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 are backed by sympathetic string and brass arrangements, orchestrated by 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 or less compelled to listen to all the way through - no need for a shuffle button here.
Finally, the lyrics are simply exquisite little mood poems of obscure meaning.
If only he had lived, I am convinced he would have produced much more music of similar stunning quality.
Buy it.
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How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Good
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