Nick Drake

Well, Nick Drake is a cult folk type musician from the late 60's/early 70's. Like all good musicians he died early in mysterious circumstances. While he was alive, his music was not as popular as he had hoped (or deserved) and it was only after his death that people sodding well realised that he was good. His lack of fame while he was alive may be attributed to the fact that he was painfully shy and did not enjoy performing live.

Nick Drake produced 3 albums with "5 leaves Left" being my favourite but they are all excellent. If you're serious about music then you need to own some Nick Drake albums.

Tying to describe his style is difficult as it was unique, the wikipedia entry for Nick Drake gives a full and complete profile of this tortured genious. The music is basically acoustic fingerpicking style with atmospheric Cello here and there. The songs are full of melancholy and often filled with feelings of regret or cries for help. Sort of the original David Grey with a soft etherial voice (OK, nothing like that but its hard to compare).

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Way To Blue

This would be a fantastic way to start your Nick Drake collectio, its how I started mine! Buy Way To Blue at Amazon.co.uk
Bryter Layter

Another cracker, this album contains the song "Northern Sky" which alone makes this album a must have. Maybe not as sad as Five Leaves Left but still not a happy album. You'll find a bit more Cello ey stuff in this one. Buy Bryter Layter at Amazon.co.uk
Five Leaves Left

A wee belter of an album filled with beautiful acoustic music coupled with a soft slow voice. The Day Is Done is one of my favourites, a song from a man resigned to his fate thinking of missed oppertunities. Other people seem to like Fruit Tree which eerily speculates on the fact that he may be famous after his death. Buy Five Leaves Left at Amazon.co.uk
Pink Moon

This was his last album and is fuelled by despair and lonlyness. "black Eyed Dog" is one one the strangest songs that I know, musically excellent but its lyrics are horrible and convey what the artist must have been going through in his final days. Buy Pink Moon at Amazon.co.uk

If you like Nick Drake then be sure to visit the official Nick Drake Website, it contains everything, including guitar chords etc.