Dick’s Picks: Nick Drake’s stunning debut album, Five Leaves Left

The 1969 UK first press 10-track stereo vinyl LP of Nick Drake’s stunning debut album, Five Leaves Left, was released on the pink ‘block’ label. This label design was short lived, with only two albums having their debut release on this label, and five other earlier Island releases were repressed using this design, making these albums highly desirable and very rare.

The original matt gatefold picture sleeve has the lyrics for Three Hours [here titled ‘Sundown’], Saturday Sun and River Man printed inside.

This issue is housed in a sleeve with the Island logo and Basing Street address along the bottom edge on the rear of the sleeve – only first issue sleeves had these details. The second issue sleeves had a slightly different shade of green on the front. Also the card is thicker on the second issues and the rear of the sleeve just has a small ‘i’ logo where the address is printed on the first issues.

Finding this album in any condition is a task in itself, and despite being underappreciated during his short time with us, this – and all of Nick Drake’s work – has gone on to have the respect it deserves. A timeless debut by one of the greatest singer/songwriters that existed.

Check out the rest of our Nick Drake titles on eil.com, and if you have any items to sell, please call us on 01474815099

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