Artists releasing new CDs this week include some loved and lauded bluegrass favorites, a group of alt-metal rockers and one of the most recognizable singer-songwriters of his generation.
Nickel Creek, “Why Should the Fire Die?” (Sugarhill). The big news about this record: Allison Krauss didn’t produce it. The bluegrass outfit known for its superb brand of alt-country puts out its most creative, sprawling effort with “Why Should the Fire Die?” While it’s a looong step from the group’s 2000 Sugar Hill debut, it rings with the group’s trademark chemistry.
Staind, “Chapter V” (Elektra). Staind is still known as “that one band that was discovered by Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit.” While that’s true, it’s also unfair at this point: Staind has matured and maintained in a way Limp Bizkit never did. With this record, the band proves it has lost none of the Pantera-styled hardness that first made it special.
Stephen Stills, “Man Alive” (Titan). The man behind Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash is back with yet another solo offering. The singer-songwriter – and top-flight guitarist – offers more introspection here.
-Ricardo Baca
