Nick Drake - Way to Blue

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Free Music Notes for Way to Blue

Free Music Review: Way to Drake - Skip the Intro - Proceed to the Fruit Tree
Hit: 5 Stars

Drake's compostions consist generally of soft acoustic guitar, with some tracks featuring beautiful Baroque strings. Drake's voice has been best described as being "otherworldly" - it is hauntingly beautiful. Drake's lyrics are poetic explorations on themes of failed romances, isolation, melancholy, depression, and mortality. The themes are dark, and the delivery incredibly beautiful.

Shortly after listening to this introduction to Nick Drake, I felt compelled to learn more about the man and his music. The Fruit Tree Box Set is perhaps a better buy than this CD, since it provide all of his recorded music (the three albums Drake released between 1969-1972, and the posthumously released disc of rarities, each packaged in separate jewel cases), w\as well as complete lyrics and an insightful essay. While Way To Blue covers material from all four of those albums, it may actually be more economical to skip this introduction and obtain the box set right away.

In response to reviewers who are curious as to the "tragedy" surrounding Drake, the last two songs on this CD hint at the outcome of this tortured, lost soul. He struggled with performing in public, ultimately refusing to tour to support this beautiful music (which is perhaps why so few people have heard of him). Drake battled depression, as his lyrics often demonstrate, and ultimately lost. He died of an overdose of anti-depressants, which some people have speculated was a suicide.

The song "Black Eyed Dog" is a metaphor for death knocking on his own door. The last track, "Fruit Tree" describes fame as a seed that can only grow when planted in the ground - prophetically suggesting that after his death, Drake may finally obtain the recognition and fame his music deserves.

As a warning to those people who have thought about purchasing this CD to cure insomnia, I recommend that you don't do it. While this is beautiful acoustic based music, in my experience, it is not something that will put you to sleep. I generally enjoy listening to music as I drift off to sleep, so one night I put on this CD before going to bed. Normally I'm asleep within five to ten minutes of hitting the pillow, but not this night. Perhaps it was the full moon (silver, not pink), perhaps it was the heat, or perhaps it was the haunting melancholy of Drake's voice, but neither my wife nor I could fall asleep while the CD played. It was as if the music (or Drake's spirit) demanded that we listen to it. And keep in mind, the CD is over an hour long.

I highly recommend adding Nick Drake to your music collection. But beware, if you purchase this introduction, it will likely leave you wanting more. Skip a step and go directly to the Fruit Tree Box Set.

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