Thougts, Favorites on WSTFD

[Marianne]

It''s been a very long time since I've posted, but with a new album out I'll have a reason to post a bit more often.

I wanted to start a new thread, so we could talk baout the new album in a tread not entitled WSTFD Sucks. I know many people on this board are very familiar with the songs on WSTFD, but I for one was not. The last time I had the pleasure of seeing them perform was a few years ago when This Side came out. So needless to say I wasn't sure what to expect, especially when I read a few of your comments about it seeming to be a bit of a departure.

At the momet I'm leaning more on the like, not love side. I think this will be an album that will have to grow on me. That's not to say, that I don't like it, because I do. However, I think after listening to it I feel myself wanting some of the beauty and softness that I heard in their other two efforts. Songs like When You Come Back Down, Sweet Afton, Green and Gray, Speak, Sabra Girl, and Seven Wonders give me chills. They are simply stunning. Infact I think 99% of their first two albums have that affect on me. ON WSTFD, so far none of the songs have blown me away.I was hoping for at least one song that was a little happier or at least not so dark. I do however undertsand and appreciate that artists evolve and grow, and that right now this is their sound.

I really like Jealous of the Moon, Tommorow is a Long Time, Somebody More Like You, and the title track, And I love the three instrumentals espcially First and Last Waltz. But my problem is that Waltz, along with Stumptown, and the very cute Anthony are so darn short. I don't really understand that. They are lovely, but leave me wanting more.

I am curious and anxious to hear some more thoughts on this. I think with repeated listenings I will like it more and more. But that being said I know I'm still going to enjoy their other two albums more. But I love Nickel Creek and believe I always will. They are completely unique, innovative, and unbelievably taletnted.

Also I was wondering if anyone could list some songs that did not make it onto the cd that I could listen for in their shows, that maybe have the sound that I like.(My list of favorites should help answer that question).

Marianne :)

[matt the fiddler]

my top [as of now]

Thomas - i feel it is one of the most mature songs on the cd, from the song writing standpoint.. Kinda the same way I felt about Speak on this side. Which took it's time getting to be a single.

then probably Helena, Complain, or Eveline

[chickzilla]

oh Matt i totally agree, the people who are saying that Thomas is a simple song about what it sounds like it is about... well they're right but i hear so much more in it. it is infinitely complex within the simple subject it addresses. because it can mean something easy for someone who has not gone that far in their faith, or listening to it the same way from the standpoint of someone who has been deeply entrenched in their beliefs for a very long time and then suddenly faces crisis... the song takes on a whole other dimension.
but i am not sure about whether or not it is my favourite. i have not listened to the whole album all the way through in one sitting since i got it this morning. that is what i am doing now. more report later on my opinion.

[fiddlechick21]

So far, I'm liking it better than the last album, but not as much as their first. I really like Jealous of the Moon and Tomorrow is a Long Time and the instrumentals, but I think it's gonna take a few more listens for the others to grow on me. Don't really like WHen in Rome much at all.

[creekster_anna]

Gosh! I love the new album at and did at first listen (as you can tell from my really long post-Dazzling. Brilliant...). I just got it this afternoon and have already listened to it 2, no I think 3 times all the way through now. It's difficult for me to pick favorites. I am really impressed by all of the songs. However, I do agree that it is a bit dark and sad, but I don't think that's necessarily bad. In my opinion, if you want to hear something more like the other songs they've done, just listen to the other songs. (I don't mean that to sound harsh.)

Anyway, as I said in my post, at least for now I think Best of Luck could be my fave. I dunno.

And, I love When in Rome. I liked it from the first time I heard it live in Huntsville. I love the way they start it on the album.

I agree with Matt too about Doubting Thomas being very mature sounding and all.

[thebiglargeness]

top 5 (in order)

1: helena
perfect emotional expression is hard to acheive in a studio recording, but thile nails it here

2: somebody more like you
love that echoey mandolin or whatever it is, also love the lyrics

3: doubting thomas
because the lyrics are just beautiful and it also outlines a crisis of faith all beleivers have at one time or another

4: when in rome
great energy, great lyrics, perfect first single

5: best of luck
something completely different for NC, sara gets to be a bit vocally aggressive which is great to hear

[chickzilla]

this was too large to post here... so i put it on my website to also link to a few friends who read my writing obsessively. so go here to read it.
Why Should the Fire Die?- my track-by-track opinion (http://www.angelfire.com/ga4/dancezilla/wstfd.html)
and i do not have a single favourite, as you will tell from the review if you read it. but if you decide to skip that part, there it is.;)

[Victrola]

I find this album very dark and often quite cynical. There is something slightly discomforting about it all. Still I think it has moments of sheer brilliance, but hasnt had the same effect upon me as This Side - which is one of my all time favourite albums.

[thebiglargeness]

well, id have to say it isnt as fun a record as this side

but then, this side was very lighthearted i think

[oink42]

Listened to the album for the first time last night and with the exception of When in Rome and Evelyn all the songs were new to me. My overall impression is that this album, for me, is the best they've done. I am so glad I waited for the CD to arrive rather than listen to the online streams, it made listening so much more exciting!

The thing that hit me most was Doubting Thomas. That song is just something else. I always thought Sean was a far better songwriter than Chris, with Chris being more of an instrumental composer, but this is quite possibly the finest piece of work I've heard from Nickel Creek. It is just perfect in every way. The lyrics are heartbreaking, the music is beautiful...I can't hype this song up enough!

Other faves included Stumptown and Somebody More Like You. I think Sean writes some great pop songs and this is another one. This track has a slight feel of The Doves about it, or is that just me? Stumptown is a tune that I can see myself learning and introducing to jam sessions over the next few months. The closest thing NC have ever come to real bluegrass (despite so many people thinking they're a bluegrass band!). Just a really simple and effective 3 chord fiddle tune.

First and Last Waltz is an interesting piece bearing a rather strong similarity to Last Waltz by The Band. I assume this is deliberate? Are they paying homage or something?

The major plus of this album is there didn't seem to be any real weak songs. Some sound weaker respective to others, but then there are so many gems here that can't be helped. The overall sound is grittier, gutsier and far more aggressive than the last two albums. The disappointment for me was the lack of Sean songs. I have heard the likes of Peaberry, Starve Them to Death and I'm Sorry live and they are great tracks. I hope they make it on to his next solo album and don't disappear forever.

[SFJEDI]

I just have to chime in here and say that I LOVE this album but have yet to be able to listen to it on my stereo.... my roommate was asleep when I got home with it last night.... I'm dying to hear it with some volume on good speakers.

I am usually the kind of person who listens to a new album from beginning to end the first few days....but I can't stop listening to Helena..... I'm just so impressed with this song I can't believe it. Not only is it musically astounding but the lyrics and the emotional breakdown of the character as the song goes on.... it's intense! I also think that vocally this is the strongest Chris has ever been.

I don't see the album as a huge departure for the band, I do see it as a progression of their sound, much the same way This Sidewas a progression from Nickel Creek..... I've been saying for the past year ( to anyone who'll listen ) that I think they're on the cusp of becoming huge.... and I think this is the album that will do it. If VH1 or MTV2 puts When in Rome in heavy rotation then it's on!!

(though as much as I want them to be a household name..... The fact that they play small venues and the fact that they still can mingle with fans after a show........ I'd miss that)

[Dixiedawn89]

I love the new Cd I pre-ordered it off Wal-mart and got it Monday the day before it came out.
I can not pick one song but one of my fav is Somebody More Like You.

[obsessedwithNC]

First off, I have to announce that this CD is so amazingly beautiful to me that words can barely express my love for this that in the following paragraphs I will sound like a blubbering fool. :D

Somebody More Like You: i hope you find someone your height so you can see eye to eye with someone as small as you Talk about a slap in the face. ???I love it.

Jealous of the Moon: My favorite thing about this song is the are the actual notes with the melody for the starin at the staaars, jealous of the moon'.. they sweep me up and take me under. It's still stuck in my head.

Eveline: WOW WOWOWOWOWOWO the first song I hit rewind for. Favorite. I looooooooooove that taa-AAAAAAke care of your father It's incredible!!

Doubting Thomas: Been a personal fave for spiritual reasons for quite a while. Glad to see it on the disc.

First and Last Waltz: FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITE. I actually heard this before on my live show from Kent and it was untitled, and I absolutely absolutely loved it, but this recording is absolutely TO DIE FOR. TO DIE FOR. I HAVE NEVER HEARD A MORE BREATHTAKINGLY GORGEOUS SONG THAN THIS. The echos, the faint operatic voices I think I'm hearing... oh my god. Orgasmic I swear to you. I'm grinning just thinking about that song.

[SpockTheater]

Wow, I'm glad that WSTFD is finally out. I'll admit that I did listen to the stream on CMT but it doesn't compare to hearing it on the home theater. The amount of detail in the recording is astounding. I REALLY hope they cut an SACD for this one. That reminds me that I still need to get This Side on SACD. Anyway, here are my thoughts on the album.

Favorites:
Somebody More Like You
Can't Complain
Eveline
Doubting Thomas
Helena

Sadly, the instrumentals leave me wanting more on this one. They're good music, but they just don't feel as developed as previous ones. I'm not sure if this was the band's choice or the producers. They just seem more like interludes rather than instrumental tracks. Also, the only song I might skip from time to time is Best of Luck. It’s just a little too poppy for my taste and a bit over produced.

Now about Eveline, I've noticed that it has taken some criticism. I'll admit that it isn't their most listener friendly song, but I love the energy of it and most of all the unpredictable paths that it takes. I honestly think Eveline is the best vocal arrangement that they've done. The critics can say what they please, but to me, this song is what makes Nickel Creek stand outside of the generic.

While the mood of WSTFD? is dark compared the This Side and NC, it really adds a lot of character. Conflict is what creates a novel and entertains our minds. If everything is resolution, then all you have is a self-help book. To me, a novel provides more to learn from. That's the way I see this album. It’s a collection of conflicts in which the listeners must find their own resolutions. PURELY BRILLIANT!!! Thank you NC for doing what you do best. Now if I could only see them live. There's no place like home, there's no place like home and listening to NC.
[noise]

[Marianne]

I knew this would happen. I was a little hasty yesterday. A few more listens and I am loving the album. I feel guilty that I doubted that would happen. It didn't take long for me to realize that there is still a softness and beauty in the music. Doubting Thomas, Jealous of the Moon, and Tommorow is a Long Time are geougous. To think I was wondering if any of these songs would give me chills. Why Should the Fire Die does that. It's beautiful. Even the songs that are very unexpected like Best of Luck and Helena have quickly grown on me. I thought it might take a week a so for me to love the CD. It only took a day:)

I still wish First and Last Waltz was longer. It sounds like something from another time and has a very haunting quality. And I wonder if we will see a less cynical look about relationships from them in the future. I hope so, but other than that the album is great.

Marianne:D

[ncwfh]

The entire album is a progression of their talents. when i first heard the title i got a little worried as to whether they were sending us a message of the future of the band but when i see them play together i cant imagine the fire every dieing - still i worry that Chris may want to spread his wings and depart from his Watkins family some day.

Hey its a dark world out there these days. Deal with it :-) their words and music reflect the hard times of relationships and life in general. they are just able to do it in a beautiful way ( as opposed to the Goth genre)

by the way - the inside spread pic of the CD is the hallowed Largo....thats basically the whole room. So living in LA does have its side benefits every now and then [noise]

[transformed]

When in Rome was an instant favorite for me. It's very dark and very big. The basic musical phrase in that song, even simple and repeated a lot, is amazing and i can't get tired of it, especially Sara's fiddling (the little punch she adds on the end!)

I hadn't been all that impressed by She Can't Complain when i heard it live last spring (and subsequent listens on a recording) but it's much better on the cd. Perhaps the guitar in the beginning verses is more developed or i just couldn't hear it live. The ending as well has a great development to it, the melody moving somewhere each repetition of 'she can't complain.' now it feels like he's desperately trying to convince himself that she can't complain, each time coming from a little different angle, rather than before it felt like they just ran out of ideas and sang it over and over, strumming a little bit louder (i'll have to listen to my recording again and see if i just completely misjudged or if they did make some improvements).

well, those are probably my two favorites currently; i'll spare you all my ramblings about the rest of it because really, i don't have anything profound to say. i'm reminded of chris's brilliant suggestion that music critics write a song about their opinion of an album before they presume to have anything to say, and in that spirit i'm going to go practice. :p

[ncwfh]

As a regular Largoian I heard them work on 80% of these tunes over the past year there. They were always quite sparse as things tend to be there anyway. So to hear the final productions of them is most impressive. The other surprise was how many tunes they kept out of Largo during those days that provided so much extra enjoyment to this fan.

[matt the fiddler]

oink42 you are wise :)

[somewherenorth]

i worked nine hours yesterday and my cd player in my car (oh stubborn rebellious infuriating thing it is!!!) refused to play wstfd? on my way home (i had bought it that morning)....so i haven't made it all the way through yet (i'm on doubting thomas right now)...

so far the only thing negative that stands out to me is i don't like best of luck, aside from sara's vocals....

i have to ditto oink42 on pretty much everything (minus the having heard most of them previously)

i am lucky, i must say - the barnes and noble i work at has been in-store playing the self-titled for a month and a half, and now they played wstfd? at least once yesterday, and twice today while i was working... :D yippee!!!

[buttermuffin4]

Here's my trac-by-track review-


When in Rome- I think it has a very strong melody, the lyrics are definitely different.
Someone More Like You- Do I sense some resentment? [think har I'm not a huge fan of this one. . .
Jealous of the Moon- I like it, not necessarily one of my favorites, but it'll probably grow on me. The lyrics are ok, the vocal arrangments are very nicely put together.
Scotch & Chocolate- I love this one. I love the part when Sara goes all crazy with the double stops.
Can't Complain My favorite song on the entire album. The lyrics, the tune, the vocals, it's awesome.
Tomorrow is a Long Time- It's so sweet! It makes me go 'awww' :D and I also like the fact there isn't any bass on it, dunno why.
Eveline- I haven't listened to it fully yet. . .
Stumptown- Classic Nickel Creek! I love this one too.
Anthony- Sara wrote it, that's enough for me.
Best of Luck- This one kind of confuses me [think har . And I ain't hearing no banjo.
Doubting Thomas- Interesting. . . I haven't come to a conclusion about it yet.
First and Last Waltz- It's so dreamy. . . . I love it.
Helena- The lyrics make me laugh.
Why Should the Fire Die?- I'd like to point out the violin intro there's a sour note, I love that! Perfection is nice but it's much more fun when you hear them mess up. I love this one and it's always getting stuck in my head.

Overall- Awesome album, definitely not a let down, at first I was liking it, but after listening to it a few times, I'm startin' to fall in love with it. [noise]

[southernyankee]

I LOVE this album. I like the softer side of Nickel Creek, but I also like the harder more edgier side-it shows they are very versitile.

My favorites..it's hard, but I really like When in Rome, Somebody More Like You, Best of Luck, but my very favorite is DOubting Thomas

Of course, I LOVE music, but I want to comment on some lyrics because lyrics in a song really grip me

When In Rome-All the lyrics in this song, mixed with the powerful music are gripping. The line that really gets me is the last-but I'm gonna bet they never really feel at home if they spent a lifetime learning how to live in Rome. I don't know if Chris meant this to have spiritual meaning, but it definitely does to me.

Somebody More Like You-I hope you meet someone your height so you can see eye to eye with someone as small as you.- I know this is a play on on words, but my 1st thought was if some girl really told Sean his height wasn't good enough, I'd like to smack her upside the head.

Can't Complain-but remember I warned her and I'm a guy That's a lame excuse :-)

Anthony-this song cracks me up-it's great

Best of Luck-Ok so it took me forever to get which character was saying what in this song, I guess because of the musical break. What a sad song.

Doubting Thomas-Again, all the words grip me, but some of my favs sometimes I pray for a slap in the face then I begged to be spared 'cause I'm a coward-oh how I relate!
The sweet irony of this song is that it's about doubting, but it really displays faith,especially by the last line I'm a doubting thomas, i'll take your promise, though I know nothing's safe I feel this line is saying, I will trust you, though it doesn't feel safe. It also reminds me of C.S. Lewis' THe LIon, The Witch and the Wardrobe, where the kids ask if Aslan the lion is safe and the beaver says, Oh no! Of course He's not safe, but He's good.

Helena-you're not that sweet, neither is she-HA HA

Why SHould the Fire Die?-it might be true but let me try and try and try for the rest of my life. I'm just happier being confused, beside the fire as long as it's with you- I'm not married but I'm thinking this is the very core of it.

April

[elbereth]

Originally posted by oink42

The disappointment for me was the lack of Sean songs. I have heard the likes of Peaberry, Starve Them to Death and I'm Sorry live and they are great tracks. I hope they make it on to his next solo album and don't disappear forever.


I always seem to love Sean's songs the best for some reason. Maybe it's because he is the quiet pensive intriguing one.
I am so glad to hear that Peaberry is Sean's. I love Peaberry, and I was hoping it was Sean's but a was afraid that because I loved it so much it would end up being writen by someone else. If that makes any sense?

[Tinuviel Girl]

When In Rome! LOVE IT!
Scotch & Chocolate! AWESOME!

[fiddlincklcrker]

Tomorrow is a long time- This is my favorite because it just has so much meaning to me, not really sure what else. I just felt connected to it the first time I heard it.

[fiddlincklcrker]

Let me just get this out there, I love all the songs on the album, but TIALT just stuck to me. I also think that Sara looks so pretty in the picture next to the lyrics, I said that out loud and my dad was like she really is!

[Eric18]

Love it! Love the entire album! Helena is the song im listening to the most, but I love all the other songs aswell! Incredible album, was definatly worth the wait!

[Ikkin1018]

I, also have not posted at all recently, probably once or twice in the last year, however for this... I will.
First of all, and you probably will all kill me for saying this: Doubting Thomas (or should I say DT? What's with all the letter abbreviations? Sorry! Just a little pet peeve) Doubting Thomas is my LEAST favorite song on the album. No real reason why, it's just as I was listening the first time through, it was the only song that I wished wasn't so long. Sorry! :(
Also, Can't Complain was a little bit of a disappointment, because I remember being awestruck by it when I heard it live fall '03, but on the album it doesn't have the same effect. Maybe it was because live they held this one really, really quiet note out for I swear a minute, and you kept thinking the song was going to fade out and end, when all of a sudden BANG SHE CAN'T COMPLAIN!!!! It was amazing, and it just didn't affect me the same way on the album.

Ok, now that all my negative thoughts are out:

I loved When in Rome, the video is really cool, too (a friend of mine said she saw it on VH1, can anyone else confirm this?)
At the moment I'm obsessed with Helena, I think it's going to have to be my favorite song for now. Also, Eveline is a close, close second, it takes my breath away. And Jealous of the Moon, a surprisingly simple but meaningful song.
I really liked Somebody More Like You, though I don't think I got out of it what I was supposed to. Apparently it's supposed to be an angry, spiteful song, but I thought it was hilarious. Maybe that's just me, laughing when one person insults another...
My favorite instrumental now is Stumptown, though I love the second half of Scotch and Chocolate when they do all the triplets.

I LOVE this album. They're really developing their own sound by incorporating things they've already done with things they've heard from other bands they like. Am I the only one who notices a few Radiohead type sounds mixed in w/ the traditional acoustic instruments? (I'm wanting to say it's in Best of Luck, but I may be wrong) I LOVE IT!

[ncwfh]

Iccin said
Am I the only one who notices a few Radiohead type sounds mixed in

Interesting you say that because, just before they did the song last night in LA they asked how many Radiohead fans were in the audience - about 10 out of a thousand raised their hands - and Chris said - well then, this ones for you guys. :cool:

Not ever hearing Radiohead it went past me except I thought how cool they are always reaching into other genres of todays music - Spit on a Stranger case in point. Have you listened to the original of that tune by an english punk band ? it's those kinds of things that really show the genius of this group.

[Jimmie]

Originally posted by ncwfh
Iccin said
Am I the only one who notices a few Radiohead type sounds mixed in...

Spit on a Stranger case in point. Have you listened to the original of that tune by an english punk band ?
Radiohead, definitely. Especially the dark instrumental middle of Evilene.

BTW, Pavement (who wrote and performed the original of Spit On A Stranger) were neither punk nor english. Sorry.

You can hear the original here: Pavement's Spit On A Stranger (http://static3.state51.co.uk/matadorrecords.com/mpeg/pavement/spit.mp3)

[chrismmason]

Totally hear Radiohead and Doves on First and Last Waltz...the floating, ambient guitar noises throughout.

Why don't they do a Radiohead cover on their next album? Paranoid Android? Or how about a newgrass version of Kid A or Packt like Sardines in a Crushed Tin box?

[oink42]

Influences I clearly hear are Doves, The Band, Neil Young, Beck and Elliot Smith.

Best of Luck sounds like early Manic Street Preachers but I'm not sure they meant that to happen!

[oink42]

Originally posted by matt the fiddler
oink42 you are wise :)

Why, thank you. What wisdom have I shown? :)

[OoOSpAzZyMeOoO]

I've Seen When In Rome On VH1 Country twice.

[Ikkin1018]

OoOSpAzZyMeOoO said:
I've Seen When In Rome On VH1 Country twice.

Apparently it was on regular VH1, too. I don't know, since no one else has heard anything, I assume that it's not true. I mean, the source we got it from was Brooke's 12 year old sister...

[fiddlincklcrker]

I have to take back kind of what I said, I don't know why I said that Tomorrow is a long time connected to me the most. I would have to say that Anthony because that is how guys always are with me and Somebody More Like YOu connected the most with me

[Tinuviel Girl]

LOL! I love the lyrics on Anthony they are hillarious ... and I told him that, just before he ran ... HILLARIOUS! I'm still going with Helena and When In Rome ... they are just CRAPEN AMAZING ... heheh

[ChrisT_rox]

The only two songs that I'm not sure if I like are Can't Complain and Eveline. But I think I'm starting to like those more. Once when listening to Can't Complain I actually thought what were they thinking? But today I listened to it and actually kind of liked it for the first time. Also Tomorrow is a Long Time is pretty, but I'm not into it very much. Did Bob Dylan write it to a man or did they change the lyrics? Because that keeps bothering me.

I like every other song on the album very much. My current favorite is probably Jealous of the Moon, but it switches between that, Doubting Thomas, and Helena. I also really like Somebody More Like You. I got lucky and heard that song on my Yahoo radio station before the album came out and really liked it.

[Tinuviel Girl]

YAY, more fans of Helena ... its so far away from old Nickel Creek I didn't know if very many people would like it ... but from the moment I heard Chris take that huge breath at the beginning I've LOVED it! I'm glad they left that in, because it is really ... i dunno NEAT!

So I'm no longer listening to Why Should the Fire Die?










I'm now listening to all of their albums ... LOL! I just set it to shuffle on media player and have been FREEKING CREEKING, lol ... thats a good term to use ...

[buttermuffin4]

Helena's one of my favorites.


I'm starting to like 'Best of Luck' although it confuses me greatly, does anybody know what this song means? Interpretation please someone! :(
A dude is cheating on his wife with some girl, I got that much but what's up with the college, high school part? Why does his wife cry 'I'm so sorry'? What's up with this song!?! :(

[Jimmie]

Originally posted by ChrisT_rox Once when listening to Can't Complain I actually thought what were they thinking?

In Can't Complain, I think Chris was trying to write a song that basically used a single note for a melody. It's kind of a weird thing to do musically.

So, if you're going to use one note for a melody, how do you make the song interesting? You have to use an interesting chord structure to support the song, interesting harmonies against the melody, interesting dynamics (loud and soft), and so on. And, clearly, Can't Complain uses all of those techniques. It's not my favorite song on the album, nor in their concerts, but it is an interesting set of musical ideas.

Also Tomorrow is a Long Time is pretty, but I'm not into it very much. Did Bob Dylan write it to a man or did they change the lyrics? Because that keeps bothering me.

They changed the lyrics.

[chickzilla]

Sandra, I think it was Adyn who said that she had Best of Luck all figured out... though it took her a few tries. Maybe she'll come by and explain it. Cause while it does not CONFUSE me, I could use a little clarification on who's POV each verse is from... I think i have it but I am not sure.

[Thistle]

I vaguely remember someone saying that Chris had said that First and Last Waltz was somehow related to Helena...how so? I obviously haven't read that interview yet.

[flutegrl71]

Originally posted by chickzilla
Sandra, I think it was Adyn who said that she had Best of Luck all figured out... though it took her a few tries. Maybe she'll come by and explain it. Cause while it does not CONFUSE me, I could use a little clarification on who's POV each verse is from... I think i have it but I am not sure.

Adyn, if you could share what you think about Best of Luck I'd appreciate it, too. I'm with you, Rhiannon, in that I have it pretty much sorted out, but a little clarification would be appreciated. There are too many pronouns and not enough identifiers! hehe

[buttermuffin4]

Originally posted by chickzilla
Sandra, I think it was Adyn who said that she had Best of Luck all figured out... though it took her a few tries. Maybe she'll come by and explain it. Cause while it does not CONFUSE me, I could use a little clarification on who's POV each verse is from... I think i have it but I am not sure.
Well good! Some clarification would be very nice. :)

[Tinuviel Girl]

Originally posted by Thistle
I vaguely remember someone saying that Chris had said that First and Last Waltz was somehow related to Helena...how so? I obviously haven't read that interview yet.

That would make sense because on the album it goes RIGHT into Helena. Its very abrupt ...

*sigh*

[transformed]

Originally posted by Jimmie


In Can't Complain, I think Chris was trying to write a song that basically used a single note for a melody. It's kind of a weird thing to do musically.



you know, i think he was pretty successful with that, because although i have noticed that there was a lot of the same note, it's not really the first thing i hear/think about in that song. i am glad though, that he used a few more notes on the final recorded version than the live one i had, especially in the end. i really like the progression there.

I, too, would appreciate some help with Best of Luck! I think if i had some more details about story i would like the song better. right now i'm in the frustrating state of feeling the lyrics are rather cliche and superficial, but hard to understand at the same time!

[matt the fiddler]

complain gets it's power in the chord changes.. :)

[Ikkin1018]

That's SO weird, I never realized that it was all one note until Jim mentioned that, and I started singing it to myself thinking There have to be more! but there aren't, really, exept a few improv notes! He just uses different rhythms and a few key changes to make it interesting (I was wondering why there were so many key changes in the song, usually when NC changes key they do it more subtly than that)

[flutegrl71]

A random note:

If you turn up the sound at the beginning of First & Last Waltz you can hear someone counting off. Sounds like Chris to me.

[Meghan Narser]

I hear it! cool. I'd need better speakers though before venturing who it is. On the same note for some reason I thought you said beginning and end of it (Probably because of First/Last in the song name) and ended up having Helena blasting through the speakers.

[Tinuviel Girl]

HAHA ... I hate it when that happens! I'm going to go try and listen for that right now!

[someguy]

A newbie's high level view:

Nickel Creek rocks without being electric. And they can do wonderful folksy stuff, too.

Simple, catchy songs, done with excellent musicianship. The album is a winner. And so is Nickel Creek.

[kmiller1610]

Old Nickel Creek and Thile Fan here.

Hold on a minute while I unscrew my new acoustic heart out of its socket and try to remember what it was like to be under 40 (turned 54 this year)......

Okay, now install that open mind into the heart socket. Wind it up and start writing. Good!

This is the best album NC has done. None of the songs scream at me to skip them. They are all well crafted and include really beautiful things.

Of course, what I really want is 5 minutes of the first instrumental break in Tomorrow is a long time ( runs about 50 seconds- I keep rewinding it and playing it again ).

Each and every song has great stuff in it, both vocals and playing, but perhaps more the amazing harmonies.

The only song I have to skip once in a while, is Doubting Thomas because it just makes me mist up every time.

Then again, so does Hop the Fence from Stealing Second.

I hope they never change in always changing. Nickel Creek is my soul mate. They are Christians who don't preach. They are a light of the world who ARE on top of a hill and not hidden under a bushel, BECAUSE they love their work and CREATE, which is the best witness of all.

I too drop bread crumbs, but I am not alone. And I am no Pharisee. Neither are they.

Please forgive me for time that I've wasted .........

There's that mist again .......

[PrincessNic]

Originally posted by kmiller1610

I hope they never change in always changing. Nickel Creek is my soul mate. They are Christians who don't preach. They are a light of the world who ARE on top of a hill and not hidden under a bushel, BECAUSE they love their work and CREATE, which is the best witness of all.

I too drop bread crumbs, but I am not alone. And I am no Pharisee. Neither are they.

Please forgive me for time that I've wasted .........

There's that mist again .......


I agree. That is definitely one of the reasons why I love NC. They are Christians without being preachy. Doubting Thomas and Reasons Why just speak to me. I listen to them whenever I am feeling far away from God.

Although as I have stated before. I like the live version of both songs much better than the album versions.

Reasons Why just sounds better after they have played around with it.
But they changed a lyric in album version of Doubting Thomas that really changes the whole feeling of the song.

At the end, instead of I took the promise, though I know nothing safe, it is I took the promise, you always kept me safe. I have always liked that lyric better. It is very comforting to me.