This is a companion piece to a similarly-themed article on Pete’s site which, all things being equal, should be published at roughly the same time.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are listening to Nick Drake.
Hazey Jane II from Bryter Later – I have to confess that once again I have failed to listen to this playlist properly. I was listening to it while I worked last Wednesday, and enjoying it but paying no attention to the details. Then on Thursday I listened during my commute, and had a few thoughts which I didn’t write down. School-blogger’s error, no?
Poor Boy from Bryter Later – Lyrics by AA Milne, but missing the gospel-style tiddly-poms. Performed by Eeyore.
I don’t dislike the song at all. I can imagine Pete and Nev doing a version of this (hopefully twisting it somehow). It will probably be th one that remains after all the others have drifted into sleeplessforgetful-land. It’s quite long.
Cello Song from Five Leaves Left – This song begins with some guitary stuff, bongos (I think), and then a cello. Hence the name, I guess. Although I suppose it could have been called Guitar and Bongo Song. I like it best before the singing starts.
At The Chime Of A City Clock from Bryter Later – I find myself wanting to use the word “nice” a lot while writing this review, and then looking at it and seeing how damning that is. For once the music doesn’t just make me sit here influence-spotting, which is refreshing. Obviously. But I think this is something that may take more than a week of listening to click with me. Rufus Wainwright took about six weeks and a gig before I got into him.
On more attentive listening, this song starts lightly and builds well; given the chance I am sure it would be a grower.
Sunday from Bryter Later – This instrumental piece is beautiful, but sadly I can’t not think about a Peruvian pipe band shuffling sideways across Trafalgar Square while listening to it. I feel that the artist was going more for Albatross than pigeon.
Way To Blue from Five Leaves Left – I’m starting to find it all a bit boringly dreary and samey.
I Was Made To Love Magic from Time Of No Reply – As above, with some sparkly bits.
Strange Meeting II from Time Of No Reply – I like the weird story in this one. Sounds like an old folk tune. Perhaps it is.
One Of These Things First from Bryter Later – Finally a bit more upbeat, just before I drop off under the desk and have a nap. It’s all been very soothing.
Listening to this songs reminds me of a moment a few years ago when I heard a similarly-themed song written by a 22 year old singer-songwriter. Nick Drake made it all the way to 26 before deciding that there were all these things he could have been and wasn’t; he suffered from depression and I’m not making a judgment here. Just saying, you know, you’ve really got to be more than a quarter of a century in before you decide you missed all your chances.
- Northern Sky from Bryter Later – This song made little impact on me. The whole playlist made little impact on me. I’m a busy woman, and only the important stuff is retained. Actually that’s a lie; most of the important stuff slips through the net as well.
Next week: a change of plan.