Bryter Layter (1970) is most likely the least popular of Nick Drake's three albums. It probably has to do with the instrumentation - electric guitar, drums, piano, strings, saxophone and brass - which gives the record a more mainstream rock sound than the other two, that more prominently feature Drake's incomparable acoustic guitar playing. It's too bad, because it's a wonderful record. Drake's singing is absolutely incredible throughout, for one thing. It's interesting to listen to great instrumentalists who also have put comparable effort into their singing - Chet Baker, the jazz trumpeter and vocalist is another. It's hard to describe, but it seems like there's a specific quality to the phrasing and tone that perhaps can only be reached by this approach. The arrangements, some with strings and others with brass, are very much of their time, but for me that increases their poignancy, and at their center is the powerful pulse of Drake's guitar. The album is best listened to as a whole, because there are lovely instrumental pieces that frame and provide an interlude from the main action. And what action it is - the album contains some of Drake's greatest songs, including "At the Chime of a City Clock", "Poor Boy", and "Northern Sky". Yesterday, I mentioned that I've been listening to this record daily for the past three weeks, well I can't see any end in sight. I'm off to listen to it now.