Folk & Country > D Folk & Country > Singer/Songwriter

Advantages: Vocals, Lyrics, Sound, perfection on a disk
Disadvantages: None for those with out taste

When we talk about the greats of music through the 60's and 70's we seem to be bogged down with mentions of bands like The Who, The Beatles and ABBA amongst others. Now whilst they all have their place in peoples memory's (yes sadly ABBA are in my memory), an understated young man is missed from most mentions, and yet is argueably the most talented musician of the time. That man is George Best *gets tapped on the shoulder and told I'm doing a CD ...
...you may ask yourself, is Nick Drake, sadly too many people are asking themselves this. Well Nick Drake was was what you could call the epitome of British folk music. This debut album of Drakes, released originally in 1969 (though I can't find the CD re-release date), has been ranked according to wikipedia as: "Five Leaves Left was ranked 85th in a 2005 survey held by British television's Channel 4 to determine the 100 greatest albums of all time. ... Read review

Advantages: Folk rock at it's best, magical lyrics, soothing vocals and enchanting lullabies, a real treat for the ears
Disadvantages: None

...the world of folk rock Pink Moon is right up there squeezing it's way in between it's peers. Nick Drake has an enchantingly soothing pitched voice and along with his infamous right hand finger picking guitar style he is held in high esteem among his critics and fellow folk musicians. Nicholas Rodney Drake born June 19, 1948 in Ranhoon, Burma grew up in a small village in Warwickshire, he learnt how to play the flute at the local public school in ...
...final and most accomplished masterpiece Pink Moon in two, two hour sessions each starting at midnight. Pink Moon was much more bare and naked than the two previous well produced albums, Nick's lost and depressed feel can be felt to vividly in each song. Apparently after recording Pink Moon Drake dropped off the tapes at the front desk of Island Records and left swearing we would retire for good from recording and performing solo material. Pink Moon ... Read review

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: Nick Drake's Greatest Hits
Disadvantages: May disuade a new listener from listening to his 3 original albums

The first time you hear a Nick Drake song it takes some convincing that such mature, yet emotionally fragile poetry sprang from someone so young. Having his life tragically cut short at the tender age of 26 in 1974, it is a further tragedy that Nick Drake is still a relatively undiscovered musical genius. Most new listeners today (myself included) seem to stumble across his music on an advert, a coverdisk or background TV music but once you make ...
..."Way to Blue" is an excellent collection of arguably Nick Drake's greatest songs and one of those rare CD's that you rarely grow tired of and can take out and play again and again as if revisiting an old friend. This CD will either keep you happy in the knowledge that you have most of his best songs on one CD or encourage you to acquire his three original albums (hopefully the latter). ... Read review

Advantages: more songs from the great Gonzalez
Disadvantages: none

...of his experience. new album in our nature further explores Gonzalez's own personal ideas and ideals, influenced by his interest in the human condition and ideas of spirituality and nature this album reflects such ideas in its lyrics. The album flows as one complete work but with some stand out tracks in my opinion, not least the captivating and encapsulating 'Cycling Trivialities' which closes the album. an all encompassing take on the albums subject ... Read review