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How the recordings were gathered
Universal Music Canada describes a search across several kinds of source material: half-inch four-track multitracks, quarter-inch mono and stereo mixes, two quarter-inch mono masters, and a one-inch reel containing eight songs. The label says almost all reels associated with the album survived, but not all. The set therefore represents a selection of the surviving material, not a claim to include every take.
Two reels with journeys of their own
According to the label’s account, the opening Sound Techniques session surfaced on a mono listening reel that singer Beverley Martyn had kept for more than fifty years. A separate reel recorded at Caius College by Cambridge acquaintance Paul de Rivaz had remained in a drawer and travelled around the world with him and his family. Those discoveries, together with a reordering of material already held in Universal’s tape library, helped shape the release’s account of the album’s beginnings.
What’s on each disc
The first three discs move from early performances toward later studio work; the fourth presents the finished album. The CD and LP versions share this broad four-part program, though their track listings are format-specific.
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Disc one: early sessions and changing songs
The first disc opens with six tracks from the initial Sound Techniques session, then follows with alternate takes and recordings that show songs developing. The CD listing dates “Mayfair” and “Time Has Told Me” to March 1968. “Day Is Done” appears in takes dated April 1968, November 1968, and April 1969; “My Love Left With The Rain” is identified with Cambridge’s Lent Term 1968.
Disc two: the Cambridge reel and November outtakes
Seven songs from de Rivaz’s Caius College reel open the second disc. Among them are “Blossom,” “Made To Love Magic,” “Mickey’s Tune,” and “The Thoughts of Mary Jane.” The sequence then turns to outtakes from November 1968.
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Disc three: later studio work
The third disc groups outtakes dated from December 1968 through April 1969. It includes two “River Man” takes dated January and April 1969, a Cambridge recording of “Way To Blue,” and later takes of “The Thoughts of Mary Jane” and “Saturday Sun.”
Disc four: the original album
The final disc contains the original ten-track Five Leaves Left, released in July 1969. Its placement makes the finished record the destination of the archival sequence rather than the starting point.
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- 【Adjustable Dividers】Equipped with adjustable dividers, vinyl record organizer box allows for secure and snug placement based on the number of records. This ensures that your vinyl records/LPs remain stable and protected during storage or transportation, preventing any shifting or sliding.
- 【Easy Access】Vinyl record storage crate is thoughtfully designed for convenience. The removable lid ensures effortless access to your records, allowing you to browse and select your favorite albums with ease. Moreover, the vinyl record case features a labeling system that enables you to categorize and organize your collection efficiently. Finding and retrieving specific albums becomes a breeze, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable music experience.
- 【Compact and Foldable】 With compact dimensions of 13.38*13.38*1.38 inches when folded, they can be conveniently tucked away without taking up much space. When unfolded, this box provide 13*13*13 inch ample storage space for over 50 records. Whether you have a small apartment or a dedicated music room, Their sturdy construction ensures the safety of your records, making them ideal moving boxes for vinyl records.
Why the sequence matters
The label says the running order is intended to make the music’s evolution audible, not to reproduce a strict chronological log. “Day Is Done” is its clearest example: the set pairs an earlier Richard Hewson orchestration without Drake playing guitar, a November attempt with Danny Thompson, and a later version with Robert Kirby’s strings and Drake’s guitar. Heard in sequence, those versions present different stages in the song’s arrangement.
The label also identifies the closing archival track as the first full take of Harry Robinson’s orchestration of “River Man.” That choice, like other departures from strict recording chronology, reflects the set’s editorial approach: it presents a shaped account of development rather than simply ordering every recording by date.
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- LARGE CAPACITY: The size of fireproof record storage box is 13"x13"x13" and can accommodate 100+ 12-inch vinyl records placed vertically.It is not only great for organizing and storing your vinyl records, but it can also protect your important documents, books, CDs, USBs, record player accessories＆other valuables. We have designed mesh pockets on the lining of the lid and on the sides of the box to provide additional storage options.It is perfect for storing＆protecting your record collection.
- Humanized Design:The vinyl record box collapses down simply for easier storage when not in use you can put it in your home,office,car and other places. High quality combination lock design for added storage security(Includes an instruction manual for lock, no keys required). Top and side handles make it easy to carry everything you need,two zippers make it easier to open and close the box,label slots allow you to easily sort each box,the non-slip pad at the bottom makes the product more durable.
- High-quality Material: Fireproof vinyl record box uses different boards than others, High quality PP boards won't warp and it can hold a minimum of 150 lbs. The Non-dusty material can prevent dust from sticking to the outside of our box, always keep it neat and tidy. The reflective strip design allows you to immediately find your fireproof box even at night, protecting irreplaceable valuable album collection from fire. The zipper lid design can also play a role in moisture-proof protection.
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Mastering and the original album
The set credits John Wood and Simon Heyworth with mastering. For the original album on the last disc, the label says they used their 2000 remaster. It recounts that Wood revisited the tapes at Abbey Road in 2013 for vinyl reissues and found that the original analogue masters had fractionally deteriorated. According to the label, the 24-bit files captured in 2000 remained the superior source for this set. That is the label’s explanation for the mastering choice, not an independent comparison of the formats or a claim about how they sound on every playback system.
What comes in the box, and how the formats differ
Universal Music Canada announced the Estate-authorized release on April 10, 2025; it was released through UMR/Island Records on July 25, 2025. The label describes more than 30 previously unheard outtakes and an illustrated 60-page book written by Neil Storey with Richard Morton-Jack, including recording details, charts, and recording history.
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| Edition | Format and program | Book | Practical fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4CD | Four CDs: archival recordings across the first three discs and the original album on the fourth | Illustrated 60-page book | For listeners who prefer CD playback and a compact set |
| 4LP | Four LPs: the same broad four-part program, with format-specific track listing | Illustrated 60-page book | For listeners who prefer vinyl and have suitable playback equipment |
The cited product information does not establish that either edition sounds better. Price, stock, and shipping vary by seller and location, so check a retailer serving your region for current details.
A personal detail from the album’s arrival
The announcement includes a recollection from Nick Drake’s sister, Gabrielle Drake, about the original album. She recalled that he brought her a copy in London in June 1969: “I suspect I got the very first copy.” She also remembered him saying, “Well… there you are.”
Quick Recap
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