This collaboration between former Toad the Wet Sprocket front man Glen Phillips and Nickel Creek's Sean and Sara Watkins and Chris Thile was rehearsed and recorded in six days in 2000 and is the result of a true mutual adm... more »iration between the parties. Some of the eight originals bear a connection with Phillips's erstwhile band, especially a song like "Somewhere Out There" with its lilting rhythms and dreamily atmospheric chordal structure. What's most telling is the breadth that this new context allows him as a songwriter. The rootsy Americana, subtle voicings, and front-porch settings seem hundreds of miles from the more urban character of Toad. It's nice to see Nilsson's "Think About Your Troubles," one of a handful of covers, emerging as a contemporary standard in new acoustic circles (having also been released this year in a version by the Asylum Street Spankers). MAS's version of Jon Brion's "Trouble" shows the ease with which these players blend pop sensibilities with the resilience of tradition. --David Greenberger« less
This collaboration between former Toad the Wet Sprocket front man Glen Phillips and Nickel Creek's Sean and Sara Watkins and Chris Thile was rehearsed and recorded in six days in 2000 and is the result of a true mutual admiration between the parties. Some of the eight originals bear a connection with Phillips's erstwhile band, especially a song like "Somewhere Out There" with its lilting rhythms and dreamily atmospheric chordal structure. What's most telling is the breadth that this new context allows him as a songwriter. The rootsy Americana, subtle voicings, and front-porch settings seem hundreds of miles from the more urban character of Toad. It's nice to see Nilsson's "Think About Your Troubles," one of a handful of covers, emerging as a contemporary standard in new acoustic circles (having also been released this year in a version by the Asylum Street Spankers). MAS's version of Jon Brion's "Trouble" shows the ease with which these players blend pop sensibilities with the resilience of tradition. --David Greenberger
I'm sure there is a beautiful album under there . . .
Ryan Moulton | Cincinnati, OH United States | 07/13/2004
(2 out of 5 stars)
"... but unfortunately you can't hear it. This CD is just not mixed well. Glen Phillips' voice, while great, drowns out everything else on the album. I have to strain to hear the instrumentation on the excellent audio equipment in my home, and you can absolutely forget about hearing any of it in your car. In order to keep Glen's voice at a reasonable volume, the rest of it becomes inaudible. Its a horrible shame because I can tell that underneath there is an absolutely beautiful album, and I'm sure they will be excellent on tour this summer, but I can't justify recommending this CD. Even in the sections in which Glen isn't singing, there is far too much of a gap in volume between the different instruments for them to blend effectively.Added to these complaints is the length of the album, 41 minutes and 7 seconds. I've gone through half of it already while writing this review. I am a huge fan of both Nickel Creek and Glen Phillips. I had the highest of hopes for this album. But from the sounds of it, they should have spent more than 6 days recording it."
Touches of things familiar
M. C Rogers | Charlotte, NC | 07/28/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"On first listen of this album those of us that are "creekheads" that are expecting the excitement simliar to the first time we listened to "This Side" will be sorely dissapointed. Please keep in mind though that this is not a nickelcreek album! Mutual Admiration Society (MAS) is the blended of artists that before their respective individual success admired one another. Those of you who have seen glenn or creek in person will be happy with the studio version of "decompsing whale song" (live concert title - Last track - renamed) and "Trouble" (with Drums .... YEAH!) Newbies include "Sake of the world" and "Be Careful".
I beg that before you toss this cd aside give it a full listen twice (which will take you all of an hour and a half) during the second time around you will here the true hybrid of amazing talents! FYI - Don't be so fast to stop the cd at the end you never know when these guys will surprise you with a tiny tasty morsel of goodness!"
A Unique and Beautiful Musical Experience
Good Listener | USA | 08/19/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm in love with this CD. True, it's not Nickel Creek and it's not Toad. It's not your typical solo Glen either. It's also true that the production value is not the best. The mix does seem a bit off, but THE SONGS! These are amazing and varied songs. Every song is melodic, unique, thoughtful and emotional. Glen is terrific at conveying emotion with his voice, and the beautiful and unique (there's that word again) sounds that Nickel Creek contribute are a perfect complement. I can't stop listening. More, please!"
Why Don't I Like This More?
J. Adams | Bloomington, MN United States | 10/10/2005
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but 6 Days is not enough time to record an entire album, that's more than a track a day! Have you ever recorded music? Then you would know it takes days just to get one song sounding right. For all the love I have for Glen and Nickel Creek I was astonished that they put out an album like this, there's so much potential here, and you can feel it, but they just needed more time. If James Joyce could give 17 years of his life for "Finnegan's Wake," than I think these "mutual admirers" could've donated at least a week to an awesome idea like this, I hope they retry in the future and I'm sure the results will be just splendid, for now, stick to your Toad and Creek CDs and wait it out."