The estate of Nick Drake is set to unveil an exciting new box set this summer, officially titled The Making of Five Leaves Left. This highly anticipated collection is scheduled for release on July 25, featuring an impressive array of 30 previously unheard outtakes that stem from the recording sessions for the iconic singer-songwriter’s debut album, Five Leaves Left, which originally debuted in 1969.

As detailed in a recent press release, the selection of tracks included in this box set was meticulously curated to narrate the story of the album with as much authenticity as possible, rather than simply distributing every available take from the recording sessions. This remarkable collection also features Drake’s inaugural session at the prestigious Sound Techniques studio located in London, capturing a rare tape recording from his time as a student at the University of Cambridge, alongside essential recording charts and other fascinating materials.

This comprehensive set, expertly mastered by the talented John Wood and Simon Heywood, will be offered in both 4CD and 4LP formats, with each version including the original album produced by Joe Boyd.

For those eager to dive deeper into this treasure trove of music, a complete track listing has been made available below, along with a special preview of a song from the box set: an early rendition of “‘Cello Song” known as “Strange Face,” recorded during the first session at Sound Techniques in March of 1968.

Discover the History Behind Nick Drake’s Debut Album

Nick Drake, renowned for his reclusive and introverted demeanor within the music industry, secured his first record deal at the young age of 20 while still pursuing his studies. The sessions for Five Leaves Left were often characterized by an atmosphere of tension and chaos, and unfortunately, the album did not receive the promotional push it deserved upon its release in July of 1969.

Drake’s sister, Gabrielle, recounted in an interview with The Guardian in 2004, “He was incredibly private. I was aware he was working on an album, but I had no clue about its progress until he walked into my room and simply said, ‘There you are.’ He tossed it onto the bed and left!”

Upon its release, critiques of Five Leaves Left leaned towards the positive side, although the enthusiasm was not overwhelming. It wasn’t until after Drake’s tragic death by suicide in 1974 that the album began to receive significant acclaim and recognition from music lovers and critics alike.

Excitingly, The Making of Five Leaves Left is currently available for pre-order, offering fans a chance to delve into the rich legacy of Nick Drake’s music.

Track Listing for ‘The Making of Five Leaves Left’
LP1 – 1st Sound Techniques Session aka The Beverley Martyn demo & Alt Takes from February 1968 to April 1969
Side A
1. “Mayfair” — 1st Sound Techniques Session – March 1968
2. “Time Has Told Me” — 1st Sound Techniques Session – March 1968
3. “Man In A Shed” – 1st Sound Techniques Session – March 1968
4. “Fruit Tree” — 1st Sound Techniques Session – March 1968
5. “Saturday Sun” — 1st Sound Techniques Session – March 1968
6. “Strange Face” — 1st Sound Techniques Session – March 1968

Side B
1. “Strange Face” – Rough Mix with Guide Vocal – September 1968
2. “Day Is Done” – Take 5 – April 1968
3. “Day Is Done” – Take 2 – November 1968
4. “Day Is Done” – Take 7 – April 1969
5. “Man In A Shed” – Take 1 – May 1968
6. “My Love Left With The Rain” – Cambridge, Lent Term 1968

LP2 – Paul de Rivaz Reel – October 1968 / Out-Takes November 1968
Side A
1. “Blossom” – Cambridge, Lent Term 1968
2. “Instrumental” – Cambridge, Lent Term 1968
3. “Made To Love Magic” – Cambridge, Lent Term 1968
4. “Mickey’s Tune “– Cambridge, Lent Term 1968
5. “The Thoughts of Mary Jane” – Cambridge, Lent Term 1968
6. “Day Is Done” – Cambridge, Lent Term 1968
7. “Time Has Told Me” – Cambridge, Lent Term 1968

Side B
1. “Three Hours” – Take 2 – November 1968
2. “Time Has Told Me” – Take 4 – November 1968
3. “Strange Face” – Take 1 – November 1968
4. “Saturday Sun” – Take 1 – November 1968
5. “Fruit Tree” – Take 4 – November 1968

LP3 – Out-Takes from December 1968 to April 1969
Side A
1. “Time of No Reply” – Take 3 into Take 4 – December 1968
2. “‘Cello Song” – Take 4 – January 1969
3. “Mayfair” – Take 5 – January 1969
4. “River Man” – Take 1 – January 1969

Side B
1. “Way To Blue” – Cambridge – Winter 1968
2. “The Thoughts of Mary Jane” – Take 2 – April 1969
3. “Saturday Sun” – Take 1 into Take 2 – April 1969
4. “River Man” – Take 2 – April 1969

LP4 – The Original Album – Released 3rd July 1969
Side A
1. “Time Has Told Me”
2. “River Man”
3. “Three Hours”
4. “Way To Blue”
5. “Day Is Done”

Side B
1. “‘Cello Song”
2. “The Thoughts of Mary Jane”
3. “Man In A Shed”
4. “Fruit Tree”
5. “Saturday Sun”