NickDrake.com

lostmusic · Joined: 15 Oct 2010 Posts: 32

Oh, and the cover of BL: It's hard to judge because it is so iconic and seeing it always brings Nick's music to mind so in that sense, I like it. In retrospect, there are many more photos of Nick that probably would have made a better cover.

Peter Rice · Joined: 24 May 2004 Posts: 180 Location: United Kingdom

An article by Daniel Ross on BL in Rolling Stone.

Nossuri · Joined: 30 May 2007 Posts: 569 Location: Netherlands

Seran · Joined: 02 May 2010 Posts: 311 Location: London

Interesting review, thanks Peter. However, it doesn't really alter my view that the album is over-arranged and that said arrangements often muddle the message/feel that Nick was trying to convey in the songs and lyrics. Indeed, the arrangements are often just too 'jolly' and seem wildly at odds with the lyrics. The key thing for me is that whilst 'Pink Moon' could have been recorded yesterday, and it would be difficult to pin-point when FLL was recorded, 'Bryter Layter' is immediately identifiable as late 60s early 70s. That. in itself, is not a problem, but it also reminds me of MOR muzak from that period. It is, IMHO, a great shame as the songs themselves are amongst the best Nick ever composed. I know there are those, many of whom knew Nick, that say 'Bryter Layter' was exactly how Nick wanted it, but I remain far from convinced. His reaction in the Sounds interview, which came from his own lips, is probably nearer the truth.
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Ludik · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Posts: 81 Location: Czech Republic

This is totally off topic but is it nick in this photograph? I've never seen that one before so I'm not sure.

http://www.last.fm/music/Nick+Drake/+images/54362623
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chris w · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 50 Location: West Yorkshire

Judging by Nick's attire in the photo it is a Keith Morris photo from the Five Leaves Left shoot - look at the ones of him sitting at Keith's kitchen table, the shirt is the same for one.

wayne · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 474

It certainly is Nick, a picture from the same session was used in the gatefold sleeve of the American 'Nick Drake' compilation:

LINK

Nice picture and a rare one because it shows Nick smiling. I remember Kieth often used to say he was annoyed that only the sullen pictures he took of Nick were widely used, but he put that down to the fashion of the time - an approach designed to make the artist look serious and moody
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lostmusic · Joined: 15 Oct 2010 Posts: 32

Yes, that is a picture of Nick, sitting in a field of grass, but it is a reversed image, as are several other photos I've seen of him. You can tell from the part in his hair and the buttons on his shirt. (It is not the smiling photo).
I don't know why they aren't printed in the original image.

Midnightmoon · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 34

wayne · Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 474

I may be wrong, but I think the website was put up after Keith died - although like I said, I could well be wrong on that...
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Seran · Joined: 02 May 2010 Posts: 311 Location: London

My word, some of those images of Nick are quite frightening. Image # 2 had always been the photo that touched me the most - how often I've wanted to climb into it and give him a hug. But #44 just scared me to be honest. I've been where Nick was in my own life, but I could always put my happy face on when I needed to, but that image is so visceral and raw. It's Nick's inner world exposed. Damn depression - it's a dreadful illness!
_________________
I have stolen a man
but never a thing of value
I roll up the bamboo blind

Suzuki Masajo

Chris_Sydney · Joined: 12 Nov 2011 Posts: 25

ivyjean · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 8:18 am Post subject:

My first impression of Bryter Layter was Hazey Jane II during a YouTube session. I laughed to my husband that it sounded like a '70s game show and turned it up for him. He gave me a look that said, "did you lose a bet?" so I had him listen to Way To Blue afterward.

A couple of days later, he told me, "That Nick guy you like? I added him to my Pandora station."

I love Bryter Layter. Sure, some of the arrangements could be criticized as dated and kinda cheesy, but the songs are so strong that it doesn't matter. I may be one of 8 people who actually like the arrangement of Poor Boy. Oh, it's a hot mess, but to me, that's the point - so is the narrator.