Fruit Tree
Three albums. That's all singer-songwriter Nick Drake left the world before he passed away in 1974 at the age of 26. But what albums they were. This four-CD box set contains all three records, plus some stuff Drake didn't intend for public consumption. Of course, everything he touched--even the demos and alternate takes--is gorgeous, melancholy folk at its finest. From the haunting, baroque beauty of his debut,Five Leaves Left, through to his pop masterpieceBryter Layter, to his last public offering, the dark and lonelyPink Moon, Drake shines. The outtake albumTime of No Replyfeatures Drake rarities and demos, including a version of "Thoughts of Mary Jane" withRichard Thompsonon electric guitar. In an age when more singer-songwriters and folk artists get compared to Drake--Elliott Smith,Belle & Sebastian, andMark Eitzel, to name but three--it's enlightening to look back and hear the original. Here's your best chance.--Jason Verlinde