoyvn)'s experimental 2004 solo release Deceiver (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=10:5if3zf04ehpk) may cock their collective heads in dismay, but those who appreciate the group's searing musicianship, orgasmic harmonies, and genre-bending arrangements will no doubt wear out their copies of Why Should the Fire Die? within the first month of ownership. Darker, colder, and infinitely more aggressive than their previous offerings, WSTFD is — in spirit only — the progressive bluegrass/folk-pop genre's reply to Radiohead (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:8n8n1vjjzzua)'s Kid A (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=10:4e841v73zzxa). "When in Rome," with its radio signal crackle and full-band boot stomps asks, "Where can a dead man go/A question with an answer only dead men know." It's a chilly way to open a record, but it's also a declaration of independence from three friends who have known nothing but the stage since they were in single digits, and are determined to meet their mid-twenties head on. There's a newfound penchant for percussion throughout WSTFD that's not nearly as invasive as purists might think. While the ferocious "Helena" is the only track that features actual drums, bassist Mark Schatz (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:3d87gjir86iv) is veritable one-man drum corps, dropping sinister slides and buzz-filled ringers that when paired with Thile (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:mye097ukkrgt) and Sean Watkins (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:20xsa9lgl23a)'s mandolin/mandola/guitar work is pure analogue thunder. This combination is at its most effective on the moody Gillian Welch (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:5k17gjyr86iv)-meets-the Beach Boys (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:wisxlf3e5cqr) majesty of the album's brooding centerpiece, "Eveline." A masterful display of dynamics, it blurs the line between pop, progressive rock, and country with a magic marker the size of Texas. Even the more traditional numbers like "Jealous of the Moon," "Can't Complain," and "Tomorrow Is a Long Time" — the latter, sung by the honey-throated Sara Watkins (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:jxfexqqkldfe), proves once and for all that Bob Dylan (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&token=ADFEAEE4781BDA46AD7120CF812656DCA453F708CC57F282172E411BD2B02554860478E64FEDD881B9E574B466ADFF2EA11606D9CFEB5CFED8765D40&sql=11:sxkvikc6bb59) songs were placed on this earth to be interpreted by others — are infused with the kind of electricity usually reserved for bands with vintage amplifiers and substance abuse problems. Why Should the Fire Die? is a brave album that warrants more than a passing glance from country and bluegrass purists, and the full support of the indie rock/folk/pop community.

[Ksyrup]

Dola.

And no, this isn't Nickleback.

[Blade6119]

i thouroughly enjoyes their last album(#2 i think), and was ready to get this one until i heared the new single(something about rome..not sure the exact title)...i didnt love it like the lighthouse or other side and am going to wait until single#2 to make a decision..id reccommend the 2nd album highly though

[Tigercat]

Sounds interesting. I really like new folk and rock mixtures, I'll give these fellas a try.

[Ksyrup]

Some videos, including the first single from the new album:

http://music.yahoo.com/ar-299807-videos--Nickel-Creek

[Young Drachma]

Nickel Creek is one of my favourite bands. Hands down. I have to check this out.

[CamEdwards]

yep. First song I heard was "Out of the Woods" off their first cd. Hooked ever since. Am picking this up next week.

BTW, I think Sarah Watkins is unbelievably hot. Boobies from here until next Tuesday. mmmmmmmmmmm.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Oddly enough, I'm generally very friendly toward bluegrass (and it's modern cousin "newgrass") but haven't really been blown away by Nickel Creek to this point. Still, I'm happy to see them getting some appreciation regardless.

Those who find them appealing might find some other music they like by checking out artists mentioned at sites like

Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America
http://www.spbgma.com/

Roots Music Report
http://www.rootsmusicreport.com/

International Bluegrass Music Association
http://www.ibma.org/index.asp

I doubt many here will like everything they find on those sites, but if you like Nickel Creek, I'd be surprised if they didn't lead you to at least a few similar artists you'd also enjoy.

[sovereignstar]

Anyone listen to Nickel Creek? Admittedly, bluegrass isn't exactly my cup o' tea, but then this isn't exactly your father's bluegrass, as they say.

Actually, I'm thinking it is my dad's bluegrass. Nickel Creek is my parents' favorite group. I'll pass thank you. :)

[Ksyrup]

Eh, my mom and I have similar music tastes - doesn't bother me. We both love Rufus Wainwright. And, to my complete shock, my mom has now become a huge fan of symphonic metal.

[Peregrine]

I haven't bought this album yet but have their other two, I've been a big fan of Nickel Creek ever since I first saw them in concert at Merlefest. There are more "authentic" sounding bluegrass bands, but they have a great energy and are extremely talented, making their music very enjoyable.

[sovereignstar]

Eh, my mom and I have similar music tastes - doesn't bother me. We both love Rufus Wainwright. And, to my complete shock, my mom has now become a huge fan of symphonic metal.

My dad and I both like Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles. He's not warming up to System of a Down though.

[Ksyrup]

I have a hard time listening to "straight" country, bluegrass, folk, or other stuff like R&B, rap, hip hop, etc., but in certain hybrid genres, I can either tolerate it or even love it. This falls into that category. It might sound bluegrass/country, but there's no twangy vocals and the lyrics aren't about drinking, womanizing, and putting in a hard day's work. And here, the music is a bit different from the standard country/'bluegrass format, mixing in elements of standard pop and prog rock. Right up my alley.

[Ksyrup]

My dad and I both like Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles. He's not warming up to System of a Down though.
Yeah, but those are old bands. I'm talking about newer stuff that my mom and I share an interest in. I doubt any Nightwish-type bands were around in 1968.

[kurtism]

Slight threadjack (although I will queue up Nickle Creek on Rhapsody today), but it seems like this comic strip: hxxp://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=420 - was written especially for Ksyrup.

[Ksyrup]

Slight threadjack (although I will queue up Nickle Creek on Rhapsody today), but it seems like this comic strip: hxxp://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=420 - was written especially for Ksyrup.Ha! Yeah, some of it can be like that. Ayreon is that way (in a space metal way). I don't really pay much attention to the lyrics, though. And I will say that most of these bands don't have growlly vocals, but in fact, are quite the opposite. Most of them use multiple guest vocalists from other bands (like Ayreon) or actual opera singers (Therion) or have great vocalists in the band itself (Nightwish).

But yeah, there is a fantasy element to some of it. Which is weird, because I'm never even seen or read a single Tolkien-type book/movie.

[CamEdwards]

Good God! We've now had a fucking Tolkein reference before anyone else has commented on the chick from Nickel Creek's rack?

I'm ashamed of this entire group.

[Ksyrup]

I prefer her music over her rack.

[CamEdwards]

I prefer her music over her rack.

and you're POSITIVE you've never read any Tolkein? :p

[kurtism]

Return to this topic, been spinning Nickel Creek on Rhapsody a lot lately, very good stuff. If you like their stuff, you should definitely check out Mutual Admiration Society. MAS is Nickel Creek on instruments and background vox, and Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket fame) on lead vocals. Good stuff.

[Ksyrup]

Yep, MAS is next on my list. I found out about Nickel Creek through Glen Phillips. Great one-man acoustic show he's putting on right now. See him if he comes through your city.