creekster_anna
08-09-2005, 09:48 PM
It's been a long time since I've posted here, about two years now. I just got the cd today, though, and had to share my thoughts.
As in my subject line, let me just start with: Dazzling. Brilliant. Heartbreaking. Beautiful.
*Disclaimer: I will get carried away, so if you think it's too long, just don't read it all. :) *
When I met them at their show in Huntsville, AL in April, they were very excited about the then upcoming album and told everyone that they liked it more than any other one they've done, if I recall correctly. Now I see why.
They've finally combined the sounds and feel of their heroes like Travis and Wilco, and maybe even Coldplay with their unique acoustic approach while, at the same time, capturing the sound and spirit of their own live shows.
Lyrically, they seem to have reached a whole new level of honesty and of being personal and approachable.
This album just seems so much more mature and self aware than any of the previous ones.
I feel so fortunate to be the age I am (21, 22 as of 8/26) and to be a fan who has been one since I was...oh...about 17. I feel like I'm growing up with them, or at least with some of their thoughts and feelings as shared in their music.
So, more about the album: I love the growth they have made with their vocals and harmonies. Also, I read that Eric Valentine wanted to capture their live sound, and I think he did a wonderful job of it as I said earlier. At times, I feel like I'm sitting on the front row, listening to them at a show. By the way, I'm so glad to finally get to hear Can't Complain again.
Someone had commented here that it seemed like Chris had a dominating role on this album. However, when you look at how much they wrote together and listen to the album as a whole, to me at least, it seems like they are more of a team now than they have ever been before.
Now for some comments on each song:
When in Rome- I could swear that this is an old standard folk song.
Somebody More Like You- YAY for Sean! Boo on that girl, if it's factual. I won't complain that it's the only one that he sings solo on, even though I love to hear his songs. I'll just cherish this one.
Jealous of the Moon- Wow!
Scotch and Chocolate- Yay for fun instrumentals that switch gears!
Can't Complain- Interesting. I hope this guy is not the rule, although I'm sure he's not the exception either...Nickel Creek and the bells again. I only miss the added affect of seeing them do it live.
Tomorrow is a Long Time- Sara's gorgeousness at its best.
Eveline- Wow!
Stumptown- Yay for great instrumentals! Classic Nickel Creek.
Anthony- Finally, a song written entirely by Sara! Love it! I love the old record sound. And, although I've not yet experienced the exact same thing, I think I can totally relate to the feeling.
Best of Luck- Possibly my personal favorite. Great story telling. Love the sound and feel.
Doubting Thomas- So sad. So honest. So articulate. So well executed. Chris is finally coming out and saying what I've been wondering about him for a while.
First and Last Waltz- Could have been called Creeping Beauty if you ask me. So different and strangely, eerily beautiful.
Helena- Wow! I want to talk to my friends at my college's radio station to get them to play it. It seems like it belongs there; although, in a way, it seems too good for it.
Why Should the Fire Die?- Sad. Bittersweet. Mature. Wonderful. It's weird how sometimes the worst experiences (I would guess) make for the best art.
Ok. I'm done, at least for now. :) [noise]
As in my subject line, let me just start with: Dazzling. Brilliant. Heartbreaking. Beautiful.
*Disclaimer: I will get carried away, so if you think it's too long, just don't read it all. :) *
When I met them at their show in Huntsville, AL in April, they were very excited about the then upcoming album and told everyone that they liked it more than any other one they've done, if I recall correctly. Now I see why.
They've finally combined the sounds and feel of their heroes like Travis and Wilco, and maybe even Coldplay with their unique acoustic approach while, at the same time, capturing the sound and spirit of their own live shows.
Lyrically, they seem to have reached a whole new level of honesty and of being personal and approachable.
This album just seems so much more mature and self aware than any of the previous ones.
I feel so fortunate to be the age I am (21, 22 as of 8/26) and to be a fan who has been one since I was...oh...about 17. I feel like I'm growing up with them, or at least with some of their thoughts and feelings as shared in their music.
So, more about the album: I love the growth they have made with their vocals and harmonies. Also, I read that Eric Valentine wanted to capture their live sound, and I think he did a wonderful job of it as I said earlier. At times, I feel like I'm sitting on the front row, listening to them at a show. By the way, I'm so glad to finally get to hear Can't Complain again.
Someone had commented here that it seemed like Chris had a dominating role on this album. However, when you look at how much they wrote together and listen to the album as a whole, to me at least, it seems like they are more of a team now than they have ever been before.
Now for some comments on each song:
When in Rome- I could swear that this is an old standard folk song.
Somebody More Like You- YAY for Sean! Boo on that girl, if it's factual. I won't complain that it's the only one that he sings solo on, even though I love to hear his songs. I'll just cherish this one.
Jealous of the Moon- Wow!
Scotch and Chocolate- Yay for fun instrumentals that switch gears!
Can't Complain- Interesting. I hope this guy is not the rule, although I'm sure he's not the exception either...Nickel Creek and the bells again. I only miss the added affect of seeing them do it live.
Tomorrow is a Long Time- Sara's gorgeousness at its best.
Eveline- Wow!
Stumptown- Yay for great instrumentals! Classic Nickel Creek.
Anthony- Finally, a song written entirely by Sara! Love it! I love the old record sound. And, although I've not yet experienced the exact same thing, I think I can totally relate to the feeling.
Best of Luck- Possibly my personal favorite. Great story telling. Love the sound and feel.
Doubting Thomas- So sad. So honest. So articulate. So well executed. Chris is finally coming out and saying what I've been wondering about him for a while.
First and Last Waltz- Could have been called Creeping Beauty if you ask me. So different and strangely, eerily beautiful.
Helena- Wow! I want to talk to my friends at my college's radio station to get them to play it. It seems like it belongs there; although, in a way, it seems too good for it.
Why Should the Fire Die?- Sad. Bittersweet. Mature. Wonderful. It's weird how sometimes the worst experiences (I would guess) make for the best art.
Ok. I'm done, at least for now. :) [noise]