It's back to the late 60s for this album and I think it's another masterpiece from that era. Incredibly, given the number of ground-breaking albums around at the time, this went well under the radar and only gained due recognition much later on.
I absolutely love this album. It's definitely not going to appeal to everyone, but I've found this album is one I can come back to whatever my mood, whatever the weather or season (by now you all know that the seasons affect my musical preferences).
It's 'Five Leaves Left' by Nick Drake.
Released in 1969, Five Leaves Left wasn't a commercial success and by all accounts none of his albums were. I found this really quite strange as around that 1969/1970 year we see the rise of the singer-songwriters. The likes of Joni Mitchell, Elton John and James Taylor etc arrive and their introspective, stripped back style becomes one of the 'fashionable' sounds. However, he was an introvert who didn't like to play live or promote himself so maybe in an era before the internet, he was always going to find it hard to get his music out there. As a result, his albums didn't really sell and he had little commercial success.
Suffering from depression and poor mental health he took the lack of recognition badly. In 1974, he took his own life.
I've chosen 'Five Leaves Left', but I could have easily picked any of his albums. They are all superb and if you like this once, give his others a go. They are melodic, interesting and just beautiful.
As you probably know, in my opinion the music from the 60s/70s is the greatest in the modern era. Every week there's a brilliant album or single released!
When I first heard this album, I was genuinely amazed. I assumed he was one of these guys maybe from the 1990s who died then everyone discovered but I was astonished to find this album was from 1969. I think I know my 60s music pretty well and know a fair bit about the bands, musicians etc of the era, but this had completely slipped me by.
It opens with 'Time Has Told Me' and I think it sets the style out for the album. He is a superb guitarist but he tones it back and allows a country feel to come in. That blending of country and folk works so well. Throw in some great lyrics and a beautiful voice and you've got all the ingredients for a great album. The songs are arranged beautifully and feature some top class musicians like Richard Thompson.
It's one of those albums I can listen to in the sun with a cold beer in hand, when the autumn colours arrive or when the grounds covered in snow. It's both sorrowful, but also uplifting too.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
