Nick Drake’s Album 'Five Leaves Left' Receives Expanded Box Set Release
Nick Drake’s debut album, Five Leaves Left, is set to receive an expanded release with the forthcoming four-disc box set titled The Making Of Five Leaves Left, scheduled for release on July 25, 2025, through UMR/Island Records. Available in both 4CD and 4LP vinyl editions, the box set features identical track listings and encompasses over 30 previously unheard outtakes, unaccompanied demos, and songs that shed light on the album's creation process.
Mastered by renowned engineer John Wood, the box set ensures high-fidelity sound quality that honors the original recordings. The vinyl version is presented in sleeves matching vinyl dimensions, maintaining the aesthetic integrity for audiophile collections. Each CD is housed in vinyl-sized sleeves, providing a cohesive look across all formats.
Included in the set is a meticulously crafted 60-page book, printed on special textured, 100% recyclable and biodegradable paper stock. Authored by Neil Storey in collaboration with Richard Morton-Jack, the book offers comprehensive recording details and an in-depth history of the sessions, including insights from the first Sound Techniques session and the tape recordings from Caius College by Paul de Rivas.
The selection of tracks was carefully curated to authentically represent the narrative of Five Leaves Left, avoiding a mere compilation of all available takes. This approach provides listeners with a faithful portrayal of how Nick Drake’s seminal album was developed and released in July 1969. The box set includes significant sessions from early 1968 through April 1969, encompassing pivotal moments that shaped Drake's musical trajectory.
The Making Of Five Leaves Left is now available for pre-order, offering fans and audiophiles a unique opportunity to explore the depths of Nick Drake’s artistic journey through unparalleled access to rare and previously unreleased material.