Q (9/96, pp.129-30) - 5 Stars - Indispensable - "...this four-album set serves to remind the listener that the singer/guitarist's reputation owes everything to his hypnotically powerful music....there is a maturity and artistic depth which belies his tender age..."
Uncut (p.90) - 5 stars out of 5 -- "FRUIT TREE is solidly canonical....Maybe only Robert Johnson has ever undergone such a profound posthumous career revival."
This set consists of the 3 albums released before Drake's death in 1974, FIVE LEAVES LEFT, BRYTER LAYTER, and PINK MOON, plus a collection of outtakes and unreleased tracks called TIME OF NO REPLY. It includes a booklet with full lyrics and extensive liner notes by Arthur Lubow.
Personnel includes: Nick Drake (vocals, acoustic guitar, piano); Richard Thompson (guitar); John Cale (viola, piano, celeste, harpsichord, organ); Clare Lowther (cello); Ray Warleigh (flute, alto saxophone); Lyn Dobson (flute); Paul Harris, Chris McGregor (piano); Tristan Fry (vibraphone, drums); Danny Thompson, Dave Pegg, Ed Carter (bass); Mike Kowalski, Dave Mattacks (drums); Rocki Dzidzornu (congas); Pat Arnold, Doris Troy (background vocals).