If a review of Nick Drake had been written say ten years ago most people's reaction would have been Nick who? Today his albums are selling better than they ever did when they were first released and his reputation as one of England's best singer songwriter is growing by the minute. Unfortunately for us and for Nick Drake, this deserved success came too late for him, Drake died tragically young in 1974 after taking an overdose, he had been suffering from manic depression for some time and possibly the perceived commercial failure of all his music releases worsened his state of mind.

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. His music although sounding like it was part of the folk revival of the late 60's and early 70's didn't have any roots in what most would call traditional folk music, his compositions were not political in nature he wasn't protesting against anything much at a time where it was fashionable to do so in folk circles.

'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.

Drake's voice on this album is also distinctive, he has very English diction every word pronounced fully, another refreshing aspect to the sound at a time when many English artist were singing in the conventional 'put-on' American accent. It is surprising to know that someone who has such an expressive way of singing with restrained but strong emotion was actually very disparaging about his own abilities as a singer.

It is a testament to Nick Drake's reputation amongst fellow artist that the personnel contributing to this project was so distinguished. Richard Thompson of Fairport Conventions plays guitar and John Cale the legendary founding member of Velvet Underground can be heard on Viola, Celeste and Organ on 'Fly' and 'Northern Sky'.

"I never felt magic crazy as this
I never saw moons knew the meaning of the sea
I never held emotion in the palm of my hand
Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree
But now you're here
Brighten my northern sky"

Once I'd heard 'Northern Sky' I was hooked and listened to as much of Drake's music as I could. 'Bryter Layter' was not a disappointment. Drake proves on this album that he's not a one trick pony, the restrained emotions of songs like 'Northern Sky' and the equally brilliant 'At the Chime of a City Clock' are kept in balance by the livelier almost jazzy feel of Hazy Jane I and II. A totally different sound is found on another track 'Poor Boy', which involves a much more layer production more akin to a pop song. On this song the chorus a female backing vocal repeating the songs' title, almost mocking the singer, counters the pleading tone of Drake's lyrics.

I don't want to give the impression that the album sounds sad because it doesn't. Knowing the tragic end that was to befall Drake the song take on added poignancy but overall the fell of the music although contemplative and introspective much of the time is still uplifting and the thought that at last Drake has achieved in part the recognition his talent deserves is worth being happy about.