Nick Drake has been one, if not the biggest musical influence in my life. Before I had heard his music I really had no real preference in my style of music. I basically listened to anything and everything, but after having watch the movie Crush and hearing his music play in the background it totally changed me. From then on I was looking into any folk/singer songwriter music I could get my hands on. Nick is also credited with being the artist of my very favorite song, Northern Sky.Before I had heard Nick’s music in the movie I had absolutely no knowledge of him whatsoever. It was interesting when I was doing some research on him that he really has almost a cult following, and has inspired so many artists including Radiohead, REM, The Clash, etc. His music has a way of touching you on a deep level, and the fact that there is so much mystery surrounding his life, it is no wonder he has the appeal that he does.
Nick Drake was born in 1948, and had a pretty typical upbringing. His mother Molly was a musician in her own right, and that is where Nick got his musical styling. He could play almost any instrument including saxophone, clarinet, piano, and guitar. He did however throughout his life battle depression, and you can clearly hear his anguish through his music. Almost every song that Nick wrote can be linked to his own mortality, or death in general. What makes Nick so amazing to me is that he could write these songs in such a poetic way, that you have to look to find the meanings to each song. That along with the beautiful melodies are why I appreciate him so much. Unfortunately Nick only lived to the tender age of twenty-six. Because of his depression Nick was on many medications through his life. He died from a drug overdose that was never officially ruled a suicide or an accident. Which makes those of us who love his music so much, wonder what he could have accomplished if he was still alive today.
In his short life Nick was only able to produce three albums, that each have their own uniqueness to them. Five Leaves Left has more of that folk sound to it, however there is a bit more production to it, which was something Nick wanted to do without. Bryter Layter also has a bit more of that production aspect to it, and even has some jazzier sounding tunes to it. Pink Moon seems to be the most authentic Nick Drake album, in the fact that it is pretty much just Nick and his guitar. Having said that, I really do not prefer one album to another, as I have many favorites from each album, which I will post at the bottom next to the albums. There have been a handful of albums released since Nick’s death. Most are lost tracks, and some have the last few recordings Nick did before his death. I am planning on posting some of these songs on the bottom of the post.
I am highly interested to see what everyone has to say about this week’s selection, probably more than any artist I have done thus far. For me it is hard to say something I want you to listen for in particular, as I feel that everything about Nick’s music is important. From the guitar, his melodies, his voice and the lyrics, they all seem to go hand in hand. I understand that not everyone will enjoy Nick’s music to the extent that I do, and that is why I wanted to see what you all thought about him. Shed some light on what it is that you take from it whether it be bad or good. There is much more I could have posted, so I may leave a comment or two this week.
Albums:
Five Leaves Left (1969) – Time Has Told Me, Cello Song, River Man, Way to Blue
Bryter Layter (1970) – At the Chime of a City Clock, One of these things first, Hazey Jane I, Northern Sky
Pink Moon (1972) – Pink Moon, Place to Be, Things Behind the Sun, From the Morning
