Crate Digging: Nick Drake’s “Family Tree”

Nick Drake’s music is deeply enigmatic–his work captures the sound of his era with soft, introspective songwriting blending into the contemporary folk scene. It’s also shrouded in mystery. Drake’s untimely passing at just 26 years old casts a near mystical aura over his discography, which only gained popularity posthumously. This atmospheric success has cemented Drake as a folk-rock icon. 

Naturally, fans yearned to hear unreleased music from the minute Drake’s music caught traction. Then, 2007 saw the arrival of “Family Tree,” a compilation of ballads, traditional folk and blues, all rendered in Drake’s signature finger-style guitar and despondent vocals. Most notably, Drake is joined by his mother and sister as they perform a variety of originals and covers, giving the eclectic collection its name.

The compilation includes tracks that span several years and were recorded in vastly different places, though the product still feels cohesive. The whole work feels like an hour-long living room performance, where Drake’s family members periodically join him to provide tender vocals and backup instrumentals.  

The 28-track, 66-minute record is a blissfully long ride throughout Drake’s musical interests, as many of the covers feel as though he’s casually practicing, intertwining his unique style with timeless tunes. The vocal performances are emotive but subdued. Drake isn’t performing for a crowd here, like on his studio albums, he’s just playing a song for friends.  

Standouts “They’re Leaving Me Behind,” “All My Trials” and “Blossom” combine beautifully wavering harmonies with the warm hum of acoustic picking and plucking.

It’s rough around the edges, but that only adds to the appeal. The thrown-together feel of each recording makes for a much more intimate listening experience, inviting you to chew on the powerful simplicity and rugged honesty of each tune.