I was inspired by a Hub that Lissa Lynn did not too long ago about the bands she enjoys listening to and figuered I'd do the same as well. I have always loved music, although my love for MOVIES is far suprerior but thats another Hub, and decided I'd share some of my favorite bans. Or rather, the bands I listen to on a regular basis and I choose not to branch out and find new artists; unless it's something I enjoy. Anyway, below are the people I enjoy the most and can listen to over and over and over and over.

Formed in 1989 by Chris Thile and Sean Watkins, the two met while learning how to play the mandolin; soon after, Sara Watkins, Sean's sister, joined the group as their fiddle player. The group picked their name from a Byron Berline song; not long after joining they started traveling around, playing at festivals and becoming popular. They eventually had to be home schooled because they were missing too much of school.

By 1997 they had already released two CD's, although when 2000 came around they were itching to release another album, but they knew they needed a producer for this next venture. When they were playing at the Ryman Auditorium, Allison Krauss was there and saw them playing; she spoke with them afterwards about how well they played; the group asked her, soon after, if she would like to produce their next album. Nickel Creek signed with Sugar Hill records, with Allison Krauss producing and released their self-titled CD, which would be their biggest success since releasing their albums, and was a critical success as well.

When 2003 came rolling round, they released their fourth studio album, with Krauss producing again, titled This Side. Many felt it was a departure from their previous work, since it was not purely Bluegrass, like their previous efforts had been presented. This Side was another critical success and the group was able to tour as a main act, as opposed as the opening act.

2005 came with the release of their fifth album Why Should the Fire Die?, but this time, Krauss was nowhere to be seen as their producer. By this album, the group felt more their own, and was able to be comfortable with what they are playing.

2006 proved to be a sad year, when they announced that their tour would be the last tour and they would take an indefinite break for the time being. The trio felt that they were not able to relate as well to their fans, in terms of writing music, etc.; they also were touring extenisvely and felt they needed the break. By November 2007, the tour ended, and the three went their seperate ways. Word is still out about whether or not they will ever get back together.

Born Leslie Feist in Nova Scotia, Canada, Feist has become one of the biggest selling acts in the Indie Scene. In 1991, at age 15, she started her own band, entering into Battle of the Bands, where she met Brendan Canning, both would later be in the group, Broken Social Scene; although, Feist is now a solo performer, she will devote some of her time to playing with the band, when able. The band she formed while in high school, Placebo(not the same band from the U.K.), won the Battle of the Bands concert and started touring across Canada; due to the stress of the touring and the fact that they were playing so many shows, Feist strained her vocal cords to the point where she was told she may never be able to sing again. Thankfully, that never happened and I am able to listen to her WONDERFUL music.

She released her first solo album in 1999, entitled, Monarch (Lay Your Jewelled Head Down). In the summer of 2004, while on tour with Broken Social Scene, she released her second studio album, Let It Die; the album consisted of original material and remakes of other songs. She left the group and toured extensively on her own for the next three years to help promote her album. There was a release of another CD, named Open Season, that was a re-mix of her songs from the previous album. Very good CD, I recommend it; while not original content, the re-mixes are original and wonderful.

By 2007, Feist released her third album, of original content, entitled The Reminder. With hits like My Moon My Man and 1234, she became a household name; especially after 1234 was included in the Nano iPod commercial which played over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over. Or maybe that's where I lived, it seemed like they played that particular commercial a lot.

She is now on a break, touring every now and then with the group, Broken Social Scene; while not out of the music game, she has toured extensively for the past several years and wants to rest.

 What can I say about Johnny Cash? What can I say about June? They go together like vanilla ice cream and apple pie; they are more American than most Americans I know; maybe I am putting them on a pedestal that is too high to achieve, but I am willing to put them on that there pedestal because I can; and they deserve it. They are two of the greatest legends in Country music and they will never be topped, in my opinion. Johnny lived a life of contradictions, but it was up to June to set him right; and boy was that a CHALLENGE! But June is exactly what any good person, and bad person, needs in their life. She is a wonderful, caring, beautiful, woman who embodied everything a good Christian should be. She is open and loving; humble; yet forceful enough to be heard when the time arose. She could garner the attention needed, without having to outright demand it. One look from her could send anyone over the edge, I am sure.

The same goes with Johnny only he was louder and a tad more abrasive than his wonderful wife. He taught us how to Walk the Line and sing the Blues and make a person Cry, Cry, Cry. He can get inside the mind of a criminal without actually having to commit the brutal crimes that so often landed these criminal's in jails; he can sympathize with the poor and almost relate to the rich. He knows how to get a crowd rowdy, and one look to the crowd will set them over the edge, mayhem ensues.

I won't do a full history on eiter June nor Johnny, because I know I won't do justice to either one. One comes from a celebrated, influencial, country music family, the other paved their own way and created their own unique style and sound; both got together and created a dynasty that will never be touched. The one thing that I most admire about the two of them is their love and chemistry, but most of all, their love. They spent ten years apart, yet ten years closely together, but all the while both wanted each other. Finally, after years of addiction (and more to go through), pain, and suffering, they married and conceived a son together, John Carter Cash, linking the two families together (merging the four daughters John had and the two daughters June had). It is sad to think that June died first, knowing what pain John had to go through. Although, three to four months later, John passed away, perhaps due to a broken heart.

Again, I cannot due justice to either person, in terms of a biography, but the admiration I have for both, runs deep. They truly are the definition of GOOD people; anything that needed to be done, any help that is needed, you could tell you could count on the two of them. I wish to be like them in that way for the rest of my life.