I had a friend ask me for a Nick Drake cd - they're new to his music. I have the Fruit Tree box (and I used to have Way to Blue: An Intro - which would have been a good answer if I had it anymore.)

That's the reason for the poll.

pink moon.

they are all awesome, but five leaves left is by far the awesome-ist.

Yeah.

I started with FLL, and it took me a long time to like it.

Pink Moon.

Five Leaves Left just has too much of the string arrangements or whatever it is. It really distracts me. I would love to hear a version of Five Leaves Left with pretty much just Nick and his guitar.

Pink Moon is the wrong answer, as it is not a full, representative portrait of what Nick Drake was all about.

I'd say go with Five Leaves Left (even though Bryter Layter is my fave). Pink Moon is the supremely satisfying dessert to the main course of the first two albums.

Screw it, lend your friend the whole box set.

Way to Blue is indeed the answer.

for an introduction to nick drake that is.

I would go w/

Bryter Layter - best album in my humble opinion

i am convinced that if it wasn't for the popularity of the song "pink moon" then the album wouldn't be nearly as popular. it is a damn good album, but fives leaves left is such an accomplished work. and i think it is the best introduction drake, as i think most first albums are for almost any band or artist.

Bryter Layter is the only mediocre Nick Drake album (damn saxophone and backing vocals!). Definitely don't start there. Five Leaves Left is my pick.

yes! i rank in this order:

1. pink moon
2. bryter layter
3. five leaves left

but they're all really good, just rip him the whole set.

i don't think it matters.
they are all good.

Thanks for all your input.

I think I'm going to start with Five Leaves Left and Pink Moon.

I don't want to overwhelm with goodness - so I'll save the others for when she's hooked.