Named After My Uncle "Nick"...el

Okay, maybe not REALLY but how cool would that be if I really did have an uncle Nick and a band was named after him? Ok, maybe not that cool. Makes for a lame joke, though! :)

K, first off: I apologize once more that I have yet to post some of the songs that have been suggested to me. I've been waiting to get enough for a whole post of nothing but what others have suggested and I think we're almost there. So, as usual, keep suggesting. Specifics always help but if all you can manage is a band name, that works too (it'll just take me some time to listen to their stuff and find some favorites... which is great for me but not so speedy for y'all)

So, I'll try to keep this one brief (which, of course, probably won't happen... sorry Garrett ;) Nickel Creek. Abso-freekin'-awesome. The tunes are catchy, well crafted and fun but the main draw for me is the sheer TALENT, with a capital T... (and ALENT) that is behind these songs. If I've got my backstories straight, they (Sean and Sarah Watkins and Chris Thile) were child prodigies on Guitar, Fiddle, and Mandolin respectively who formed a group in their early teens (?) and were simply amazing until they separated 18 years later. They're all doing solo stuff now some of which is okay and other stuff which is... well, not. But give 'em a listen, "cuz they good!" to quote Bubs (if you get that reference, you're awesome. Pat yourself on the back or buy yourself something nice ;)

I would strongly suggest listening to these albums in their entirety.  But for the "time-crunch-ed" peeps out there I'll give you the highlights: From their first album "Nickel Creek" (very creative title, btw) I like their instrumentals the most because it showcases just how amazing they are. Check out "Ode to a Butterfly" ( mind blowing amazing-ness occurs especially @ the 2:12 mark) and "House of Tom Bombadil." For vocals, check out "Out of the Woods" and "When You Come Back Down."

Their next album, "This Side" is probably my favorite. Awesomeness being "Smoothie Song," "This Side" (which is probably their most recognizable... "this is the reason they are successful and famous") and "Green and Grey." I also really like "Spit on a Stranger" but most people think it's pretty silly. It does have a rockin' awesome electric-wah pedal effect on the fiddle, though.

"Why Should the Fire Die" is a bit darker but still has some good ones. "Doubting Thomas" is just plain smooth. Absolutely incredible harmonies. Also in "Jealous of the Moon." "Scotch & Chocolate" is another amazing instrumental which is particularly fun because it starts out slow and smooth and builds. "Tomorrow is a Long Time" is also a good song for Sarah (her voice on her other ones kinda bothers me a little... don't know why). Kinda minor and it's a "bitter song" but "Somebody more like you" is kinda cool (who doesn't enjoy a good "bitter song" every once in a while?)

And just for good measure: Chris Thile's blowing Bach's mind!... Well, my mind anyways... hopefully yours too! Enjoy! As always, feel free to share suggestions! Or just tell your friends!

URGENT!!!... okay, well, maybe not that urgent but still pretty darn imiportant!

First off, I'm sorry for not posting anything for two weeks. New semester and what not... Anyways, apologies aside DROP WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND LISTEN TO THIS SONG RIGHT NOW!! (Unless, of course, you're a doctor holding a new born baby or a heart surgeon mid operation... then don't... Pull it out, stitch it up THEN listen.) But considering I only have 14 followers (that I know of) and none of y'all are doctors, obviously the next most important thing--and Ben and Ky will most likely back me up on this, therefore making it even more legitimate--is my demand that you listen to this song. It's obvious you guys need to sort a few priorities out... besides, if your job or whatever is so important, why aren't you performing open heart surgery right now?... That's what I thought.

K. Seriously though, here it is: "Ruby Falls" by Guster. Yes, I know I already did a fairly large Guster post. Yes, it might be a little more minor than their other stuff... would you quit arguing and just LISTEN TO IT?... are you still reading this? Stop it!! Just listen! We'll talk more later!

For those who are still reading (Garrett is long gone by now) this is why everyone should listen to this song at least 5 million times and love it: It starts out small and grows (gotta love dynamics), I LOVE songs that "explode" (or "kick in," to coin a phrase from my pops) and this song does it several times--1:00, 2:20, and kinda @ 3:21, driving bass riffs are always a plus--after the "chorus" starts each time, I love the synthisizer/ keyboard/ whatever at the 2:20 mark that sort of wails or however you wish to describe it... the vocals are simply INCREDIBLE-- the melody is catchy and the harmonies (3:20 ish) are tight and really moving. Reminiscent of the Beatles in "Let it Be" or "You Never Give Me Your Money." And it all calms down and ends on a happy, floating jam band vibe. Otherwise it'd be kinda dark but it doesn't which is awesome. Also, it doesn't have the cookie cutter form to it where you can see the rhymes, choruses and modulations coming from a mile away which is always refreshing.

Basically it's an easy going power ballad that digs in deep, takes you on an incredible and moving ride through dark and light, sweet and edgy, dynamic emotions and spits you out refreshed, relaxed yet energized and feeling great! (Sorry if that's overly smarmy but that's the only way I can describe it in written form.) Enjoy! More songs later, this was just an absolute MUST.
If you must have a video, here it is but it's live and therefore the sound quality isn't as good but pretty true to the actual recording: