Anyone else like Nick Drake ?

David Sylvian. Blemish fits what you're describing, and is both bleak and beautiful. Not for beginners, but if you're already there, a great album.

Otherwise, I'd start with Dead Bees on a Cake, or Brilliant Trees.

I'll second Iron and Wine.

If you're in a happy mood, Jack Johnson has put out several great albums. Brushfire Fairytales is a little more pensive, and later albums have a great laid back mood. All well recorded, without drawing attention to it.

Drake is awesome. Check out Yo La Tengo - And Then Nothing Turned Itself Inside Out. Also early Cure and Depeche Mode. For a female variation that is a bit more operatic, there is Dead Can Dance - Within the Realm of a Dying Sun, and, Into the Labyrinth (you will love track 3).

Arthur

Also a fan of Nick Drake here.
Not the same but Brit also, try Tindersticks.

john martyn..

Hey Nick! Fantastic stuff. Maybe Calexico. Iron and Wine did some stuff with them as well that turned out really good.