There would be an argument for Nick Drake's first album being his best. Five Leaves Left (1969) is an amazingly assured debut album - among the very greatest ever (up there with Hendrix' Are You Experienced, to name another). It contains many splendid songs in many styles and rhythms, with great contributions from guest instrumentalists and arrangers. I wrote about my favourite track, "River Man", in my July 25 post concerning songs in the too infrequently used 5/4. The song's harmonic content is another of its distinctive features as it contains a highly original progression from C minor through Bb and Ab to a resolution on a C major. Its lyric is haunting and suggestive - the title character could be interpreted symbolically in a number of ways, for example. The string arrangement, by the film composer Harry Robinson, is perfect in its emotional content and imagery. (I'm not sure of this, but I think it may have had some influence on the work that Jonny Greenwood has done with Radiohead.) "Way to Blue" is set for voice and string quartet only, with another compelling arrangement done by Robert Kirby. And on it goes, each track showcases Drake's awesome talents as guitarist, composer and vocalist, with inspired support from different contributors - including Paul Harris on piano, Richard Thompson on electric guitar, Rocky Dzidzornu on congas, and Clare Lowther on the title instrument in "'Cello Song". I think I mentioned the other day that none of Drake's albums sold very well upon initial release - none sold more than 5,000 copies. It's difficult to believe when you hear them, and it's too bad as well, because it's hard to avoid the feeling that some success might have helped him. But it's too late for that. At least we can appreciate his work now, and try to learn something from it: for good music to flourish, good listeners are required.