Customer Reviews

Nickel Creek

5 star:		(215)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

My wife and I happened, by chance, to see and hear Nickel Creek's "Reasons Why" video on CMT. I was immediately struck by the Alison Krauss influence, only to find out after purchasing the CD here at Amazon, that she produced this lush musical garden. I only had to hear that one song to know that I'd enjoy their other works, but I simply was not prepared for the treasure chest that this CD actually is. Songs like The Lighthouse's Tale, When You Come Back Down and of course Reasons Why, are definite standouts, though frankly it's difficult to say that about any song on this CD, because they are all so wonderful. My personal favorite, though, is The Hand Song. My son is autistic. This song brings me to tears each and every time I hear it, because it reflects so clearly the picture of his personality. The innocence and love that are portrayed in this song are a mirror image of him and I thank Nickel Creek for this wonderful portrayal. Buy this CD, you'll not regret it.

Rushed out to buy this after hearing the band on Prairie Home Companion- this is a wonderful CD. Excellent musicianship, all acoustic, crystal-clear vocals and beautiful vocal harmonies. Produced by Alison Krauss, this state-of-the-art recording might just be the best bluegrass recording I've heard so far this year. The Krauss / Union Station influence is evident, but Nickel Creek avoids the temptation to copycat the producer by performing several touching originals and tossing in a few fret-burning instrumentals (with a surprising celtic feel to them) for good measure. Doesn't get much better than this.

I received my copy of Nickel Creek's self-titled CD in the mail a few days ago, and I've been unable to stop listening to it ever since. The talent of these three young musicians is, in a word, stunning. Prepare to be continually astounded by rapid-fire instrument solos and rock-steady vocal harmonies, all done with an accomplished ease that belies their tender ages.

If you're a hardcore bluegrass fan, rest assured that Nickel Creek can execute "old standard" stylings along with the very best of the genre. Chris Thile's lightning fast mandolin and Sean Watkins' fluid guitar solos are reminiscent of Dan Tyminski and Ricky Scaggs respectively, but these prodigies go way beyond mere stylistic reproduction: Chris and Sean introduce beautiful and jaw-droppingly difficult arpeggios smacking more of Bela Fleck and Phish rather than Flatt & Scruggs - in fact, Nickel Creek tosses Celtic, Jazz, and Maritime influences into the mix that seems just as natural as it is refreshing. The song-writing is incredibly good (in particular: The Lighthouse Tale and Reasons Why), and the harmonies will give your goosebumps even more goosebumps.

I was lucky enough to get this CD the day before seeing Alison Krauss and Union Station at the beautiful Chicago Theatre. Imagine my surprise to read the following in the liner notes in very small print: "Produced by Alison Krauss." Somehow, it all makes perfect sense.

Get this CD now. You'll be able to tell others that you knew all about them before they were famous - these kids are that good.

Three weeks ago, I walked into Target to buy a new pen. I found myself in the entertainment section and saw the video for "The Lighthouse Tale". I was instantly hooked. In the past three weeks, the only times that this CD has left my car CD player were so that I could listen to it in my portable player as I walk around campus. Words cannot describe how incredible this CD is. I listen to it all the way through and its hard to pick a track that I don't like. The vocals are gorgeous, the instrumentals absolutely incredible. The thing that I love about Nickel Creek is that when you hear them, its easy to feel how much fun they're having doing what they love. Its hard to classify Nickel Creek; the twang of fiddle and mandolin make it easiest to lump it into bluegrass/country , but its so much more than that. The group defies pigeonholing and I think even transcends many genres of music. Its like Allison Krauss said: "Its just Nickel Creek music." You don't have to be into a certain type of music to like this CD; as an alternative/rock listener, I can attest to that. All you have to do is like good, heartfelt music. Buy this CD, its definitely one of the best of the last few years.

Light, crisp playing and simple, heart-breaking vocals make this CD one of the most amazing albums I have ever heard. What differeniates this album from others of it's kind are it's playing with different music styles. It goes from straight finger-picking bluegrass to folk to Celtic, and yet flows perfectly from start to finish. In addition, unlike so much bluegrass, these pieces aren't there to show off the talent of the players. Even during the faster peices, the players are perfectly in sync and create melodies and harmonies that breathe with life and vitality. I can't recommend this album enough. A sense of charm and beauty flows throughout this entire album. Nickel Creek has a new life-long fan.

Finally, how can anyone possibly criticize this album on the basis of it "not being bluegrass?" Who cares!? It's amazing music! Thank *God* they don't fit into a mold. That's what makes the music so incredible...

It is obvious from the first moment you hear Nickel Creek's music that it comes from somewhere deep within. Whether it's an instrumental or a song with lyrics, these young musicians play from their very heart and soul. In an era of country music where we readily accept artists that sound exactly like the ten artists before them, Nickel Creek stands out. The first track on the album, "Ode to a Butterfly" is so energetic and even playful. In the next song, "The Lighthouse's Tale", the group's vocals seem to bring the lighthouse to life. But by far my favorite songs on the album are tracks 6, 7, and 9. "When You Come Back Down" deals with a person's acceptance that they must let a loved one lead his or her own life, but that they can and will always be there for that special person. "Sweet Afton" is a musical interpretation of Robert Burns' poem that is simply amazing. "The Hand Song" is destined to bring a surge in the business of Kleenex. The lyrics of that song, sung so gently by Sara Watkins (with her brother Sean and their bandmate Chris Thile harmonizing on the choruses), made me cry the first time I heard them, and they still do. The innocence and purity and spirtiuality of a deep-rooted love stand in contrast to the manipulation of politics and the senseless destructiveness of war. But the overall message of this song is that if you share that special type of selfless love with just one person on earth, then your life will never have been in vain. Closing out with the toe-tapping song "The Fox" and the hopeful sounds of the instrumental "Pastures New", the debut album of Nickel Creek has taken the listener on a journey of the heart and spirit, and leaves the listener reflecting upon the souls of the musicians and upon his or her own self.

First, there was LeAnn Rimes. Then there was Jessica Andrews. Now, there's Nickel Creek, a new band sure to capture the attention of the music world. Like the forementioned teenage country artists, they may be young (ages ranging from 19 to 23) but their age in no way measures their tremendous musical talent.

On their self titled album, this talent truly shines through. With their unique blend of bluegrass, folk, and country, Nickel Creek brings a refreshing sound to an industry where generic boy bands and sex symbols rule the airwaves. Their album additionally demonstrates the diversity of their music, combining bluegrass instrumental tracks with songs featuring vocals sung by the band members.

NICKEL CREEK, however, is not only for the typical bluegrass fan. The CD has something for virtually everyone--songs such as "Ode To A Butterfly" which feature instrumental solos and music will appeal to those who have a fondness for the roots of country music, while "When You Come Back Down" and "The Hand Song" can be appreciated for their lyrical content. Songs that don't require much comprehension but are just fun to listen to ("The Fox") are also featured.

NICKEL CREEK is a wonderful CD showcasing the talent of this rising band. I recommend this CD not only to fans of country music, but to anyone who loves listening to good music.

Once known as a band of youthful prodigees, Nickel Creek arrives with this wonderful project.

Nickel Creek steps beyond bluegrass with this album without completely shedding the bluegrass spirit. They combine pop ideas, with celtic moods while still holding that building drive that bluegrass is known for.

Chris Thile, possibly the worlds greatest mandolin player, headlines the group but no one takes a backseat. Sean Wadkins is Chris's equal on guitar and his ability to write crisp, tight songs adds depth to this album. Sara Wadkins adds wonderfully tender yet powerful vocals and flawless fiddle arrangements while Scott Thile drives the band in perfect time on bass.

This one album that you must own if you are an acoustic music fan.

Like others, I first encountered Nickel Creek via a video on Country Music Television. I've long been a fan of acoustic music focused on tight harmonies, quality musicianship, and heartfelt emotion. This can surface under the categories of folk, country, bluegrass, or whatever. Nickel Creek is not easy to slot, but is very easy to listen to. The 3 artists are instrumentally exceptional, vocally evocative, and write much of their own stuff. The CD contains a mix of soulful ballads, unique stories, and traditional songs done with a flair that will keep even the most jaded interested. How often do you hear a song in which the "narrator" is a tall building with a light on the top - and find that the lyrics and music make the song incredibly compelling? "The Lighthouse" is just the first of a number of welcome surprises waiting for a first time listener. And you won't stop there - the CD demands listening over and over. Perhaps one of the stronger indicators of how wide a net this music casts is that my 18-year-old has hijacked my copy and I'm having trouble getting it back! Don't be put off by whatever label you hear associated with Nickel Creek. Give them a listen. You'll be glad you did.

This CD is just amazing. I'd never heard of Nickel Creek until just a few weeks ago when I happened to catch their video of "Reasons Why." I immediately ran to my computer to order the CD. In the couple of weeks since I received it, it's all I've listed to - in the car and at work. The musicianship is superb, while the songs are beautifully written and arranged. Chris Thile is a standout - a young instrumentalist who also writes and arranges, and has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. It's worth listening to over and over and over ...