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Classic Albums Of The 20th Century: Five Leaves Left

A brief critique of the debut album by British artist Nick Drake

Date : 23/07/2020

Author Information

Douglas

Uploaded by : Douglas
Uploaded on : 23/07/2020
Subject : Composition

Today I'd like to talk about the album Five leaves left by the British artist Nick Drake.


Released in 1969, this was the debut album by Nick Drake. He would go on to release a further two, equally great albums before a premature death at the age of just 26 in 1974.

He never achieved the success in his lifetime that he would go onto achieving posthumously. But this is the power of a great artist They become immortal through their work!

I first heard the name Nick Drake through other artists that I admire. They spoke fondly about him, and cited him as an influence.

So, without even listening to his material first, I bought a compilation CD of work and eagerly awaited as I pressed play on the CD player.

I have to admit that I was disappointed upon my initial listening experience. Maybe I was expecting something else I m not sure what. But it didn t sound as I was expecting.

Then, I played it again, then a third time. By the fourth time I played it, I was enchanted by the man and his music. I was wrong to be disappointed. His sound was like nature itself. Embodying both the beauty and tragedy of it, and everything in between and beyond.

I then bought all three studio albums and Nick Drake instantly became one of my favourite artists ever! All this, several decades after he had left this earth.


Five leaves left contains such classic songs as Time has told me, River man, Way to blue, Day is done every track is amazing.

His poignant lyrics, emotive voice, fluid guitar picking and the atmospheric and whimsical orchestral arrangements of his friend Robert Kirby, all contribute to what for me is musical perfection!

In fact, I've already picked one of the songs Fruit tree, to be played at my own funeral, as it resonates so much with my own life. Hopefully it won t be for a long time yet!

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