Nick Drake Box Set, Unheard Outtakes

A significant announcement from the estate of the late British folk musician Nick Drake has excited music enthusiasts: the release of a comprehensive box set dedicated to his debut album, Five Leaves Left. Released initially in 1969, this album did not achieve commercial success during Drake's lifetime but has since become a cherished classic. The forthcoming box set, The Making of Five Leaves Left, is scheduled for release on July 25, 2025, and has been meticulously crafted over a nine-year period to include previously unheard material that highlights the artistic process behind the iconic album.

The extensive box set is set to come in both 4xLP and 4xCD formats, featuring over 30 unreleased outtakes and demos from the sessions leading to Drake’s original masterpiece. Each track has been carefully curated and mastered by John Wood, who originally engineered Five Leaves Left, to ensure they complement the final versions heard in the 1969 release. Details about the recording process, including charts and a chronological history, are presented in an accompanying 60-page book authored by Neil Storey and Richard Morton-Jack, allies of Drake’s music legacy.

The project began after previously undiscovered tapes were found, including a reel recorded by Drake's contemporary, Paul de Rivaz, at Caius College in Cambridge, and a mono tape preserved by singer Beverley Martyn for over five decades. These tapes contain alternative takes that offer new insights into the songs' evolution, such as “Time Has Told Me” and “River Man,” alongside lesser-known tracks like “Mayfair” and “Blossom.”

One of the remarkable aspects of the box set is its storytelling approach. Instead of simply presenting every tape, the selection was made to illustrate the narrative of how each session unfolded. This storytelling element is essential to immersing listeners in the journey of Drake's recording sessions, enabling fans to appreciate the progression from raw recordings to the polished gems presented in the final album.

The newly released collection not only revisits the original album’s tracks like “Day Is Done” and “Saturday Sun,” but also brings attention to the collaborative effort during the sessions. Contributions from key figures such as Fairport Convention’s Richard Thompson and Pentangle’s Danny Thompson underscore the album’s rich texture. Additionally, the set includes the more obscure, yet vibrant, “Strange Face” in multiple versions, illustrating the creative experimentation that characterized Drake’s work.

Renowned for his introspective lyrics and unique guitar stylings, Nick Drake’s music has gained a reverent following posthumously. His recognition grew significantly following a Volkswagen commercial in 1999 featuring his song “Pink Moon.” Despite passing away at the age of 26 in 1974, Drake's influence continues to resonate, and this box set aims to solidify his status as a seminal figure in the singer-songwriter genre.

The Making of Five Leaves Left can be pre-ordered online, making it accessible to Drake's global audience. Excitement among fans is tempered by a nuanced awareness of the set's pricing, a reflection of the rare and bespoke nature of the collection materials, including its detailed book.