Bryter Layter [Remastered] - Nick Drake

Advantages: Great songs and music
Disadvantages: Not very well known

...his state of mind. Bryter Layter is Drake's second and best known album, it build's upon the style and sound of his debut 'Five Leaves Left' and has been described as 'Chamber' Folk primarily for its use of stringed instruments (apart from guitars) and its intimate feel. A difficulty in characterising Drake's music especially on this recording possibly lies at the heart of his lack of commercial and critical recognition. Drake never fitted in. ...
...Things First Hazey Jane I Bryter Layter Fly Poor Boy Northern Sky Sunday 'Bryter Layter' released in 1970 is a clear progression from his debut the rather melancholy 'Five Leaves Left' but there are signs that even at this early stage in his career Drake was prepared to take risks with his music. The use of a variety of unusual instrument (unusual for a folk/pop record of the time) such as Flute, horns, Cello, Viola and harpsichord all lend ... Read review

Advantages: Bach With Vocals.
Disadvantages: Only One More Album To Discover From Drake's Back Catalogue.

Nick Drake's second album followed in the comet trail left by his wondrous debut 'Five Leaves Left'. Released in 1970 it shows little sign of ageing and despite being name dropped by all and sundry it largely remains an undiscovered classic. For students of the Belle & Sebastian school of melodic folk there is a seam of material awaiting you from this sadly underachieving (in his lifetime anyway) soul. With Drake's extraordinary predication for not ...
...named 'Introduction'. And what a majestic beginning it is too. The orchestration is as pretty as is imaginable being ably directed by Richard Kirby who was responsible for all the lush arrangements on the album. 'Bryter Later' reveals a large quotient of instrumentals, yet their presence ups rather than slows down the ante. For such a supposed recluse it seems that Drake had little difficulty on counting on help from his contemporaries. For most ... Read review

Advantages: Bryter Layter is one of 3 of the best albums in the world. (also included are the other 2 of Nick Drakes albums)
Disadvantages: The one and only disadvantage is that Nick is not here today.

...and amazing lyric writing abillities, Bryter Layter was one of the last albums I got from the, short and yet outstandingly amazing, collection, and was well worth the wait, starting with the case design that looks like it should be in the tate modern, or in some jazzy cafe from the late 60's, all the way to the final note played on the album, this is a homage to everything i endeavor, and leaves a lovely reference to places such as Tanworth-in-Arden, ...
...Bryter Layter ranges in moods through out the album with such quite saddening songs like "Sunday" and fly up to quite lifting songs such as "Hazey Jane II", but somehow never drops below excellency. The title track consists of no lyrics, just Nick on guitar, Dave Mattacks on drums, lyn Dobson playing the flute and Dave Pegg on bass and is placed right in the middle of the album and acts as an intermission, if you will, also the first track, which ... Read review

Advantages: Wonderfully evocative and intriguing
Disadvantages: Not one!

Over 30 years after his sad death at the age of 26, people are still discovering this songwriting genius. This is my favourite of the three albums released during his lifetime and it is also the most diverse. The CD opens with a short but beautiful track, "Introduction" which sets the scene for what follows. The nine songs thereafter each have a gentility and are wonderfully presented, Nick's deep soft voice and distinctive acoustic guitar style ...
...Robert Kirby who recently worked with Paul Weller. Sundry Fairports offer their instrumental expertise (Dave Mattacks, Dave Pegg and Richard Thompson on one track) and John Cale plays harpsichord and viola on "Fly". It is difficult to pick standout tracks but my personal favourites are "Hazey Jane I", "Hazey Jane II", "At the Chime of the City Clock", "Northern Sky" and "Poor Boy". The others are just as good though and it is an album you are more ... Read review