Bryter Layter



Bryter Layter, recorded in 1970 and released in December 1970, is the second of three albums by British singer/songwriter Nick Drake.

Content and production
Like Five Leaves Left, the album contains no unaccompanied songs: Drake was accompanied by part of the British folk rock group Fairport Convention and John Cale from The Velvet Underground, as well as Beach Boys musicians Mike Kowalski and Ed Carter. Arranger Robert Kirby claims that Drake intended the instrumentals to evoke Pet Sounds. Initially scheduled for release in November 1970, with UK promotional copies being sent out at the time, dissatisfaction with the artwork meant that the album was held over into the New Year.

Reception
'Mojo' called the album "Certainly the most polished of his catalogue". Alternative Press called it "[one] of the most beautiful and melancholy albums ever recorded".

David Hepworth described "At the Chime of a City Clock" as "the perfect soundtrack for the dispensing of a cup of tea in a polysytrene cup, marrying sound and image in a way that made me unsure whether I was watching a commercial or actually in a commercial."

Legacy
In 2000, Q placed Bryter Layter at number 23 in its list of the "100 Greatest British Albums Ever". It ranked at number 14 in NME ' s list of "The Greatest Albums of the '70s".

It was voted number 306 in the third edition of Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums (2000).

In 2003, the album was ranked number 245 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Personnel
Nick Drake performs vocals and guitar, except where indicated otherwise.


 * "Introduction"
 * Nick Drake – guitar
 * Dave Pegg – bass
 * Dave Mattacks – drums
 * Strings arranged by Robert Kirby
 * "Hazey Jane II"
 * Dave Pegg – bass
 * Dave Mattacks – drums
 * Richard Thompson – lead guitar
 * Brass arrangement by Robert Kirby
 * "At the Chime of a City Clock"
 * Ray Warleigh – alto sax
 * Dave Pegg – bass
 * Mike Kowalski – drums
 * Strings arranged by Robert Kirby
 * "One of These Things First"
 * Paul Harris – piano
 * Ed Carter – bass
 * Mike Kowalski – drums
 * "Hazey Jane I"
 * Dave Pegg – bass
 * Dave Mattacks – drums
 * Strings arranged by Robert Kirby
 * "Bryter Layter"
 * Nick Drake – guitar
 * Lyn Dobson – flute
 * Dave Pegg – bass
 * Dave Mattacks – drums
 * "Fly"
 * John Cale – viola and harpsichord
 * Dave Pegg – bass
 * "Poor Boy"
 * Ray Warleigh – alto sax
 * Chris McGregor – piano
 * Dave Pegg – bass
 * Mike Kowalski – drums
 * Pat Arnold and Doris Troy – backing vocals
 * "Northern Sky"
 * John Cale – celeste, piano and organ
 * Dave Pegg – bass
 * Mike Kowalski – drums
 * "Sunday"
 * Nick Drake – guitar
 * Ray Warleigh – flute
 * Dave Pegg – bass
 * Dave Mattacks – drums
 * Strings arranged by Robert Kirby