Love Drive.  Hot picking album, with Tony Rice, Sam Bush, and Mark O'Connor (Andrea it's not a Flecktones CD...but straight ahead bluegrass picking; no vocals).   Have you heard Strength in Numbers, the Telluride Sessions?   Similar personnel, very amazing music.

The problem with Nickel Creek is that they are TOO GOOD.  Much too polished.  The first time I heard Chris Thile, I couldn't believe a mandolin could sound like that.  Not only does he play very intricate licks at breakneck speed, but each articulation is sooo smooth, there is absolutely no pick noise..which on the mandolin, is basically impossible, but he does it.  Started playing when he was a toddler, and the other two in the group, probably in utero.  I love the guitar player's style...again very beautiful licks played smooth and flowing (don't remember his name or the girl who plays fiddle...I think they are brother and sister).  Their voices also are toooo pretty, too tight.   Yep, they're too good...nearly un-natural. 

G