if you're feeling sinister

Nick's first career choice left a lot to be desired

Yes, I am quoting Belle & Sebastian's first album's name. Because if there's ever need for proof, that the Glaswegians belong to the long list of people who admire Nick Drake, it's in this album. I've been listening to Bryter Layter again. This time without pause. Over and over again. This last 3 days. And it became apparent, how similiar the album felt, like the aforementioned B&S album. Bryter Layter was always regarded as Nick Drake's "pop" album. And in contrast to the low key first album, and the utterly melancholic Pink Moon, it's understandable. For me Bryter Layter is his best album. Not just because I'm a pop fan, but also because of it's understated beauty, elegant songs, it's poetic, if slightly naive, lyrics, and because for me, this is Nick Drake at his most focused. The intimacy of Drake's songs has always fascinated me too. I remember a few years ago, when I found out, that an acquaintance of mine liked Nick Drake too. And frankly it annoyed me to no end because it felt like I've been robbed of my privacy, and I had to share my love for his songs with someone else.