Nickel Creek - Why Should the Fire Die?

Why Should the Fire Die? is Nickel Creek's first album without Alison Krauss in the producer's chair, and on it, the trio's genre-expanding acoustic music has shifted even farther away from its bluegrass origins. The opening "When in Rome" perfectly encapsulates the aggressive approach the band favors, and features poetic lyrics far more obtuse than those of most groups with similar roots. The disc's first half stays rooted in a fairly conventional folk mode, with a lovely cover of Bob Dylan's "Tomorrow Is a Long Time" (one of the few solo vocal turns from fiddler Sara Watkins) and "Jealous of the Moon" (cowritten with the Jayhawks' Gary Louris) obvious highlights.

But the album gradually grows darker. The songs take unexpected twists that are challenging and unconventional, while still emphasizing those angelic vocal harmonies that float and sting. Chris Thile's peppy instrumental "Stumptown" leads into the menacing "Best of Luck," with its edgy minor-key chorus echoed by Watkins's deceptively sweet voice spitting out lyrics of an obsessive high-school love affair gone wrong. And the drums of "Helena," one of the group's most radical compositions, bring out Nickel Creek's inner Coldplay. Not a complete break with their bluegrass beginnings, Why Should the Fire Die? is certainly the trio's boldest and most creative album, albeit one that might not appeal to their earliest fans. --Hal Horowitz Amazon.com

mishmash 2.0 ... a revised review

I bought this album on a bit of a whim. I sampled the tracks and immediately recognized "Somebody More Like You" from airplay on a local college radio station. Unsurprisingly, it turns out to be my favorite song on the album, not to mention the only one that was penned by Sean Watkins alone.

I suppose the reason I can't give this CD a higher rating is primarily due to the lyrics. Whether cryptic (as in "Eveline") or straight-forward (as in "Anthony"), I have a hard time caring about these narratives. Some of the words seem written for filler to make a complete song; as if the songwriters really didn't have much to say. One exception to this is "Doubting Thomas," and whether or not one finds offense in the theme, it's one of the most honest songs on the album.

Musically, the interplay of the stringed instruments is often the best part of the songs, but oddly enough the instrumental tracks seem lacking. Strange chord progressions make "Eveline" and "Best of Luck" hard to listen to. The singing is also a mixed bag. I really enjoy the harmonizing, but the parts that are belted out just grate on my nerves, such as on "Best of Luck" and the ends of "Can't Complain" and "Helena" (an otherwise beautiful song).

In the end, this is something a little bit beyond bluegrass or folk music. Perhaps with more listens I'll understand it better. I think it might be worth the effort. May 26, 2008

Not what I expected at all.

I love the Self Titled cd, so I ordered "This Side" and "Why Should the Fire Die". This last album is not at all like their others. The main dissapointment was the lyrics. Or lack thereof. I love the poetry of messages of their other songs. This album's songs seem to touch a lot on love, cheating, leaving etc. What happened to the morally upright, good messages they have portrayed in the past?
I am going to be selling this cd, can't see myself listening to it. January 29, 2008

Nickel Creek Never Grows Old

I never get tired of listening to this CD over and over again! Each song has its own distinct melody, with depth, complexity and irony in both lyrics and tune. It also appeals to many audiences, not just fans of one genre. My whole family likes it (which is unusual.) A rare gem! December 26, 2007

Amazing album

This is my favorite album of the last few years. I am a die-hard Nickel Creek fan, and this is my favorite effort from them. There are plenty of good reviews here, so I thought I would write something that, instead, addresses the main negative reviews. It's fine that those people feel that way, but I would hate to see you be discouraged from buying this because of them.

First off, the people are right when they say this is not a bluegrass album. There are a few bluegrass songs, but not many. This is an album that uses bluegrass instruments to play pop/rock/acoustic songs. And it works, but if you want bluegrass, those reviewers are right...this isn't bluegrass.

The main complain other than that seems to be about the lyrics being too shallow, about "little kids breaking up" and stuff like that. In fact, a lot of the lyrics on this disc are about Chris Thile's divorce, and his trying to figure out why he couldn't make his marriage work. Hardly kid stuff. Other themes dealt with are adultery (Best Of Luck), the challenges of life (When In Rome), finding humor in pain (Anthony), and other very adult themes.

This album is really something else. It's an amazing collection of songs and musical virtuosity that is definately worth checking out. Don't let the few negative reviews stop you from getting this amazing album. September 14, 2007

Darker, but Excellent

The lyrical content of this album is definitly darker than the first two, but those songs are easily complimented by some lighter tunes as well. They never cease to amaze me. It took a while to let this album grow on me, but eventually it did and I can't get enough of it. Favorite song: Helena...although the guy in the song is a complete jerk, it's still such a great song. May 27, 2007

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