1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die - 150. Nick Drake - Five Leaves Left (1969)

150. Nick Drake - Five Leaves Left (1969)
Label – Hannibal
Producer – Joe Boyd
Art Direction – Cally
Nationality – UK
Running Time – 41:41

Track Listing (standout tracks listed in bold)

1. Time Has Told Me
2. River Man
3. Three Hours
4. Day Is Done
5. Way To Blue
6. Cello Song
7. Thoughts Of Mary Jane
8. Man In A Shed
9. Fruit Tree
10. Saturday Sun

The story behind this record was sadly more interesting than the record itself. “Five Leaves Left” was the first of only three albums recorded by British folk musician Nick Drake. For musical backing Drake was accompanied by members of the folk Fairport Convention and Pentangle. Even with the folk credentials, this record failed miserably when it was released.
To me, the record was ok – but nothing exciting, and mid way through I was actually quite bored with it. . Understatement is the key to his songs, and his vocals have a weariness about them and grew tiresome as well.
The album was poorly marketed and supported when it was released. Reviews were few and lukewarm. It sold very poorly – only 5000 copies or so. In fact, none of the three albums he recorded sold more than 5,000 copies on their initial release. Drake's work has gradually achieved wider notice and recognition and he now ranks among the most influential English singer-songwriters of the last 50 years. “Cello Song” from this record was used in a car commercial in the late 90’s, and consequently Nick Drake sold more records in a few weeks then he had in the previous 30 years!
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. In 2003, the album was ranked number 283 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. NME ranked #74 in NME's list of the 'Greatest Albums Of All Time.' Q Magazine ranked it one of the best Folk Albums of All Time.
I do not however recommend it.