TOP 100 ALBUMS EVAR: #93
Nick Drake: Bryter Layter (1970) <Island>
Genre: Folk, Chamber Pop
Nationality: UK (Cambridge, England)
The original Elliott Smith, Nick Drake was a musical genius, trapped in a confused, manic depressive young man. His three studio albums were almost forgotten until they reached fairly recent cult status. Now they’re heralded as folk and chamber pop masterpieces, but at the time they were almost entirely ignored. Part of this was due to a record label that failed to fairly represent Drake, but it was also due to Drake’s anti-social behavior and lack of live performing. Having died at such a young age (26), it begs the question of what could have been. What’s done is done, though, and the records live on. His second work, Bryter Layter, was Drake at his most polished, his most professional. It expanded the sound of his first work (Five Leaves Left) and even upped the sophistication in songcraft. Drake’s voice is entrancing, whimsical but dry, delicate but powerful. Strings flow on “At The Chime Of A City Clock,” a gospel choir echoes through “Poor Boy,” and a piano line skips along “One Of These Things First.” Drake remains pensive, almost passive, as if he was completely unaware of his astounding genius. He probably was completely unaware, too. Key Tracks: “At The Chime Of A City Clock,” “Poor Boy,” “One Of These Things First” For Fans Of: Elliott Smith, Simon & Garfunkel, Fairport Convention
