It's already been discussed on what should of been include / removed from this collection, so I will just talk about the improved sound and 5.1 mix. The stereo SACD lived up to my expectations to the format, the songs had the a warm quality that I expected. The improved sound was noticeable even on the "new" version of Magic (as listed on the cd), I noticed some distortion and background noise on the cd version of the track but not on the SACD. The 5.1 mix I thought were well done, even with the acoustic tracks such as Black Eyed Dog. The vocals are mixed in the center channel and the rear channels and the guitar is in front and rear channels. Other SCAD with just acoustic/vocal tracks just had a three channel mix, which didn't add much over the original stereo mix. Anyway I give the sound 5 stars and the song selection 4 stars.

Everything on this SACD has been previously released with the exception of the bonus track (which is essentially a 48-second instrumental version of "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You") The stereo layer is no great improvement over the previous issue, but the new surround mix is horrific. The vocal is overbearing for some strange reason, rendering the surround mix virtually unlistenable. Disappointed!

It does not provide many "special features," but A TREASURY should serve as an excellent introduction to Nick Drake's work, as it includes various songs from his three albums FIVE LEAVES LEFT, BRYTER LAYTER and PINK MOON, as well as "Black-Eyed Dog" and the newly-arranged "Made to Love Magic," both of which, in fairness, are also available on the compilation bearing the latter song's name. If you already own Drake's three albums, the next step to go is either that said compilation or TIME OF NO REPLY, as both offer different demo versions of Drake's catalogue, but if you are unfamiliar with his work and eager to know why he receives so much praise, go right ahead and buy A TREASURY; I can tell as much as that none of my friends have been disappointed when I've introduced them to Drake through this album. Although it may be required to examine his three albums in their entirety to truly understand the whole picture, the songs play wonderfully also in combination with each other, combining the minimalistic sound from PINK MOON with the more arranged highlights of FIVE LEAVES LEFT and BRYTER LAYTER.

Be careful when buying this cos Plaisir d'amour is not on the US release (apparently) - its supposed to be a bonus track following From the morning!

Also, the albums too short. Could've fitted At the Chime of a city clock, certainly

Anyone who has heard the 45 second new track (Christ!) contact me at JoeChrisMorris@hotmail.com IMMEDIATELY