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89 of 91 found the following review helpful:
 Diamonds, All The Way! Jun 23, 2000
By Douglas A. Cote
"Flight19"
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.
67 of 70 found the following review helpful:
 Wow - What a find! May 16, 2000
By Eddie Finn
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.
45 of 48 found the following review helpful:
Pure Pleasure Mar 27, 2000
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.
24 of 24 found the following review helpful:
So Many "Reasons Why" This CD rocks Mar 12, 2002
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.
21 of 21 found the following review helpful:
A Must-Have For Fans of Any Genre Sep 25, 2000
By James Schulze
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...
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