Nick Drake was an artist. And in common with other artists, albeit from a different medium, the likes of Van Gogh et cetera, fame largely eluded him until after his death. Drake committed suicide in 1974 during a stay at his parent’s.

There’s a Gaelic lilt to Nick Drake’s vocals, much as there is with Joni Mitchell’s. The opener 'Rider On The Wheel' is folk pure and simple. Stripped bare, it’s a contrast to the track that follows, 'Magic' which is lush and grand by comparison with its neo-classical orchestral accompaniment. Both songs, though, establish Drake as a spiritual leader to the new generation of singer-songwriters, the likes of the sublime Kathryn Williams and the ridiculous Chris Martin.

From accounts by those most close to Nick Drake, his death, like masterly Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia-Marquez’ Chronicle, was a death foretold. The clues are there in this superior collection of odds and sods. They’re there in his choice of song titles. 'River Man', written whilst Drake was at Cambridge University, paints the singer as one of life’s floaters. He certainly drifted. In 'Time Of No Reply', he talks of being “left by the roadside all alone”.

When living, Nick Drake struggled to make himself heard. It’s one of life’s ironies that his voice has communicated more effectively from beyond the grave. Rock music has had it fair share of tortured geniuses. Made To Love Magic confirms Drake as folk music’s very own Kurt Cobain, a modern-day Saint who will be revered for years to come. You’ll just love it.
(3½/5)

Release date: 24 May 2004

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Made To Love Magic