Five Leaves Layter: The Legacy of Nick Drake｜Vinyl Monday

[@abigaildevoe]

what’s your favorite nick drake song? comment below!

[@FlamingPie-e4o]

"Place To Be" from Pink Moon

[@thelongspring]

From The Morning

[@babyfacedslutbag4880]

definitely "Which Will"

[@nvm9040]

Northern Sky 🎆 Drake and Cale at its best

[@paullynn473]

Black Eyed Dog, English grammar school boy finds his inner John Lee Hooker ❤

[@tylerthecreation998]

Rest in peace Nicky. Left us 50 years ago today and yet miraculously has an even stronger legacy than when he was alive

[@CameronBuchanan-cg1fp]

I only found your channel recently and today I watched Woodstock, 55 Years Later. Awesome video as are all your videos I have watched so far. I am 67 and your knowledge of this music is amazing. It is refreshing to find someone of your generation covering this material. Looking forward to watching much more. Thank you for your effort.

[@donaldthedominator7888]

Well that just kept going on and on and on, didn't it?

[@willievillanova1008]

Talk about a word salad!

[@professoryaffle]

I'd heard the name Nick Drake for years and years and knew I had to get round to listening to him at some point. Then in 2001 I was at work at Waterstones - a UK bookshop - and I was tasked with putting the three for two stickers on books all day. A tedious task to say the least. Being bored as hell I went out at lunchtime to the local HMV record shop and I bought Bryter Later because I like the cover and brought it back and put it on the stereo in the storeroom. I can remember the grin on my face when Hazy Jane I started and that descending guitar line played... and then the words! Good grief. It was like the universe spiralled down into that one moment and from then on everything was different. Music does that so well.

[@smaz9]

Today might be a sad day, but today is also a day of celebration, a celebration of a man who gave his life to music, and a life that ended far too soon. This is also a day to celebrate the many who never lived to see their success blossom, and only recently have gotten the love they deserve. So as the day becomes night, the stars come out, and the pink moon rises, think of Nick, think of all the wonderful things he did, the words he wrote, and the battles he fought. He might not be here, but his music is. 💚💜🕊

[@zenhen2854]

This made me so sad. That an artist of Nick's sensitivity and vulnerability should be treated so trashily by someone who clearly doesn't "get" his music.

[@denniswood1437]

So glad Five Leaves Left & Bryter Later are celebrated here as I loved the previous Pink Moon deep dive. What a great, eternal body of work Nick Drake left us.

[@nvm9040]

Short but great discography that represents Nick and his life through his work

[@josemaria8177]

Rest in peace Nick. I hope that you found the peace that eluded you when you were alive. I feel lucky that you managed to make some amazing music and that we managed to witness a bit of your genius

[@Robertegan]

Thank you, Abigail. Nick is one of the greats. Glad you are burnishing his legacy. P.s. As you probably know producer Joe Boyd was also on the soundboards when Dylan went electric at Dylan. He wrote a great book about his work, featuring, Nick Drake, called White Bicycles that is a great read.

[@abigaildevoe]

white bicycles is cited in this book! he's done some book talks which have been posted online, those are great as well

[@artbyisaiahmonteiro]

Thanks to Abby, I can’t stop listening to Nick Drake

[@user-nc3ig2mf7p]

Northern Sky is one of the most beautiful songs ever composed. Was turned on to Nick in 1980 & Bryter Layter was a big part Sunday music for brunch at home. When I caught the film Serendipity on cable about 15 years ago (1st time to see it) & the song came on during the final scene, tears started pouring but with great appreciation for it all 🫶🏻

[@LANCSKID]

Abby tosses aside Herman Hesse’s ‘Siddharta’ with disdain. Shame on you, girl! I bet you didn’t give ‘Whimsical Bitch’ by Annie Old-Roap the same treatment.

[@_AudreyHeartburn]

She is aggressively anti-intellectual, isn't she?

[@johnpajestka5022]

He left Pink Moon at a secretarys desk, passed away, then 20 years later became a star. Sad and amazing story. Should be a movie.

[@samcarson8161]

It's worth noting that even after his death, Nick's records never vanished. There was a 3 disc box set "Fruit Tree" issued in the '70's, and as noted, many people discovered him many years later. I gotta admit, he's just too effete & fey for my taste BUT as always, no one's "wrong" for liking Nick Drake (or anybody else). That photo of Nick on the motorway is stark existentialism, arresting all by itself. Another fantastic entry in the series, though! I admire your research & presentation, & ESPECIALLY appreciate your dedication to boomer-era vinyl, which was SUCH a central part of my existence during the '60's-70's. THX again.

[@mikeforbes7705]

Man these two are hard to find out in the wild. Good choice Abby

[@36karpatoruski]

Found these cd’s in my town library, and promptly ripped and copied them.

[@einbertalstein1394]

But why is that? How many original copies got pressed originally?

[@wondersintheriver4504]

Thank you so much for this, Nick was such a beautiful person, bryter layter and nick himself have and are helping me through some really rough times

[@glerp10000000000]

Thanks for this one Abbie. The Fairport/Nick/Van/Martyn/Sandy/RT corner of music has been where I've been lurking for many, many years now. This was a great tribute. I was on an escalator in the local shopping mall a while ago now, and Gabrielle Drake, Nick's sister, was in front of us. My G/F at the time blurted out 'That's her from Crossroads !' (Gabrielle was an actress - Crossroads was a soap, but I remember her from the UFO TV series). Gabrielle looked a bit annoyed that her privacy was breached, I told my G/F that she was Nick's sister, and Gabrielle smiled. I guess she was happy that at least somebody knew his music, if not as many as he deserved. I never noticed that the textured sleeve for Bryter looks like rain running down a window pane. (Probably because I only have the CD. Twice.) I guess that makes sense with the title.

[@jeffbrown-hill7739]

I have a deep love for that corner of music, as well. I look forward to the day Abi dips her toes in the waters of Richard and Linda Thompson!

[@thetid8852]

Brilliant as ever! I do have to say - Richard Morton Jack's is the only Nick Drake book we will ever need. It dispels some common myths - Drake didn't hate playing his music live, he just hated inattentive audiences, and it didn't help that he wouldn't or couldn't say anything between songs. But he did believe in himself and now, ironically , the whole world does. Did he need to die young for this to happen? I don't know! But happened it has...

[@KeepingOurBalance]

Favourite artist of all time as an autistic Brit I can unfortunately relate a little to his struggles, every time I hear nick my soul is touched his music is a remedy to my poisonous mentality thank you so much for covering.

[@samhynninen]

First Genesis and now Nick Drake... incredible

[@flywings111]

Remembering Nick Drake on the 50th anniversary of his tragic death. His music lives on. RIP Nick.

[@Alexdrod]

I'll never forget the first time I heard Nick Drake. The only other artist that has dumbfounded me with their beauty and musicality in a similar way is Elliott Smith.

[@jeffbrown-hill7739]

💯

[@Handles_allow_YouTube_spying]

I lasted about 6 minutes. You don't have to eat the whole apple to know it's rotten.

[@ErikSamys]

I'll be honest I never listened to Nick Drake. I'm now going to have to take a dive into his stuff.

[@joecalandrella3330]

Quoth Liz Phair: “It’s nice to be liked, but it’s better by far to get paid”…

[@DavidLye-no4ht]

I love this channel, and I fully get that the point is albums that you love - the world needs more positivity after all - but in order to develop as a critic I'd love to see how you address albums that you just don't like all that much. Perhaps a month of specials? Anyway, keep up the good work!

[@mikeknowles5848]

Maybe review John Martyn's Solid Air? Title song is a kind of concerned love letter to Nick Drake.

[@lorissantarsiero5849]

Perfect timing. I just recently picked up a sealed 2013 copy of Bryter Layter by Nick Drake.

[@colinrobert6766]

Wait a minute; she said that she’d be reviewing Sonic Youth in December, and Sonic youth has a very famous double album. HOLY SHIT DAYDREAM NATION VID LETS GO

[@christopherkeil]

Based upon Abby's review of Pink Moon, I listened to it a couple of times during my runs. I was impressed by the lyrics and moodiness of the music and will listen to it again in the future. I'll try out Leaves and Bryter Layter. Very informative review.

[@strawberrygirlie76]

Great video! I discovered Nick Drake thanks to one of my co-workers - when I used to work at an art supply store. She lent me her 4-disk cd box set, which I recorded on cassette (I now listen to digital transfers of these tape recordings!). Nick's work was life-changing, for sure! Beautiful, magical stuff!!! I love the songs Bryter Layter, Cello Song, and from Pink Moon, Things Behind the Sun.

[@sheldonhowells3083]

Thank you, Abby, for returning your attention to one of my favourite artists! I love all three of Nick's albums, with "Five Leaves Left" probably being my favourite. I believe the beautiful, enigmatic, "River Man" to be his absolute masterpiece! I am so pleased that you used Richard Morton Jack's excellent biography for much of your research. Nick Drake's music is still having an influence on newer musicians. If you have a few minutes to spare, please take a listen to Laura Marling's beautiful new song "Patterns". You can definitely hear some of Nick Drake in Laura's guitar playing!

[@gokhanaya]

Kudos for this.. I wasn't expecting to see Nick on your channel.. he is "legendary" alright but still not a lot of people know him or would relate to his music, so, he is still a bit underground.. I think you have done pretty well with this episode. Cheers!

[@dukromeo]

i thought it was a new artist because i have never heard of him

[@briandamaged323]

Thank-you Abigail. An absolutely BRILLIANT appreciation. Nick spent his later years (and is buried) in the Worcestershire countryside, just a few minutes from my house....if only he'd had the appreciation he has had since he passed away.

[@holbornvirginia]

The Drake family home, Far Leys, is in Tanworth-in-Arden in Warwickshire. The funeral service was held at the church of St Mary Magdalene in Tanworth-in-Arden, where his ashes are also buried.

[@RGRG3232]

Great thumbnail for this one. Will watch as soon as I can. This will be a good one, I can tell.

[@SteveMccart]

Its kind of hard to believe but , when I was in high school in the early 70s we had a great underground FM radio station and one of the DJs played Nick Drake all of the time.

[@drewburns4745]

Loved the clip of Nick's voice in the intro; your editing skills have progressed forward by leaps and bounds!

[@dogranch]

Thank you Abby. This is wonderful.

[@chrissoclone]

How could list Danny Thompson's work AND Bert Jansch without mentioning The Pentangle? Tsk! :) But thank you so much for this video, Nick Drake is one of the very few musicians that really changed my life.

[@jeffbrown-hill7739]

I thought the same thing.

[@einbertalstein1394]

I always feel the need to protect Nick and his music.

[@Lucky__Egg]

then why are you letting her get away with this? this is a travesty, a sacrilege, an insult to both Drake and his long-suffering fans.

[@DustinW-v2l]

@@Lucky__Egg I have never heard of Nick Drake until now, but I don't understand why you have a problem with her review of him. She didn't have any negative things to say about the music. So could you please explain what you have a problem with?

[@kennybanks9038]

@@DustinW-v2l She never says anything negative about the music - she just says what she thinks the audience wants to hear her say. I don't think she even gives anything more than a cursory listen to the music at any given time. The real entertainment is the little boys falling over themselves to grovel to her in he comments.

[@einbertalstein1394]

​​@@Lucky__Egg what do you expect me to do? I like Abigail Devoes presentations and her enthusiasm, in which she talks about music. Why should I turn against her? She is allowed to speak her own mind. Maybe a little more tolerance from your side would suit you.

[@paullynn473]

Zig Zag guy myself, such melancholy songs on this album.. 1969 music world full of talented musicians releasing albums maybe one reason it didn't take off. Another great insightful Monday (Tuesday morning here) thank you ❤

[@labigizmo]

Now THIS I'm looking forward to!!! One of my favourite album's!!

[@emdiar6588]

Thanks Abi. This gives me hope that you'll attempt a Roy Harper album at some point. You have name checked him a few times, but that is virtually unavoidable if you're doing classic UK rock albums by much bigger names (Zep, Floyd, Wings, Kate Bush etc.) I highly recommend Storm Cock or Flat Baroque & Berserk. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[@samstevenson5328]

This is why I love this channel!!! My very first video I saw from you was your deep dive into Pink Moon. I instantly subscribed!

[@tylerthecreation998]

i love your sound pfp btw. ironic im saying that on a video about a fellow tragic figure that died way too soon

[@samstevenson5328]

@@tylerthecreation998 My favorite post-punk band of all time… Thank you so much! Adrian Borland and The Sound changed my life

[@tylerthecreation998]

@@samstevenson5328 as someone who's favorite genre and era of music is the post punk era, the sound are a great favorite band to have.

[@samstevenson5328]

@@tylerthecreation998 For sure! Love the peak years of post-punk the most from 1978-1983. Besides The Sound, The Chameleons, Sad Lovers & Giants, The Opposition and The Comsat Angels are among my top favorites

[@stevengornall934]

Nick Drake ❤ Thanks for this one Abby ALSO Donovan and Kate Bush mentioned!!

[@DivineSinners]

Thank you so much for this episode, Abigail. I was listening to Nick Drake's beautiful music as a tribute to him as I was well aware today was the 50th anniversary of his sad passing and it was a welcome surprise to find that you dedicated this episode to him. I was moved by your commentary and shared admiration for Nick. Well done & cheers!!

[@BillAdams-fb3jm]

So many people I know seem to re-discover Nick Drake in the autumn. I'm not often one of them (when the clocks change and it gets darker earlier, so do I -- Butthole Surfers make more regular appearances on my turntable in the fall -- except when Ani DiFranco gets on my mind), but this video is a good watch.

[@Echo_For_The_Deplorables]

Don't fuck with Nick Drake. He deserves better than this.

[@Brian_Boru]

Hush now, robot.

[@constantinestavrakov4034]

Double album December is coming back!!!!!🎉🎉

[@royalmonocle1322]

Thank you so much for this timely upload.

[@jltrem]

Don't know if Ms. Devoe is aware of this fact in Nick Drake mythology, but the Guild M20 acoustic Drake is holding on the cover of "Bryter Layter" was not his guitar, despite that model going down in guitarists history as the "Nick Drake model" and those who seek after his guitar tone seeking out that particular model even though he didn't use one. The actual original owner of that particular guitar was, bringing the irony factor back to Vinyl Monday and Ms. Devoe's particular obsession's,...one Eric Patrick Clapton. It is currently owned by The Dream Academy's Nick Laird-Clowes.

[@nvm9040]

The more you know

[@Decoffeee-ky4ch]

Track “Sunday” superfluous? Never!!! My favourite track!

[@BlueSky...]

Can't wait for next week's episode. 🔥

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

Joe Boyd was a fantastic producer and I feel he gets overlooked

[@GlenRunciter-vq8de]

He got blasted pretty hard after the REM gig and that seems to have followed him since

[@alanclayton9277]

the switch at the end of the pink moon video, film of things in nature and things close to us were some of the most beautiful, conscious, moments i have experienced on vinyl monday. they've stayed with me since i first saw them. this music once discovered can stay with you, guide you, through life. it does have complexity particularly in the guitar parts and chord changes, it emanates consolations but has mysteries too. then there is the man himself. what a legacy. loved the freewheelin' structure of the music reactions. you were right AD this was special. (hey a very expansive island records multiverse awaits exploration).

[@michaelmalone306]

A singular talent,& an old sad story of unfulfilled potential,unacknowledged in its time. RIP Nick D. Riverman,Northern Sky & Pink Moon for me…again,as with Astral Weeks,way to make with the seasonal relevance Abby,wishing you a great Thanksgiving

[@nvm9040]

The first two album by Nick Drake are quiet,emotional,and introspective lyrically brought out by Nick and guitar that is backed with orchestration like strings and brass arrangements with collaborations being their own instruments like John Cale But still at the core of the albums is Nick Drake just singing his own lyrics while finger picking his guitar

[@michaelshiflett4835]

I wish he’d gotten to record more, he was such a rare and precious talent.

[@Dayglodaydreams]

Incongruous.

[@PaulBryant-cc8ox]

John Cale muscling his way onto Bryter Layter was only briefly mentioned, but "Fly" is one of my favorites on Bryter Layter, which is my favorite Nick Drake record. Cale's cello playing on that song can move me to tears. And the way Nick sings "Please!"

[@BobSiefken]

My sister gave me a sampler CD in the early 90's and I ended up buying the Fruit Tree box set eventually. Bryter Layter is my favorite, but it's all great. Thanks for the tribute on this bittersweet anniversary.

[@yeemosenpdad]

IM SO EXCITED FOR THIS ONE NICK DRAKE HAS BEEN MY FAVORITE ARTIST FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS

[@Alligator6002]

Incredible honesty, best one yet. ✌️

[@ladiesgentlemenmrbuddyguy2377]

Do you even listen to the records you review?

[@flysai5126]

yeah she does lil bro, do you have any other questions 😂

[@alansmith1989]

My regional new service `Midlands Today` have produced a delightful tribute to Nick this evening.

[@troubadour723]

Thanks for honoring Nick's memory. I love how you started with his radio soliloquy. With all the radio noise it really feels like his disembodied spirit murmuring to us from afar. And I'm sure my wife and I are not the only newlyweds to have had Northern Sky as our wedding song. Nick Drake has become commodified in recent decades but few if any movies/commercials have been able to find the transcendent core of his work. The exposure has succeeded in introducing him to a broader audience, but in a more manipulative way that is more about scoring easy emotional points off the audience.

[@GlenRunciter-vq8de]

Danny Thompson was famous at that time because of his work in Pentangle. Small oversight there.

[@kristofftaylovoski60]

Discovered Nick via Walt Mink covering Pink Moon in 1992.

[@hella.psychedelic6579]

Thank finallyyyyy! Cheers Abigail

[@ApolloSuns]

Amazing. Very inspiring work

[@frankthorne11]

Thank you.

[@weezadam]

So crazy I just played this album this morning on my way to work!!! I spun Pink Moon on vinyl last night to commemorate his fiftieth death-versary, timeless is the only word I can think of. Well done, Abi!

[@chrismcgovern1647]

Great job with this! Still very much a late-to-the-party listener of Nick's because I coasted with his Rykodisc compilation. I want to hear the albums in full at some point.

[@OrbvsTomarvm]

nick was an autistic schizophrenic. he poured more than was sustainable given his condition, into those first four years - i think in a desperation not to let the opportunity pass. and it wiped him out. physically, mentally, emotionally and artistically. it was almost inevitable that there was no way he could recover. he tried everything he could (except believing it was all mental), and in the end gave in to it. maybe if he'd been a little less laissez faire and took his time in trusting the process; not deluding himself about instant success - say he took 6 years to come up with that output, he might have made it. but maybe the product might have suffered to the point where he was unrecognised today. the music; the desperation; the death all wrapped up a *perfectly* formed easter egg that modern listeners finds so irresistible today.

[@Chromexus]

Prior to the early 2000s revival , Nick Drake came to my ( and those i played him for) attention due to an article in Crawdaddy published just a few years after his death. It was the beginning.The article was reprinted in the "Fruit Tree" box set.

[@johnelrick8945]

Saturday Sun came early one morning In a sky so clear and blue But Saturday Sun came without warning So no-one knew what to do...

[@duncanmacphee200]

Favourite Nick Drake song is Way To Blue. Favourite cover of a Nick Drake song is Sebadoh's take on Pink Moon.

[@peterhendriks4736]

I bought a copy of Bryter Layter for my sister's birthday in June 1973. I was 16 at the time. I wasn’t a folky, more of a general lover of good songs. Somehow he was already a hero in my circles in 1973. I felt all the ‘connaisseurs’ knew about him and I lived in the Netherlands. Nothing has changed since 1973. He is still an artist all connaisseurs know, irrespective of age. So he passed the test of time. I would like to know how many copies of his albums were sold wotldwide before streaming took over.

[@abigaildevoe]

idk about FLL and BL, but i know pink moon went from having sold less than 2,000 copies to around 70,000 after the volkswagen commercial

[@peterhendriks4736]

@@abigaildevoe That is promissing, as Pink Moon was basically an album full of bedroom demos.

[@iMystic418]

Beautiful albums; incredible artist--- Thank you! ✌️🫶🦐

[@audiotomb]

Wonderfully done. I grew up in the mid to late 70s and Nick Drake was unheard of. I was even a huge John Cale Island Records fan (hint hint wink wink review Fear or combo w Helen of Troy) I found his music with my own personal vinyl resurgence in 2000. Never sold off my collection. Wonderful job describing his hauntingly beautiful music and I learned a bit on the history of events leading to his obscurity. What a joy but in a sad ending

[@therealdjtoys]

So happy you did this video Abby. I feel Nick is the Fruit Tree.

[@katfishzomby]

growing up on singer songwriters thanks to my boomer parents, i was blow away when i only found out about nick about 12 years ago. I texted them and they had never heard about him :O the albums are on my contstant go to albums.

[@robertcalvin2643]

I love the 3 albums.

[@Rhubba]

Lovely albums. I was more aware of his sister, Gabrielle, as she was one of the stars of the cult classic sci-fi show UFO and it came as a surprise to learn that her brother was this talented musician. I also like the story that he went to school with Chris DeBurgh but the two didn't get along and Drake refused to let him in his band as his ideas were too pop.

[@johncollier9280]

I've been a Nick Drake devotee since 1975. His music continues to be an integral part o' my life. The vocals, lyrics, immaculate guitar 'n superb arrangements are as good as it gets. For a close second please check out Tobias Wilden's cover versions. Perhaps start with Three Hours 'n the rest will follow. Magnificent perfection. Tell you.

[@VHSTemptation]

He was more than another songwriter, he was a poet

[@pierce_13]

I've been listening to Nick since 1989 when a girlfriend played the album "Time of No Repy" for me. I've always thought that " Day Is Done" was the most beautiful song that I've ever heard. I'm 56 now and can't imagine having died at 26. It was a terrible loss for music fans.

[@gary6514]

If only he had lived what works of genius would he had produced.....his illness gave him an insight in which in he used in his music to such an incredible effect....

[@OrbvsTomarvm]

*that wasn't his guitar on the bryter layter album cover. it was someone elses guild guitar. nor were they his shoes.

[@nvm9040]

Whoa it’s been a while since Nick Drake been on the channel and that was in April 🎼

[@sugadelicsavagesoul8623]

Of the three albums, Bryter Layter is my favorite. The arrangements and melodies are simply gorgeous. The whole thing always gives me a late night/super early morning melancholy retro-y feel if that makes sense. There's not much of that style nowadays, the only artists that come close imo is Belle & Sebastian. Especially if you listen to "Fold Your Hands Child..." it obviously has some Nick Drake influence. If it doesn't I'd be shocked. Listen to Bryter Layter then that album and you'll see what I mean. And I completely agree---i can't imagine this album NOT having the aura of purple, pink and orange around it sparking those hazy semi psych emotions. 💜🩷🧡

[@jeffbrown-hill7739]

33:55 Those lyrics stuck out to me as well the last time I listened to "Hazey Jane I". Quite relatable.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Yay! Connecticut! Groton born, Sub Town raised! I'm old and live in Columbia, SC now. I still Love My Hometown, But now I am Columbia Loved, Cola Town saved! ✌️❤️🍏

[@Rosyglowofchristmas]

Three timeless albums!!! Check out the Molly Drake (Nick's Mum) album- Molly..........an exquisite collection of songs.

[@JasonTryp]

BRYTER LAYTER is such a gem. Have you ever heard the fabulous album by FRESH MAGGOTS? Was released circa 1972, you'd love it I'm sure.

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

I take elavil also known as amitriptyline every night to sleep. Pink Moon is my favorite Nick Drake song, River Man a close second. Great content.

[@tomedmonson501]

I know it’s more work for you, but I really liked the “two successive albums by one artist” format. I thought the narrative of Nick‘s artistic growth across those two releases came through very clearly. The two-fer approach might also work with the first two by Big Star, Television, Talking Heads, or Patti Smith. Thanks.

[@jeffbrown-hill7739]

Another two records tangentially related to Drake which could make for a fascinating double feature are "I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight" and "Shoot Out the Lights". These are the bookends of Richard and Linda Thompson's career as a musical couple. The latter album was also produced by Joe Boyd, and could easily fill its own VM.

[@Dayglodaydreams]

I'd love to see her do more themed weeks. Maybe a New Wave Week or 80s Punk Week or Classic Punk Week. Maybe an annual Shoegaze Day where she does Spaceman 3 or Loop. Dream Pop Day etc.