One Of These Things First - Nick Drake

One Of These Things First - Nick Drake 

3:46
Bryter Layter, 1971
Written by Nick Drake

In this intricate, melodic pop song, Drake starts by playfully exploring some imaginative hypotheticals: he could have been a sailor, a cook, even a whistle or a boot or a flute.  But in the center of the song, the surreal "could haves" start to reveal some deceptively weighty regrets.  "I could have been your pillar, could have been your door / Could have stayed beside you / Could have stayed for more."  Suddenly we're snapped back to reality, lost love, and self-recrimination as baroque pop melody continues to bubble along.  It's a perfect Nick Drake song, quiet and understated, a blend of whimsy and melancholy.

Northern Sky - Nick Drake

Northern Sky - Nick Drake

3:44

Bryter Later, 1971

Written by Nick Drake

"Would you love me through the winter? / Would you love me 'til I'm dead?"  I recognize the second line from "Is It Wicked Not To Care" by Belle & Sebastian, who, as I've mentioned, nicked quite a lot of their schtick from Drake.  Built around an opulent, lush piano melody, the song is nevertheless delicate, a song of love and longing and the desire for something permanent.  It is said to be about Linda Thompson, though this is just speculation.

Hazey Jane II - Nick Drake

Hazey Jane II - Nick Drake

3:46

Bryter Layter, 1971

Written by Nick Drake

"Let's sing a song for Hazey Jane / She's back again, in my mind / If songs were lines in a conversation / The situation would be fine."  Perfect orchestra folk-rock.  And with that, we can call it a day for Belle and Sebastian.  All of the Scottish band's entire oeuvre, every ascending trumpet line and jangling guitar, every soft-spoken twee reference, it's all here in this one song.  Pack it in, lads and lasses.  We'll just put this song on again and you can get back on the dole.  (I kid!  I kid because I love.)