Nick Drake
Tanworth-in-Arden

Amateur recording systems let the sound go, they repel it insistently. But in return, they hold onto something else.

The low quality has never been so beautiful. The restless soul of Drake seems to melt and blend between the guitar strings; the sound is dirty but the music is incredibly pure. The suffering becomes a vibration that brings tears for how intense it is. The solitude seems to have always been there, and the voice carries all the torments and nightmares that have found an easy life in such a young and fragile boy.

These home recordings also give us an idea of what Drake's early musical influences were. Besides his early compositions, there are plenty of traditionals and covers.

"All My Trials" (sung in a duo with his sister Gabrielle) is delicate and wonderfully stripped to the bone.

"Tomorrow is a Long Time" is an absolutely perfect cover. One of the most fragile and moving things I have ever listened to.

"Cocaine Blues" is delightful. The same goes for "Here Comes The Blues"

"Blues Run The Game" shows off all the charm of melancholy.

One is left stunned when listening to the numerous blues. The mastery with which he handles them is impressive ("If You Leave Me", "Strollin' Down The Highway")

Uncanny the resemblance to Robert Johnson in "Black Mountain".

These pieces are little gems, and the intimacy that surrounds them is something truly rare.