New Nick Drake collection features over 30 unheard tracks

The Making Of Five Leaves Left, a new collection from the acclaimed English musician Nick Drake, is set to release on July 25.

The collection, authorised by the Nick Drake Estate, comprises over 30 unreleased outtakes and demos from recording sessions which culminated in his debut record, Five Leaves Left.

The album will be released as four CDs or vinyls; the first three will feature unheard tracks from the recording of Five Leaves Left mastered by John Wood and Simon Heywood, while the fourth disc contains the original record produced by Joe Boyd.

Alongside the music, The Making Of Five Leaves Left will include a 60-page illustrated book with full recording details, charts and history written by Neil Storey with Richard Morton-Jack, author of the biography Nick Drake: The Life.

 

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Gabrielle Drake, the singer-songwriter's sister, approved the project, stressing that not all of the found recordings would be included.

"It was established very early on we couldn't - and more importantly wouldn't - include every out-take we found," a press release read. "As much as that might please the purist, it wouldn't respect Nick."

Five Leaves Left was released in 1969, followed by Bryter Lyter in 1971 and Pink Moon in 1972. Drake found limited commercial success during his short lifetime, however his music garnered great acclaim in the years following his death.

Nick Drake died on November 25 1974, at the age of 26, due to an antidepressant medication overdose.

The Making Of Five Leaves Left is available for pre-order here.

Read Hot Press' tribute to Nick Drake marking the 50th anniversary of his death here.