If you are a fan of some Nickel Creek goodness, you might want to check out Chris Thile's next move after Nickel's departure. They are the Punch Brothers (MySpace), a really interesting bluegrassy, folksy (even classical?) mix. Punch isn't Nickel Creek, but this is good music, deeper and more rich than NC but not as easy to appreciate. Check out some video.
I'm also checking out the Fleet Foxes (MySpace), who are very intriguing and not hippies.
I finally picked up the new Shearwater (MySpace) CD, Rook, yesterday (it was my Father's Day quest with the fam to find it). I've avoided listening to too much online because I wanted the album experience to color my take. On first listen it's amazing. I had the highest of hopes after Palo Santo (it was my #1 album of 2006). And as expected the glowing reviews are piling high. You can download "Leviathan, Bound" for free. If you don't know, Shearwater is the band led by Jonathan Meiburg who just left Okkervil River to focus on Shearwater. Here's a taste...
Need more Bon Iver? I hear you. These are out-honking-standing. How about "Flume"...
Here's a little "Lump Sum"...
And yes, the trifecta, "For Emma, Forever Ago"...