by Nickel Creek List Price:$18.00 Our Price:$9.00 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Product Details
Media: Audio CD
Release Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2002
Label: Sugarhill [Country]
Average Customer Review: 0 Based on 0 reviews.
Sales Rank: 654
Tracks
1.
Beauty and the Mess
2.
Sabra Girl
3.
Young
4.
Brand New Sidewalk
5.
House Carpenter
6.
Seven Wonders
7.
Green and Gray
8.
This Side
9.
Should've Known Better
10.
Hanging by a Thread
11.
Speak
12.
Spit on a Stranger
13.
Smoothie Song
14.
Should've Known Better
Editorial Review
Whereas Nickel Creek's debut album established the young California trio at the progressive vanguard of traditional bluegrass, this ambitious, risky follow-up finds their acoustic artistry straying far afield. Mandolin player Chris Thile and the Watkins siblings--guitarist Sean and fiddler Sara--continue to impress with their intuitive instrumental interplay and lush vocal harmonies. Sean Watkins's title cut achieves the sprightliest blend of traditional bluegrass instrumentation and contemporary pop craft, while the ruminative melancholy of "Hanging by a Thread" and "Green and Gray" sound as though Thile has been listening to a lot of Elliott Smith (and reading the published poetry of Jewel). The album also features Pavement's "Spit on a Stranger," Carrie Newcomer's "Should've Known Better," and a traditional British ballad, "House Carpenter." However, much of the collection's original material lacks the maturity to match the trio's musical gifts, as songs incorporating influences ranging from neo-psychedelia to alt pop often suffer from self-consciousness. Kindred-spirit producer Alison Krauss plainly gave the project a long leash, and the results can be viewed as either sophomore slump or creative growth spurt--or perhaps both. --Don McLeese
Top Customer Reviews
Rating:
5 Exciting Follow Up
The moment I put the CD in my player I was blown away by the advancement of sound This Side has made from the previous album. Nickel Creek has pulled themselves farther from their traditional bluegrass friends, but I couldn't be happier. Their diverse choice of music (they have a few different covers on the cd) shows off their virtousity not only in writing great songs but also in taking a piece of music they enjoy and transforming it into their own. Should've Known Better is an impressive song that blends some hard biting jazz with Chris Thile's incredible use of post-modern strings. Their overall virtousity on their instruments is held back a little bit to let their songs breathe. It gives a lot of confidence in their melodies. However, their soaring licks are not held back on their opening song, Smoothie Song, or the driven Green and Gray. Nickel Creek has made their own genre with this cd, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys hearing something new and daring.P.S. If you're a fan of Edgar Meyer, he plays on a few tracks, and you can easily hear his wonderful influence on each song he plays. He leaves the blunt of the song to Nickel Creek, but you can hear him rumbling his arching harmonies in the background.
Rating:
5 Chris Thile's Hair: Bonus!
After months of back and forth, I finally purchased This Side. Several of the reviews here at Amazon made me wary, but what it came down to was this: Could I stand knowing there was Nickel Creek music out there that I hadn't heard? Obviously not, and I was amply rewarded. This recording is exactly what a sophomore album should be. Yes, it took a little getting used to, but once I passed that hump, I began to crave (daily!) the incredible music offered. If you liked their first CD, Nickel Creek, because "Oooooh, Mommy, this is pretty music," you'll like quite a few of the songs on This Side. If you liked it because you understand what the band is really about: fantastic musicianship, progressive arrangements, gorgeous vocals, fascinating lyrics, honest sound, then you will love every single song.An additional reason to buy this CD: Chris Thile's hair on the back cover.
Rating:
2 Creativity?
I am reading a lot of reviewers saying they are creative, which is driving me crazy. How many covers are on this album? What is really pissing me off is that their Pavement cover sucks. Pavement is so much better and then Nickel Creek comes is having trouble making their own material for their next album so they steal songs from people that are better than them. Nickel Creek does get some credit, however, for having some good taste in music. They obviously like Radiohead (The Greatest?) and probably Pavement (THE Greatest)too because they did that cover.
Rating:
3 still not up to their enormous talent
First statement: on balance, i like this disk. It is worlds better than 95% of what you hear on the radio or see on videos. Anything by these prodigiously talented young people HAS to be at least good.Second statement: I am NOT a "bluegrass purist". Any problems I have w this disk are NOT because I am a "purist."I have followed progressive bluegrass (not an oxymoron!) for over 20 years. I've been waiting for the last 10 for a new talented young band to come along & take the music to a new audience. I remain convinced that Nickel Creek IS that band. They're that good. Therein lies the problem: this album is GOOD, but is still not delivering the full potential of this band. There are few standout tracks here. Most are either gimmicky (Sabra Song, Should've Known Better, & the oh-so-self-conscious attempt at a Beatles pop tune, Spit on a Stranger) or just flat boring (Young, House Carpenter). There are some highlights. Sean Watkins FINALLY takes a turn at singing lead & writing & delivers the best track of disk on the title track. Green & Grey is a perfectly nice tune. And Smoothie Song, the ONLY instrumental (another disappointment) features spirited riffing by the amazing Chris Thile, along w Edgar Meyer making an appearance bowing his double bass. Part of the problem may lie with producer Alison Krauss. She has Sara Watkins pigeon holed into the breathy, little girl vocals that she herself favors (see Stars on New Favorite for an example). She seems to indulge the group every whim, or maybe encouraged them. Annoying whispered spoken vocals underlying a track? Sure, kids, sounds good to me. Beatles-like strings? Go for it! A new producer for the next disk would be welcome. Perhaps I am like the teacher who judges the gifted student more harshly, b/c he/she is aware just how much MORE this talented student can accomplish. We should take joy in the fact that there is room for these gifted musicians, who clearly have shown a willingness to stretch out & try new things, to grow still further. I
Rating:
4 Sparkling Set
"This Side" opens with the CD's only instrumental, "Smoothie Song," which boasts Sean's stellar guitar & Chris hot mandolin. On Pavement's "Spit on a Stranger," Nickel Creek does a playful makeover with Beatlesque harmonies to good effect. Sean Watkins' "Speak" boasts a gorgeous melody with beautiful harmonies. Chris' vocals on "Hanging By a Thread" ache, "There's a lonely side of love." The band lets loose on Carrie Newcomer's great "I Should've Known Better" from her "My True Name" CD. The adventurous, sometimes shocking, use of strings interjects itself in the arrangement like musical spikes, making it a beautiful but prickly experience. My favorite is the title track with its buoyant melody and driving instruments, "It's foreign on this side and the truth is a bitter friend." Chris' "Green & Gray" has interesting lyrics, "We would all vote him most likely to be loved to death." Sean teams with David Puckett to write "Seven Wonders" with Sara's wispy vocals, "He can't enfold the sun or moon or wind within his hands, but count the times he'll shout the great I AM." "House Carpenter" is a beautiful folk tune given a great reading with Chris' breathy vocals. "Beauty & the Mess" explores pressures of the working musician, "But every tone I play would give whatever I've not said away." Andy Irvine's "Sabra Girl" is a melancholy tune where Sara shines on vocals. Chris' "Young" reflects the awkward aspect of new feelings of love, "Young & with no clue, and I wanna love you." The CD concludes with the pensive "Brand New Sidewalk," another of Chris' songs, "You're shy about what fortune lent you. Is that what this is about?" Good question! Nickel Creek's sophomore effort is a good set. The band is developing as songwriters and picking some tasteful covers and making them over in highly original ways. If there is a weakness to the CD, it doesn't offer a blockbuster track like "When You Come Back Down." However, it is a solid set with great instrumental and vocal prowess, not to be missed. Enjoy!
Rating:
5 Re-peat, Re-play, and be REWARDED by "This Side"
If you purchased and experienced Nickel Creek's self-titled album you would have to wonder how they were going to recreate such a wonderful debut. The only way to understand the answer to this question is to purchase their new CD. Like so many other reviewers of the previous release, I too was never a Bluegrass fan. Listen to these musicians and you will become a music-lover all over again. There are two things of note with regard to this album. First, there are no cover notes listing the use of electronic instruments. One of the endearing aspects of the previous CD was the acoustic value in its own production. Listen and you will hear electronic influences creep into the songs of "This Side." I am so used to hearing electronic drums, guitars, and synthesizers that it was refreshing to discover a young, upcoming, and talented group of people create an exciting CD utilizing their raw talent. It was new and exciting because they used acoustic instruments, vocal cords, and their own words. Wow - What a concept! I hope there was some conversation with this regard when making this CD. Secondly, Sarah Watkins does not really show up until late into the CD. Maybe her presence is purposely placed; maybe she is not featured enough? At this point we do not know. I could not help but think after listening to this CD how each of the group's members could succeed as a solo artist. The bottom line with regard to Nickel Creek is that the members have a problem on their hands - is the whole worth more than the parts. You Decide.. RB
Rating:
2 I'm Very Disappointed With This Album
Nickel Creek are a fantastic neo-bluegrass group. Each member has a unique contributions to each songs that they create. Their individual talents I'm afraid got the better of them on this sophomore album. The songs are lacking the melody and energy of their self-titled release. I know many people will say "Oh well they are just trying something differnt," which hey is fine, but just because you go in a new direction doesn't mean you have to abandon the sound, which you've already established. You're merely adding more. I think they were trying something different just for the sake of it. I do, however, like some of the songs off this album, and those would be "Smoothie Song" and "Seven Wonders." Those are the only songs that had the band's prior sound, and even those songs sound different in many ways. This album was a big disappointment. As far as individual talent goes within this band, check out Nickel Creek guitarist Sean Watkins' 2001 solo release called "Let It Fall." You should also definitely check out Chris Thile's 2001 solo release called "Not All Who Wander Are Lost." Very cool instrumental album.I'm looking forward to Nickel Creek's next album, but I hope they don't move in totally different direction, because I really enjoyed the first album.
Rating:
5 Awesome Follow-Up Album
I've listened to this album numerous times and i find something new i like about it everytime. A total 180 from their 1st project (another classic), but still maintains the same quality that their self-titled debut introduced us too. 5 STARS!!!
Rating:
5 Give it time
Those of you who were expecting a similar album to their first, and were disappointed, all I can say is, give it time. Listen to this CD all the way through a couple times, and you will be surprised how it soaks into your subconcious. It is truly and amazing album, full of layers of great sound. Each time I listen I hear another layer. This band is simply phenomenal, and they are the break I've been waiting for from the fake, electronic, overly hyped music of today. 1. Smoothie Song: Great instrumental 2. Spit on a Stranger: Pavement cover, well done 3. Speak: features vocal talents of all three members, written by Sean 4. Hanging by a Thread: I feel like I've heard this before, not sure why, but it's a very emotional tune, reminds me of a 70's ballad, great instrumental by Chris. My favorite on the album. 5. I Should Have Known Better: Uncomfortable to listen to, but in a good way? 6. This Side: Would be a great radio release, like that would ever happen. Written by and vocals by Sean 7. Green and Gray: Chris pours his heart out on this one, also one of my favorites. 8. Seven Wonders: Another great one, Sara doing vocals 9. House Carpenter: Tragic story like "Lighthouse's Tale" from the last album. 10. Beauty and the Mess: Sara vocals again 11. Sabra Girl: Another favorite, lilting waltz with Sara, reminds me of Scarborough's Fair 12. Young: Chris sings here, cute story, catchy upbeat melody 13. Brand New Sidewalk: Another lilting ballad by ChrisGive it a listen, you'll be glad you did but your CD player might get tired!
Rating:
4 Well, now...
I bought the first Nickel Creek album (self-titled) immediately after I heard "When You Come Back Down" for the first time. I was immediately drawn in by the skilled performances, the complex melodies, and the group's unique sound. "This Side" definitely surpasses "Nickel Creek" in the uniqueness category. It contains more vocal tracks (only one of the thirteen is instrumental), which both disappointed me (I love the instrumentals from the last album, as well as Chris Thile's newest album), but also pleased me, as I love hearing these guys sing.Now, onto the tracks. "Smoothie Song" is an awesome instrumental. I really liked it. "Spit on a Stranger" is sung by Chris Thile, and it is a fun song. Another one of my instant favorites is "House Carpenter", a variation of a traditional Scottish song. "Young", "Brand New Sidewalk", and "Green and Gray" are a couple more I really like. I'm still sitting on a couple ("Sabra Girl", "Beauty and the Mess", "Seven Wonders"), but they'll probably grow on me. Incidentally, those all feature Sara Watkins as the lead vocalist, but that's nothing against her.Overall, if you're not willing to be very open to this album, I doubt you'll like it. It's definitely different than their debut, and, at least for me, is taking a bit of time to sink in (if you buy it, you'll know what I mean.)If you're in for something new, fun, unique, DIFFERENT... Definitely buy this album. I really like it. If not... Don't buy it, and then come on here to whine about it.
Rating:
4 Nickel Creek shines again
It may not be quite up to the level of their first album. It may be somewhat more experimental, and it may take a more creative approach to music. But all things considered, Nickel Creek's sophomore album is still pretty darn good.After a two year absence, one of country's youngest and most talented musical groups has returned to the spotlight with THIS SIDE, the follow up to their critically acclaimed Gold debut, NICKEL CREEK. The Alison Krauss produced new album is long worth the wait and features all the talent and astonishing musical ability that made their first CD so captivating, and showcases the group's musical development since its release. Songs such as "The Smoothie Song," "Hanging By a Thread," and the stunning title track sport the same enchanting mix of Celtic, folk, and bluegrass that galvanized the attention of the musical world, but not all of the tracks follow in the footsteps of the group's previous success. On THIS SIDE, Nickel Creek also chooses to add classical string music, an occasional pop twist ("Spit on a Stranger"), and a rockin' cover of folk luminary Carrie Newcomer's "I Should've Known Better" to their potpourri of musical genres. While critics have viewed this new approach to Nickel Creek's music as "new agey" and an innovative foray into the proverbial "sophomore slump," their experimentation and true creativity only add to their already stellar work. This album is fifty minutes of pure, nonstop musical pleasure--the trio shines on the Sean Watkins penned "Speak," takes a creative approach to the traditional "The House Carpenter," and the truly vocally gifted Sara Watkins shows her stuff on "Sabra Girl" and "Seven Wonders." In this day and age where most country stars under the age of 25 are belting out hardly original pop tunes void of emotion and unique talent, it is refreshing to see this amazing group of young musicians achieve such well deserved success. While the group's second effort comes nowhere close to the genius of their compelling debut, THIS SIDE carries the torch of its acclaim and is sure to win the group much more recogition. If you are a music fan that appreciates artists with nothing but sheer talent, you will be completely in awe of Nickel Creek's amazing music.
Rating:
5 Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is simply AMAZING!
Lately, I've been on an album buying binge..so many new artists and old favorites coming back with a fury...and rating what I felt was the best of the year. So far, 2002 has been simply amazing, ..First John Hiatt, The Tragically Hip - Starsailor - Roger McGuinn's Folk Den series 4 -Then "The Country Bears" soundtrack (and so many I can't count.) Suddenly, Nickel Creek comes into the "best of" list with "This Side" ** The album is so finely produced and the songs so crafted in folk-melodic bluegrass fashion with a touch of Beatle-esque flavor. If you listen to this album over and over, this album will be like velcro, it'll stick all over ya. I didn't know San Diego was a hotbed of Cont. Folk/Bluegrass (Americana) But I guess the word is now out. My favorites are the title track and "Spit On A Stranger" ** Sara and Sean Watkins along with Chris Thile simply ROCK and I can't wait to see them in concert. Sorry, even though I do like "Little Cowpoke" - this bear says "This Side" is a must for anyone's eclectic roots music collection!!!! JG
Rating:
2 I do not mind experiments, but I hate bad singing
One thing I loved about the first Nickel Creek CD was the great vocals. Of course the playing, lyrics, and song writting were great too, but not many groups out there can actually sing. Maybe I am to used to the precise vocals North Indian classical music where a vocalist warbles between quarter tones on purpose or can hold any note without vibrato. Most vocal music, including western classical, suffers from whinning, squeeling, weezing, grunting, etc. I especially hate the "constipated lead vocalist" approach (see U2). Guess what? This album suffers from nasty vocals like most pop music. I do not mind experiments or groups changing directions. I do not care that this is a non-bluegrass album. I do care that the quality has diminished (not the playing). I have not purchased this CD because every sample I have heard has terrible vocals. Everyone says "Green and Gray" so beautiful. Well, I heard such miserable singing there is no way I could enjoy it. I will still anxiously await thier third album, but in the meantime I am still searching for good vocalists to add to my mostly instrumental collection.
Rating:
2 I'm Very Disappointed With This Album
Nickel Creek are a fantastic neo-bluegrass group. Each member has a unique contributions to each songs that they create. Their individual talents I'm afraid got the better of them on this sophomore album. The songs are lacking the melody and energy of their self-titled release. I know many people will say "Oh well they are just trying something differnt," which hey is fine, but just because you go in a new direction doesn't mean you have to abandon the sound, which you've already established. You're merely adding more. I think they were trying something different just for the sake of it. I do, however, like some of the songs off this album, and those would be "Smoothie Song" and "Seven Wonders." Those are the only songs that had the band's prior sound, and even those songs sound different in many ways. This album was a big disappointment. As far as individual talent goes within this band, check out Nickel Creek guitarist Sean Watkins' 2001 solo release called "Let It Fall." You should also definitely check out Chris Thile's 2001 solo release called "Not All Who Wander Are Lost." Very cool instrumental album.I'm looking forward to Nickel Creek's next album, but I hope they don't move in totally different direction, because I really enjoyed the first album.
Rating:
3 A somewhat disappointing follow up
After being a big fan of Nickel Creek's self-titled debut, I was disappointed to realize that "This Side" wasn't able to live up to my expectations. While their first release seemed to exemplify how well crafted songs and original lyricism can overcome the trappings of conventional pop, "This Side" seems to signify either a slump or the trio just running out of steam. Many of the songs sound like post-newgrass covers of uninspired FM-friendly fifth-wave rock tunes (such as the Pavement cover "Spit on a Stranger" or "Hanging By A Thread") done with somewhat uninspired instrumentation and arrangement. These sparse and sometimes bland songs might have worked for more musically mature artists with more vocal talent, but for now I think Nickel Creek still needs more inspired arrangements and lyrics to make truly interesting music. While the CD is enjoyable enough, it doesn't stand out as the original and creative work that their first album was and certainly wouldn't make a newgrass convert out of the uninitiated. If you don't have their first album or mandolinist Chris Thile's "Not All Who Wander Are Lost", I'd make these a higher priority. If you enjoyed both these albums you probably won't regret buying "This Side", you'll most likely just be somewhat disappointed.
Rating:
2 Disappointment follows Nickel Creek's brilliant first album
Nickel Creek's self-titled debut album showcased a band that was deeply rooted in traditional bluegrass and folk, yet could still go in modern directions. In their decision to go the "pop" route, they had two choices: they could use the bluegrass influence to provide something fresh in the popular music scene, or they could eliminate all but the barest traces of it from their music and produce an album that no one could differentiate from the soundalike pop and emo bands on the charts today. This mindset was also reflected in their appearances opening for John Mayer, surely the king of self-important, whining, and bland pop music.The original song lyrics, never the strong point of the band, are immature and unconvincing; the covers of songs such as Pavement's "Spit on a Stranger" are superfluous, as they bring nothing new to the material. The vocals are wispy and breathy; sadly, this is a trend also seen in their producer Alison Krauss' later work.Where this album shines, though, is the instrumentals. Chris Thile has long been known as one of the best mandolin players on the scene, and he doesn't fail here. The album's one instrumental track, the opening "Smoothie Song" with guest Edgar Meyer, is a fast-paced, technically brilliant and exciting number. Nickel Creek still has it in them to create truly great music. Hopefully their next album will reflect the potential that they show only in passing on this one.
Rating:
5 No disappointment here!
I finally just purchased this album after checking it out for a few months and reading the reviews. I loved Nickel Creek's first album as well, but this one is amazing! Every song is unique and in my opinion a good change from the sound on the first CD. I would highly recommend it, even if you haven't heard the others. Can't wait for the new album in August and maybe a chance to see them on tour!
Rating:
5 not bluegrass nor country...but something special
Let me say for starters that I love Bluegrass and trad. Country, but to classify Nickel Creek under either of these is doing them an extreme injustice. Even more so, it is alienating them for a large audience that are sure to love their music.Nickel Creek may have hardcore roots in bluegrass but for quite a few years now they have had more in common with college alternative radio than nashville. Yes, you can hear every ounce of influence they have gained through Radiohead, Wilco, Coldplay, and Pavement(which they cover on this album). That being said, this is the music that they listen to like mostyoung adults. What is so amazing is that these influences combined with their background in bluegrass has lead to some spectacular songwriting that has yet to reach its potential of wide spread recognition. These three are sure to be superstars.They are currently in the studio recording their 3rd CD(actually it is their 5th...they had two independent releases previous to their self titled in 2000"little cow poke" and "here to there") Word has it that this album is taking even more of a turn from their past. They are doing quite a bit of new instrumentation including drums and piano this time around...For an idea of the direction that they have gone in, I suggest picking up Chris Thile's latest solo album "deceiver" and Sean Watkin's recent solo outing "26 miles". There is hardly a shread of past sound left...but what has come forth is something spectacular...
