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Five Leaves Left

Nick Drake - Five Leaves Left Audio CD

A fair review of the Nick Drake "Five Leaves Left" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Nick Drake reviews here, or go back to the Nick Drake tabs.

Band: Nick Drake
Title: Five Leaves Left
Rating:

Release Date: 2003-05-06
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Time Has Told Me 2: River Man 3: Three Hours 4: Way to Blue 5: Day Is Done 6: Cello Song 7: Thoughts of Mary Jane 8: Man in a Shed 9: Fruit Tree 10: Saturday Sun

Not my favorite Nick Drake album..but good.
As mentioned in the title, this album is not my favorite of his, but it does offer another perspective into the fascinating, and slightly mysterious world of this man. This album seems to be one of his more somber pieces of work. The title seems appropriate to the album's feel of the transition from autumn in to wintertime. As a true Nick Drake fan, you should own this.

Fantastic whatever you need it to be for you--and that includes "Man in a Shed"
However, I do encourage even very young listeners to explore Nick Drake; and with that I don't just mean to give him a try, but to truly give him, or yourself, a chance of letting him grow on you. When I got introduced to Nick Drake's music as a mere 12-year old, I was hardly able to recognize all the nuances within his musical register, no more to let his lyrics really sink in on me farther than to acknowledge them as decent work. At first the only song of his I listened through was "Hazey Jane II" on BRYTER LAYTER, understandably as it's jazzier and more energetic than what is truly characteristic for Drake.

It was, however, this very album FIVE LEAVES LEFT that, about a year later, made me fall in love with his work. One reason could be that I'd simply turned a year older, but there may also be another explaination which has more to do with the work itself rather than with my own understanding of it. First, while I still listened only sporadically to the lyrics, once "Way to Blue" waved through the speakers, I was stunned. I lied down and was enthralled into an existence I had never encountered before, to find relievement, comfort and aspects of beauty I can still not explain (no, I didn't smoke anything; I was only listening to the track, and I can't imagine any drug could have captivated me more).

Little by little, first from listening and then from finally studying the cd-booklet thoroughly, I also discovered Drake's lyrics, to find that they were, in fact, the main force that held the beautiful musical arrangements alive. The music remains totally stunning, but it is from Nick's words that his universe makes its entrance; they can very well be read and treasured on their own. While certain time-typical references to joint-smoking and being stoned (Mary Jane being one example) makes it clear that this album was, indeed, produced in the late 1960's, these are not quite obvious enough to let them distract the listener from the timeless versatility of their container. Approaching 20 now I may still not be totally "ready" for Nick Drake, time'll tell me, but it is nevertheless a fact that Nick's words in "Day is Done" does quite another impact on me now than seven years ago. What meant a lot to me at 13 Nick relieved through his words and music, and even though these things seem irrelevant to me now, no less do these same words provide comfort and relievement concerning things which matter a lot to me now. One of the things that characterizes truly outstanding music to me is when you are drawn to take it with you and use it in various stages of your life, for various reasons, and FIVE LEAVES LEFT remains a prime example on this, as do Drake's other two albums.

I am of the convinction that every track on this album contributes into making it one of the most beautiful, thorough and inevitable masterpieces produced in the history of modern music. "Man in a Shed" has often received harsh response for being astonishingly superficial in its recollection of a poor man in love with a wealthy girl, but even though "Time of No Reply," a track neglected by Nick for this release, would have been more in tone with the atmosphere of the album, I regard the lighter "Shed" as a sensible forerunner to the overwhelming "Fruit Tree. " We need to breathe loose once in a while, especially when something so emotionally challenging, but no less stimulating, as Nick Drake's music is going on.

My Favorite CD of All Time
The first time I heard the entire CD, I fell in love with it, and Nick Drake became my favorite musician. I am amazed that I lived 45 years, and somehow Nick Drake escaped my awareness. It is many months later, and I have not grown tired of listening to it, and do so almost daily. I actually purchased a second copy from Amazon so that I have one for the house and one for the car. To explain his approach is impossible; it really needs to be heard to be appreciated. He does have two other CD's, but this is my favorite. I only wish he had lived longer. I love this CD so much that I am travelling to his resting place in England this summer.

One Of The Most Unique Folk Albums Ever.
Drake, however, did the unthinkable by mixing jazz and even classical influences with his music. Nick Drake came on the folk scene at a time where most folkies wrote songs inspired by blues and country just as much as traditional music. His guitar playing here is strong (actually quite technical at times) and its wonderfully backed up by strings, piano, and various other instruments.

This is progressive folk. Much like progressive rock, it combines its sound with music not normally associated with that particular genre: in this case classical, chamber, and jazz. This is in direct opposition to the country and blues based music of Bob Dylan and such. For this reason, this album does not sound very dated at all. In fact it could have been released today, in the 70s, the 90s ect. Psychedelic rock and acid rock are so rooted in the 60s, they now sound like artifacts of that era where as this music, which resisted the norms of the time, sounds just as fresh as when it was first released.

Even though the lyrics don't seem to be personal when you listen to them, the music says otherwise. The album has a very somber atmosphere, most likely associated with Nick Drake's condition. It's well-known that he died from a pill overdose,and some even think it was a suicide. He only released a few albums but all of them reveal a tortured mind, expressing itself the best way it could, through music.

Please be advised that this is not a folk album in the traditional sense. It isn't even a folk-rock album. Nothing rocks hard here: it doesn't need to. In a way this music is just as advanced as most progressive rock. If you're willing to take a chance on a very unique sounding album, then this is a great purchase.

When the Darkest Sky Gives the Brightest Light
Now a personal favorite artist of mine for a few years now. What a revelation this was, to discover such a talent many years after the artist's death. Today, and not too long ago, one can hear artists who were deeply inspired by Nick Drake, who to me has one of the most peaceful, but tortured voices that I have ever encountered. During the time that Nick Drake was alive, his music wasn't nearly as appreciated as it is today. This album, his debut, is also his best. Bryter Layter's pace seems a bit more sped up, and lacks his better songs. 'Pink Moon' was my first album by Nick Drake, but personally, I just don't care for the more stripped down sound. This one contains weeping strings and soft vocals, it's surprising that songs like "River Man" or "Way to Blue" weren't hit songs in their day. Those two are also two of Nick Drake's finest achievements. Maybe with recent artists like the late Elliott Smith and Iron and Wine, we can appreciate Drake's incredible talent that much more. Not only was he an incredible singer, but the strings sections by Robert Kirby, on this release is just simply gorgeous. The great Robert Thompson, of Fairport Convention, also lent his talent, playing guitar. I cannot think of any artist with a more piercing voice than Drake's, one that can split a Man's heart. You couldn't say that about any hard-core band or heavy metal group that has more shock value than they have songwriting skills. No, and for me it is hard to think of any other folk artist with a more powerful delivery. This man, Nick Drake, was a genius, who died way too young at age 26. At least people are still discovering his music. Whether these people are generally happy people, or sad, Nick Drake's music always touches the heart. As with most artists, one only wonders what could have been if Nick Drake was still living today. He could have become one of the finest singer/songwriters, although to me, with only 3 albums, he is just that. .

You can see a complete list of all Nick Drake discography, or go back to the Nick Drake tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.