I got into Nick's body of work when I was about 17 years old in 1996. Having been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder later in life, Pink Moon was a record that brought me so much consolation and solace during my periods/treatment of severe anxiety, clinical depression and suicidal ideation over the years. And continues to offer that solace. You've no idea....
I was also 17 but in 97😊 I also been diagnos with a few things past my 40s. Nick Drakes albums always kept me Calm. Check out Teiturs first album, Neil Halstead and José Gonzales
@@Mrvictorfernandes Funny you mention ASD. When I listened to Nick Drake and read about his life and story I thought of autism. Introvert, misunderstood but very sensitive and intelligent Got Five Leaves Left this week but I need to get the other albums as well. Enjoy Nick Drake 🤠
"I saw Nick Drake At the corner of time and motion I caught his eye and he caught mine I said, "You're tall, " He said, "No taller than tomorrow's oceans" I saw Nick Drake And he was fine" The love letter from Robyn Hitchcock :)
People often miss what a subtly supportive and uplifting album Pink Moon is - it says something about Drake that he was able to muster that from the depths of clinical depression.
Gotta say, really appreciate how you actually tell the story of Nick (from what we have) without any of the super romanticized, “tragic brooding genius” shit. Like on the NMH and Nirvana episodes, you really drive the point that these people were just that, people.
I feel sorry for the musicians who never lived to see people give them the love they deserve. Ian Curtis, Elliot Smith, Jackson C. Frank, Jeff & Tim Buckley, and of course Nick Drake. But it's refreshing to know that even after death, their legacies live on. There's a saying that you die twice, once when you stop living, and again when your name is spoken for the final time. So if we followed that rule, all those people I mentioned will live forever, thanks to their music. Nick's story is beautifully tragic, as someone who's also battled depression, his music really resonates with me a lot, it's very comforting. Great episode once again 💜💜💜
@@smaz9 Yeah Jackson C. Frank had a couple of achingly beautiful tracks on his only studio album. And since you mentioned Jeff Buckley, we also need to mention his musician father Tim. Tim also made beautiful music. It's insane and cruel how none of them made it past 30.
HEADS UP!! You can listen to the recent BBC Promenade Concert Nick Drake Tribute Concert, from 24th July, in the Royal Albert Hall!! It is here on RUclips, but only in audio, (you can see a couple of brief video snaps if you google the concert) and also on BBC Sounds app. It features a full orchestra and several vocalists and performers from the folk scene. The arrangements are based on those from the records. His sister Gabrielle also appears, recites a poem, and does a lovely interval chat. This is wonderful. I was at the Annual Nick Drake Gathering this year, which was really beautiful!
Pink Moon is one of my favorite albums. I love the sparse production and the alternate tunings. Just a brilliant piece of work to listen to on a rainy day when you're home and warm.
I had a friend Tony, now sadly passed, who was several years older than me and was very much part of the local scene in the late 1960s early 1970s. He told me of how, one gorgeous summer's afternoon he, and a group of friends dropped acid in the general area of Tanworth in Arden. They were wandering through the bucolic landscape when they heard the sound of a voice and guitar drifting on the heavy summer's air. Intrigued, they headed towards the source until they alighted on a solitary guy , sitting under the bower of a tree lost in their music. Tony said, instinctively, , they felt they shouldn't impinge on the players space and they sat in a tree line out of his gaze until he finished and wandered off, guitar in hand. That memory, heightened by the acid stuck with him. Cut to over decade later whilst at a friend's house where the friend plays Nick's Pink Moon and Tony immediately recognised that voice and that guitar style. ...
Pink Moon and Grace from Jeff Buckley are my go to albums whenever I need a good cry. As an introvert myself, Nick Drake's music helps me through my darkest periods. Great episode Abby!
I read that Nick Drake's producer Joe Boyd said of him: Nick was a brilliant singer-songwriter guitarist, when playing live though after each song he would have to retune, as each song had different guitar tunings. This would be musical coitus interruptus to his audience. In turn, this would affect bookings. His albums are great but he couldn't generate a live audience. Today, he could have 3 guitars ready with guitar techs tuning them for him.
a description of why exactly that tour went so wrong - this included - was in my OG script but cut for brevity. i have no idea why nick wasn’t at least provided with a second guitar for shows, if not a tech - the guy didn’t even have a personal manager. not to mention booking him in noisy clubs and bars. strange choices all around
@@abigaildevoe More importantly, Joe Boyd said that Nick was so prepared and so much of a perfectionist in creating precisely the sound he wanted that he would almost always do the first take just right. So Joe Boyd always made sure to give attention to the other musicians or the orchestral arrangement, since they were the ones who couldn't get it right in one take. As for live performance, I don't think anyone else could manage to get his tunings right. I'm not a guitarist but have read that other guitarists have struggled for years trying to achieve his sound. His tunings were highly unusual and tricky. Further, he seemed to be playing on dead nickel strings, according to one guitarist who has a lengthy analysis of searching for the Nick Drake sound, and that thuddy, deep tone was part of his signature sound.
@@surfwriter8461 his favorite tuning CGCFCE is just open C with the G string tuned down to F but it is very out of the way from most other stuff. And he does jump around on tunings a lot, but for shows I feel like he could have just stuck to one or two and played songs in those tunings
@@bobdylanlovr69 Interesting comment, and I'll assume that you're somewhat right about the departures from that somewhat standard way for Nick to tune the guitar. But remember, he was extremely introverted and a perfectionist who was also incredibly uncomfortable in front of a crowd. His songs make enough switches in tuning of the guitar that I'm not sure he could have confined himself to a couple of tunings to play only the songs you suggest would be in that same or similar tuning. But his tuning of the guitar onstage might have also been a way of avoiding engagement with the audience. Sure, I would still have liked him to achieve success in performance and record sales. But his struggle with mental health made that increasingly difficult.
I really appreciate you devoting a lengthy commentary to the music of Nick Drake. He gained a much larger audience well after his death, largely due to the VW commercial featuring "Pink Moon". I championed his music well before that, after I discovered one of his albums at a university radio station where I was a DJ. At that time, he was almost totally unknown. It's tragic that he died before a larger audience could embrace him, maybe because of being somewhat ahead of his time. His haunting voice, his gorgeous guitar work, his emotional richness and deeply affecting lyrics--all contributed to a body of work that is rich with so many songs that transport us to a place unique to his sound. I take issue with so much time spent on the "Pink Moon" cover art before delving into the songs themselves, and also a bit too much quoting from the critics of the day who couldn't appreciate Nick's music due to their own inadequacies. But the rest of your commentary contains some important information about Nick's troubled life and those who tried so hard to make him successful, to reach a larger audience that he deserved. And you're right to talk about the challenges of getting airplay and support for an artist who was so introverted and socially awkward. But don't be misled. According to Joe Boyd and others who knew him, Nick DID think he was destined to be a major figure in the the music business. He was deeply disappointed by the lack of commercial success, feeling that his music was worthy of massive sales and notoriety. According to one of the reports I've found, David Geffen was said to be enamored of Nick's music and swore he could make a star of him. But apparently, no record deal could be arranged to shift him from the Island label, where Chris Blackwell was very devoted to Nick. I urge people to seek out his first two albums as well as "Pink Moon," his most raw and harrowing set of songs. There are great songs on those first two albums, "Five Leaves Left" and "Bryter Layter" which also feature some excellent musicians working with Nick, including Richard Thompson and John Cale. The posthumous album releases are much more inconsistent. There are a few great songs worthy of being released, but also too many that are not up to his standards and should not have been released, in my opinion.
This is the most loving review of music I have ever heard. I'm sure Abby would have loved to have met Nick in person. As we all would. Thank you, Abby!
Nick Drake made a profound difference in the way I listen to music. Just to give my two cents, I think Pink Moon struck a chord with me because of how intimate it sounds and the music itself is so personal. When I put on his vinyl, including Five Leaves Left and Bryter Layter, there’s something about his musicality, tone, and style that come together to feel that he’s singing in the same room as you. It speaks volumes that his music resonates so deeply with almost everyone that hears it, thank you for sharing your thoughts and using your platform to bring awareness to the amazing world of music Nick Drake created!
Hi abbi! I’m 14 and ur channel has inspired me to start an art/music channel (I’m commenting from it😛)where I draw art based off of classic rock albums. Ur videos are so good and introduce me to a lot of new music! Thanks for making great videos and teaching me so much about this music. I’ve never even heard of Nick Drake until today, but I listened to Pink Moon and liked it! Just wanna say thanks
Hello, Abigail. Gabrielle Drake was a early life star on the uk series, UFO. It's on the roku channel and she wore a purple wig! If you didn't know...thanks for your beauty vids.
Your lines about "blend of light and shade" and "beauty in simply being alive" are so perfect. This made me think of how I get the same vibes from the Wim Wenders 1987 film "Wings of Desire". That film and Pink Moon are about the incredibleness of being human, having human senses and thoughts all in the vastness of the physical and spiritual world.
Nicks Sister, Gabrielle had a quite successful acting career. In Sci-Fi circles she is best known for her role as Lt Ellis in 1969-70 UK series `U.F.O`.
Been to his grave in Tamworth In Arden, when I used to work nearby... Worth checking out his Mum's (slight) album and, even more so, the recent album The Songs and Poems of Molly Drake by The Unthanks, currently the most interesting English folk group, who've also covered King Crimson (Starless). The book Nick Drake by music journalist Patrick Humphries, who was at Cambridge University with the mellifluous singer, is insightful. in 1999 Brad Pitt even recorded a tribute to him for BBC Radio, Lost Boy - In Praise of Nick Drake. When The Guardian newspaper in the UK got bored with all the end of the century best album lists having the same records (Beatles, Dylan, Stones etc) on them in 1999 they asked a bunch of music journalists for their alternative best album of the twentieth century. Bryter Layter by Nick Drake won that poll! Pink Moon was Number 80 out of the 100 listed. (It also included Odessey and Oracle at 77)
I love you and your channel. I never miss !! For me, I feel that Nick is the Vincent Van Gogh of music. He didn’t get popular until after his death, but I was lucky enough to have a girlfriend of mine back in 1989 turn me on to Nick Drake. After she played the album Pink Moon , in its entirety for me, I immediately went out and bought every album I could have his. I then proceeded to lock myself in my room and “binged- listened “ to his music. I heard his genius and felt his pain. It was like a spiritual experience, and till this day he is still one of my favorite artists. It’s just ashamed that no one appreciated his talent during his short life on this planet, but just think what would have happened if he was recognized for his talent and achieved fame and fortune. Would he still be writing great music today or would he have still met the same fate that had ended his life? We will never know 🙏☮️
Really enjoyed this episode! This is one of those albums where you feel the music throughout your entire body, it’s unexplainable but always gives me goosebumps in the best kind of way.
I love Nicks music. To me he is to music what Van Gogh is to painting. A brilliant artist that made great art and struggled with mental health issues that harmed what might have been a great career.
Once again, Vinyl Monday delivers the goods! If only there were twice as many Mondays in the month. Thank you Abigail for making Mondays my favorite day of the week.
Thank you for this. I love Nick Drake, and more than almost any other artist, when listening to his music I reach back emotionally through the decades to connect with him. His music makes you feel like he's there. Your review gets right in that space together with us. I like thinking of Nick smiling, and I totally agree with you not to connect the beauty of his albums with the pain he felt at the end of his life. Yes to Neil Halstead. Another artist who's in that same zone is Townes van Zandt.
I hope that Nick Drake is at rest somewhere better than here. As someone who struglles with mental health issues, his music helped me a lot through rough times
This may just be your best Vinyl Monday yet, Abby! I found my parent's dusty old CD reissue of Pink Moon from the early 2000s, and played it constantly throughout high school and college. I found myself getting a little misty eyed during your recounting of watching the Nick Drake documentary; I had a similar experience reading Richard Morton Jack's new biography of Nick that came out last year, especially how it talked about his family life and how they tried to understand his mental health struggles. Side note: another great album I thought of when you mentioned Nick's hushed vocals and the concept of "nothing music" is the Habibi Funk label's reissue of Roger Fakhr's "Fine Anyway". A lot of songs on that album owe a stylistic debt to Nick's guitar playing and singing. Keep up the great work!! 😀
This album doesn’t sound like a typical 70's album bc it’s very proto indie and acoustic like a Donovan album or maybe a Dylan album but more stripped back 🎸🎼 But that’s sucks this album was released like three years before his death bc its sad to see some artists go before they can see the love we give their work like Ian Curtis from JoyDivision and ofc Nick Drake
i just never had you down as a nick drake listener abby: apologies if you think that i've made assumptions that i don't have any right to. a strong aspect of this weeks episode is the tracking of the artists living influence. when i first heard five leaves it became imperative for me to access everything he had ever recorded. it seemed uncompromising music in it's own way: art and soul. absolutely one of my top ten favourite guitarists. lucinda williams does a fine cover of which will. there is the the sadness from unanswered questions when we first encounter his story but a day once dawned, and it was miraculously beautiful.
I've been obsessed with this record for the last 3 months, and have been binge watching some of your videos in the laste few days, so this video was such a pleasent surprise for me. Thank you
I first discovered Nick in the 1990’s. A neighbor had his records and was really into him. At the time I wondered why I hadn’t heard of him before. Great stuff, should have been huge. R.I.P
For me you have Nick and you have everyone else. He was timeless. If you want to know the complete story of his life ( and the only biography approved by Gabrielle, his sister, check out the new book Nick Drake - A Life by Morton Jacks. I started reading it and can't put it down.
You are bringing attention to Nick and his band mates. True talent always rises to the top, it may take decades, but there is a place. 🥬🍕☕🚀📬50th year on, good luck Nick.
'One Of These Things First' is my favorite. I heard it driving and I had to pull over! Your commentary at the end made me emotional because your words and appreciation for his music came from your soul. Some art/artists can make you feel deeply and I loved your tribute to such a fine musician. Thank you Abby! Godspeed Nick!
Thank you, Abby, for covering Nick Drake on your channel. Nick is one of my favourite artists. I have always found his beautiful, melancholic songs very soothing and relaxing. I love all three of his albums, with "Five Leaves Left" probably being my favourite. If you are interested in going deeper into the tragically short life of Nick Drake, then I would highly recommend Richard Morton Jack's excellent new biography, "Nick Drake- The Life".
Another fantastic review, and nothing left out or unsaid in 34 minutes. Pink Moon is beautiful and creates a very comfortable escape and timeless vision. Five Leaves Left is also purely excellent for those who haven't heard. You even covered the strings on his guitar. Bravo!
Most definately 'Riverman' from his 1st album. It's sublime. I'm surprised that song has never been used in a film soundtrack. His second album Bryter Layter was by far his best.
I don't know who or how, but somehow, when I was nursury school age, at the height of his career, I heard Nick. Someome in my early childhood, in college town Nebraska, had a copy of Bryter Later. My best guess is he came though on tour, and one of my aunts or uncles was there. One of These Things First is in the same neighborhood as Vince G's Pumpkin Waltz.
Thank you so much for giving this beautiful album a great show. Superb work. I don’t think it can be overstated how incredible a guitarist Nick was. There are tabs and sheet music around for nearly all of his songs, but his parts are extremely difficult to replicate. Amazing that he had such skill and imagination at that age.
Thank you for reviewing Pink Moon on the Pink Moon this year Abby. As our BBC says 'The full Pink Moon follows on 24 April at 21:33 BST, the fourth full moon of 2024'. As timely as could be, and as delightful, insightful and enchanting as all your Vinyl Monday's seem to be...
THANK YOU for always going in depth with the background and the creation of the album/artist! I'm very new to Rock music and I can't tell you the amount of bare info about the background of lesser known albums/artists on Wikipedia I've come across, when most of the times, that part is just as interesting compared to the music itself. This channel as been a godsend for me, as a great source of extra knowledge and info, that's surprisingly pretty scarce when it comes to leaser known "classics". Always enjoy your videos, but just that comment on how Wiki offers little context of retrospective reviews drove me to leave a comment. I often come to your videos off the album names I recognize, but always end up staying for 30+ minutes just due to how well you lay out the history of an album. Also, great shout on 4+20
About a decade ago, when cd's were still a thing, I bought the Nick Drake single "River Man"! It came in a recreation of the '7" Single' sleeve! Loving the channel Abigail! 👏🏻👌🏻👍🏻
?? when cds were still a thing" ?? I still buy CDs along with vinyl LPs. In fact, I've got one on order from Germany (I'm in the UK) right now. It's an early surfer girls singles compilation entitled "Surf Bunnies and Hot Rod Honeys". Okay, it might not be quite as introverted and earnest and soul-searching as Nick Drake but hey, I like it! Best Wishes
It’s hard to pick a favorite song, lyric, or line. But it might be that my one favorite *word* in any song is the “need” in Place To Be: “oh so weak in this need for you”. He’s almost out of breath when finishing the line, such a palpable sense of longing ❤️
Always look forward to watching each episode of Vinyl Monday! An extensive knowledge of music history, brilliant album reviews from a wide range of artists both known and lesser known, Vinyl Monday is always a highly informative and entertaining watch. Loved this review of Pink Moon and Nick Drake. Much appreciated💜🙏❤️
Nick Drake's music featured extensively in the long-running and very popular 1990s UK TV drama "Heartbeat", which was set in the 1960s. Some of his songs made it onto the accompanying soundtrack CDs which sold really well, They were probably the first time most of the British public became aware of his name and must have earned his estate more than he ever earned when he was alive. My favourite: Northern Sky.
Recently I've taken the time to learn how to play and sing Which Will, and this video showing up in my recommendations feels like really special timing. Thank you for the time and care you put into this album and Nick's music. It's such a lovely window into his music and someone's personal journey with it.
Nick is definitely the Father of Lo-Fi. I wouldn't call his music "Nothing" I would call it more "Delicate" and "Whimsical." It's like that friend who always talks so softly and you really have to pay attention to them when they talk. Is that James Jewel Osterberg and Co I saw for next week? From Lo-Fi to the forerunners of Punk and Metal. Since there are few people more self destructive than Mr Osterberg this one will be fun.
River Man is my favorite of his songs. It was the song that introduced me to him. This was my first time on your channel and I will be back! Subscribed. Very poetic and thoughtful perspective on his work. Thank you!
I had Nick Drake's music in my collection while he was still alive. At 14(1970), I returned from a vacation in England with my mother. I brought with me a copy of the music newspaper "Melody Maker", which featured an advertisement for an Island Records "sampler" 2-L.P. set named "Bumpers", which I then mail orderred from a record "shop" in England. It contained a song by Nick Drake named "Hazey Jane". "Pink Moon" wasn't Nick's first U.S.A. release. Island Records(through a brief manufacturing/distribution deal with Capitol Records) released an L.P. named "Nick Drake", which I bought first as an 8-track cartridge, then as a vinyl L.P. . As I would discover after Nick's passing, "Nick Drake" was a compilation of tracks from the UK albums "Five Leaves Left" and "Bryter Layter".
Thank you for exploring Nick’s world and music. I discovered Pink Moon from that Volkswagen ad 20 years ago and never looked back. His music is a blessing; some of the strangest yet heart wrenchingly, achingly beautiful. Once you listen to him there’s no going back. As always, nicely done with the Slowdive plug. Bless you :)
i almost squealed when the recommendation for this video popped up! nick drake is one of my favourite artists and pink moon is one of my favourite albums. it's incredible and almost unbelievable how someone managed to capture so much beauty on one record. he was such a lovely, intelligent and skilful person (my nick drake poster is staring at me while i'm writing this comment 👀) and not to sound parasocial or anything but i miss him every day. i love your vinyl monday series! it's so great to see a young woman talk so unabashedly and knowledgeably about music, especially older music, which is a generally male-dominated and often misogynistic scene. i loved this video and i am looking forward to the next vinyl monday
I first discovered Nick Drake when I was a teenager and I came across an old copy of "Five Leaves Left" at a used bookstore. As someone who wasn't into the music that was popular at the time (N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears. etc), I fell in love with his voice and this led me into the world of English Folk Rock.
My favourite folk album of all time and Nick at his strongest, in my opinion. His discography still glows and remains as beautiful and strong. I also played Pink Moon on guitar and vocals next to Nick's headstone on his birthday and placed the three albums on it in his honour.
The story I was told is Nike taped all the songs for Pink Moon on his reel to reel at home. Then he just showed up at the studio where he dropped off the tapes at the front desk, telling the receptionist this was his new album and then just left.
Nick Said it best. Fame is but a fruit tree So very unsound It can never flourish ‘Til its stock is in the ground So men of fame Can never find a way ‘Til time has flown Far from their dying day
This is Nick's best album, in my opinion. One of the most beautiful records ever made by anyone. His first two were good, but I prefer the unadorned Nick, just his voice, guitar, occasional piano. The way it was meant to be. Listening to this album is akin to laying on a cloud or floating down a peaceful river as the sun sets.
A lovely, knowledgeable review of a legendary album. My fave Nick song is 'River Man', a song that I consider to be haunting and beautiful; it always gives me goosebumps. There have been songs released that were recorded after 'Pink Moon' by Nick when it seemed that he was getting better. However, the song 'Black Eyed Dog' is heartbreaking; you can hear the pain in Nick's voice.
as a millennial, that's exactly how it happened: first the vw commercial (was enchanted but didn't know how to find out what the song was), then the royal tenenbaums (oh, hey, it's that guy's voice again! i can look up the soundtrack!). from there, i had a friend download his albums for me and burn me some cds. i still have them somewhere...
Pink Moon is one of my favorite records. Thank you for providing such a great in depth analysis and commentary. I'll be checking out your other videos.
Niiick Draaaaake! So stoked to hear you cover this record. Tho I can't help but want to point to his other two even better imho albums as an answer to your astute criticism on Pink Moon's shortcomings. Keep in mind its only shortcomings are that it isn't either Five Leaves Left or Bryter Layter.
The rhythm of his acoustic guitar strumming on the title track just might be the Most Relaxing Sound Ever (TM). It feels like an oar continuously being dipped into a placid autumn lake.
Another sad story but only recently rediscovered beautiful album, Judee Sill's 1973 Heart Food would be worth a Vinyl Monday, though I'm not sure if it's on vinyl, though I'm sure trusty Abi can find it.
I had talked to John Wood many years ago. Regarding Pink Moon,when Nick and John completed the album John asked Nick about arrangents. Nick simply said he didn't want any arrangements. The only overdub was the piano on Pink Moon played by Nick. I also talked to Colman Andrews as well. Colman was known as a bon viant. He was the Orson Welles of the literary and culinary world. He came across as quite the character.
I found out about Nick through a RUclips channel talking about his life and music and I’ve been listening to probably 6 or seven songs of Nick’s at my job driving and it’s addictive in a good way. Love his guitar work and I play a little guitar myself and I just really like his music. I’m 57
Hey Abigail, im pretty new to the chanel and i love your content. Your style is impeccable as is your taste in music. Love the way you give us an in depth look at some of the greatest records ever. Great episode and much love from a great city for vinyl collectors Edinburgh Scotland.
I had owned "Five Leaves Left" for decades, but never had become a fan, except for the "River Man", and therefore never had the urge to have more of Nick. then I got myself a CD of Pink Moom from a bargain offer, at the time I was deep into fingerpicking guitar style, as a listener and as a player. And I must say that it is such a gift to have one last album of Nick in its purity, at least. It cannot be better, except there are no more of these musical blessings. It is one of the truly perfect albums from the classic folk/rock period. Adding to all the stories about mental condition, it's worth mentioning, that he was a heavy pothead. It's the most reliable way to make an unstable person even more unstable. (I'm not sure from where I have the information, possibly Joe Boyd's "White Bicycles".) I think of that "just five leaves left" alert sheet marking a very uncomfortable situation. Aside from the extreme shyness of Nick Drake in particular, it is worth mentioning that a lot of the great folk guitar fingerpickers had extreme fluctuations in quality on stage, ranging from brilliant to total failure. This includes John Fahey, Davey Graham, Bert Jantsch, and I even saw Kaki King struggling hard. Performing solo without the safety net of a band in the 60ies/70ies, just consider: These compositions are based on individual guitar tunings. Not being classically trained, not having the perfect pitch hearing ability, and having no digital guitar tuner devices available, but having to perform a repertoire that depends on repeated re-tuning of the guitar, a performance night starting at mediocre bodily or mental condition can easily turn out as a disaster.
Really good episode Abbi. I appreciate the research you do for Vinyl Mondays and the amazing amount of context you provide detailing the artists, producers, engineers and musicians creating these timeless albums. I know you get “but what about”isms in your comments for requests, but I’m about to do the same 😊. Judee Sill and Vashti Bunyan. I found their beautiful music through Nick as a gateway drug. Judee has a strong Laurel Canyon connection and Vashti was also part of Joe Boyd’s artist collective. And they both created timeless albums that are criminally overlooked. 🙏
I remember buying this cd on the bargain wall of my local record store in 2007 it was well loved so I bought it on those strengths and when I put this album on I was moved and it was a fantastic 30 minutes of wonderful music after this I bought everything that Nick Drake ever did
This record helped me so much a year and a half ago when i was dealing with really bad depression. listening to parasite for the first time on my way home from college looking out the bus window at the rain will always be a core memory for me :]]
I've come to really adore the way that you analyze music! It's always a treat when you cover an album I have connected with deeply and spiritually such as this one. Having such an eye for the finer details has always been the most fruitful and fulfilling part of music listening for me, and being exposed to new details I missed after countless listens is amazing! There were truly times I found myself tearing up with the way you'd describe the beauty of songs like Horn. And the extensive research you do for each video will not go unnoticed. SERIOUSLY amazing video here, Abby! I have no doubt your approach to and passion for music analysis will take you very far!
Abigail, for what it is worth, those current pressings of the Nick D back catalogue do seem to be absolutely excellent. They've done a lovely job of the old Island labels!
Nick Drake is a case of delayed recommendation. First, there was a push of a few recent low profile acts in the late '70s like Rodriguez and Nick Drake's back catalogue fit there. I looked at the cover art which didn't look like a ransom note and turned the page. Cut to the late '90s and a friend, also a guitarist, pushed a few things on to me, including Leonard Cohen and Nick Drake. I took the Cohen and thanked him for the other one. A touch more curious, this time, I napstered all the Nick Drake I could find in piecemeal fashion. Early '00s, I was on a writing project and got into the habit of playing large folders of mp3s on my computer. I stopped a few times to register the beauty of Way To Blue, saying, "hm, what's this?" and just going on. One night, this happened again and I stopped what I was doing and checked the winamp playlist. Alright, godammit, I'll get that, too. That friend from before did home burns of the three main CDs and the door swang open and didn't shut again. Five Leaves Left gets my vote for best overall play but when I got to Pink Moon I knew it was a forever home. I bought the Fruit Tree CD set which had the documentary A Skin Too Few with its rainy night melancholy and heartbreak. Sorry for the word flood and thank you for this celebration. As for Vinyl Friday, tip taken, thanks, and the more the merrier.
I first discovered Nick Drake in 2001 when I watched The Royal Tenenbaums at the cinema and he was part of the soundtrack. Ever since then I've loved his music. I have all the records he released. I even have his mother Molly's music that was released some years back (a book with CDs filled with songs and poems of hers). I hiked all alone to Knivskjellodden (the northern most point of landmass Europe a year or two before the pandemic, walking amongst reindeers and strange birds and dangerously slippery rocks and cliffs, past small waterfalls and rivers, I finally came to the coastline where Europe ended. There are no roads to this place. I was the only person there. I had Nick Drake in my headphones for most of the journey there.
My wife and were married in a beautiful garden setting in upstate NY. We chose "Northern Sky" as the processional music. When my soon-to-be wife had asked me for a suggestion for the processional music, "Northern Sky" was the first thing I thought of. She was unfamiliar with the song, so I played it for her. She thought it was incredibly beautiful and she agreed it would be perfect. And it was. Aside from my sentimental attachment to this song, my favorite is "Fly." The combination of Nick's voice and that descending riff, what sounds like a harpsichord and that incredible John Cale viola accompaniment just kills me.
Cabbage night?! Cool, never heard that term before. In my east Pittsburgh suburb where I grew up, they called it 'devil's eve'. You learn something new every day!
A very nice, loving tribute to a unique artist. The 4,000 OG copy total is astonishingly low. The early 70s yielded some remarkable albums by artists that were victims of great misfortune. (Big Star is another)
Great, evocative album, and you're right - it's more reflective than depressed. Crazy thing - the moon was exactly the same color as the album cover tonight!
'Solid Air' is a wonderful metaphor for the depression which crushed Nick Drake. It's an almost spookily accurate analysis, and a love letter and a timely attempt to reach out and help (although Nick spent a lot of time being looked after by John and Beverley Martyn). He had friends and family who tried to help in really constructive ways, in the end it's just that they couldn't. But I agree that there was nothing 'inevitable' about his end, I think it's more that the chances of his character finding a way were not good, despite all the good chances that were thrown his way (he even played for the Rolling Stones in Morocco; Jagger asked him to contact him back in London but I can imagine Nick vaguely thinking "Oh it would be awkward and pushy to follow up").
By the way, I love Pink Moon, it's my favourite of his albums, though Five Leaves Left has my favourite songs. I just don't get Joe Boyd's (and many others') response that it's an unbearably depressing record.
Nick Drake was *the* artist that open me up to folk music, for a person that loves instrumental and complex music a guy with a guitar just didn´t appeal to me...how will I like it? Oh but I did, I love his voice so down to earth so non showy and to himself(also thank you for that Slowdive connection! one of my favorite bands), his lyrics so introspective and something that you mention and that I like a lot in my folk music-simple and to the point lyrics, and the guitar playing is also so good, I´ve heard the album today and before it "Horn" was there, I really liked it but wasn´t something especial but after this lisen I´ve grown to really like it´s sparceness and it was cool that you liked the song so much it really has grown on me, I connect a lot with Nick Drake I don´t see him as a sad person I see him as he is on those photos of him on the outdoors in the forest, quietlly thinking by himself, the only one he needs Thank you for the video and I really have to see that A Skin Too Few doc you mentioned
what’s your favorite nick drake song? comment below!
well from the morning made me cry today so. it's fine lines though when talking about favourite nick drake songs
Norhthern Sky - timeless & beautiful. Love your work, Abby - thank you!
honestly this is my first nick drake album so i cant rlly say i have a fave yet 🙂
@@petesawchuk it is timeless yes.
'Which Will,' a song I first encountered via Lucinda Williams' devastating cover version.
I got into Nick's body of work when I was about 17 years old in 1996. Having been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder later in life, Pink Moon was a record that brought me so much consolation and solace during my periods/treatment of severe anxiety, clinical depression and suicidal ideation over the years. And continues to offer that solace. You've no idea....
I was also 17 but in 97😊 I also been diagnos with a few things past my 40s. Nick Drakes albums always kept me Calm. Check out Teiturs first album, Neil Halstead and José Gonzales
@@stayuntilforever I'm 21 and finding this album gave me a new motivation and gratefulness of life after being suicidal
@@Mrvictorfernandes Funny you mention ASD. When I listened to Nick Drake and read about his life and story I thought of autism. Introvert, misunderstood but very sensitive and intelligent
Got Five Leaves Left this week but I need to get the other albums as well.
Enjoy Nick Drake 🤠
"I saw Nick Drake
At the corner of time and motion
I caught his eye and he caught mine
I said, "You're tall, "
He said, "No taller than tomorrow's oceans"
I saw Nick Drake
And he was fine"
The love letter from Robyn Hitchcock :)
People often miss what a subtly supportive and uplifting album Pink Moon is - it says something about Drake that he was able to muster that from the depths of clinical depression.
I agree. It’s hanging on to even the dimmest hope while on the darkest side.
i'll admit even i missed that - it's brave to have hope
Gotta say, really appreciate how you actually tell the story of Nick (from what we have) without any of the super romanticized, “tragic brooding genius” shit. Like on the NMH and Nirvana episodes, you really drive the point that these people were just that, people.
I agree 👍🏾💯
She has an excellent talent for presentation ☺️
I feel sorry for the musicians who never lived to see people give them the love they deserve. Ian Curtis, Elliot Smith, Jackson C. Frank, Jeff & Tim Buckley, and of course Nick Drake. But it's refreshing to know that even after death, their legacies live on. There's a saying that you die twice, once when you stop living, and again when your name is spoken for the final time. So if we followed that rule, all those people I mentioned will live forever, thanks to their music.
Nick's story is beautifully tragic, as someone who's also battled depression, his music really resonates with me a lot, it's very comforting. Great episode once again 💜💜💜
Add Jackson C. Frank to your list 😥
@@RIUUI007 Just read about him, yeah, similarly tragic, too.
@@smaz9 Yeah Jackson C. Frank had a couple of achingly beautiful tracks on his only studio album.
And since you mentioned Jeff Buckley, we also need to mention his musician father Tim. Tim also made beautiful music. It's insane and cruel how none of them made it past 30.
@@RIUUI007 Of course.
I'll add those names to my original comment
Duane Allman? Allman bros were just coming out of obscurity when he passed on. But he did get love from Clapton which probably meant more than laurels
HEADS UP!! You can listen to the recent BBC Promenade Concert Nick Drake Tribute Concert, from 24th July, in the Royal Albert Hall!! It is here on RUclips, but only in audio, (you can see a couple of brief video snaps if you google the concert) and also on BBC Sounds app. It features a full orchestra and several vocalists and performers from the folk scene. The arrangements are based on those from the records. His sister Gabrielle also appears, recites a poem, and does a lovely interval chat. This is wonderful. I was at the Annual Nick Drake Gathering this year, which was really beautiful!
Pink Moon is one of my favorite albums. I love the sparse production and the alternate tunings. Just a brilliant piece of work to listen to on a rainy day when you're home and warm.
I had a friend Tony, now sadly passed, who was several years older than me and was very much part of the local scene in the late 1960s early 1970s. He told me of how, one gorgeous summer's afternoon he, and a group of friends dropped acid in the general area of Tanworth in Arden. They were wandering through the bucolic landscape when they heard the sound of a voice and guitar drifting on the heavy summer's air. Intrigued, they headed towards the source until they alighted on a solitary guy , sitting under the bower of a tree lost in their music. Tony said, instinctively, , they felt they shouldn't impinge on the players space and they sat in a tree line out of his gaze until he finished and wandered off, guitar in hand. That memory, heightened by the acid stuck with him. Cut to over decade later whilst at a friend's house where the friend plays Nick's Pink Moon and Tony immediately recognised that voice and that guitar style. ...
Pink Moon and Grace from Jeff Buckley are my go to albums whenever I need a good cry. As an introvert myself, Nick Drake's music helps me through my darkest periods. Great episode Abby!
I read that Nick Drake's producer Joe Boyd said of him: Nick was a brilliant singer-songwriter guitarist, when playing live though after each song he would have to retune, as each song had different guitar tunings. This would be musical coitus interruptus to his audience. In turn, this would affect bookings. His albums are great but he couldn't generate a live audience. Today, he could have 3 guitars ready with guitar techs tuning them for him.
a description of why exactly that tour went so wrong - this included - was in my OG script but cut for brevity. i have no idea why nick wasn’t at least provided with a second guitar for shows, if not a tech - the guy didn’t even have a personal manager. not to mention booking him in noisy clubs and bars. strange choices all around
@@abigaildevoe More importantly, Joe Boyd said that Nick was so prepared and so much of a perfectionist in creating precisely the sound he wanted that he would almost always do the first take just right. So Joe Boyd always made sure to give attention to the other musicians or the orchestral arrangement, since they were the ones who couldn't get it right in one take. As for live performance, I don't think anyone else could manage to get his tunings right. I'm not a guitarist but have read that other guitarists have struggled for years trying to achieve his sound. His tunings were highly unusual and tricky. Further, he seemed to be playing on dead nickel strings, according to one guitarist who has a lengthy analysis of searching for the Nick Drake sound, and that thuddy, deep tone was part of his signature sound.
@@surfwriter8461 his favorite tuning CGCFCE is just open C with the G string tuned down to F but it is very out of the way from most other stuff. And he does jump around on tunings a lot, but for shows I feel like he could have just stuck to one or two and played songs in those tunings
@@bobdylanlovr69 Interesting comment, and I'll assume that you're somewhat right about the departures from that somewhat standard way for Nick to tune the guitar. But remember, he was extremely introverted and a perfectionist who was also incredibly uncomfortable in front of a crowd. His songs make enough switches in tuning of the guitar that I'm not sure he could have confined himself to a couple of tunings to play only the songs you suggest would be in that same or similar tuning. But his tuning of the guitar onstage might have also been a way of avoiding engagement with the audience. Sure, I would still have liked him to achieve success in performance and record sales. But his struggle with mental health made that increasingly difficult.
I really appreciate you devoting a lengthy commentary to the music of Nick Drake. He gained a much larger audience well after his death, largely due to the VW commercial featuring "Pink Moon". I championed his music well before that, after I discovered one of his albums at a university radio station where I was a DJ. At that time, he was almost totally unknown. It's tragic that he died before a larger audience could embrace him, maybe because of being somewhat ahead of his time. His haunting voice, his gorgeous guitar work, his emotional richness and deeply affecting lyrics--all contributed to a body of work that is rich with so many songs that transport us to a place unique to his sound.
I take issue with so much time spent on the "Pink Moon" cover art before delving into the songs themselves, and also a bit too much quoting from the critics of the day who couldn't appreciate Nick's music due to their own inadequacies. But the rest of your commentary contains some important information about Nick's troubled life and those who tried so hard to make him successful, to reach a larger audience that he deserved. And you're right to talk about the challenges of getting airplay and support for an artist who was so introverted and socially awkward. But don't be misled. According to Joe Boyd and others who knew him, Nick DID think he was destined to be a major figure in the the music business. He was deeply disappointed by the lack of commercial success, feeling that his music was worthy of massive sales and notoriety. According to one of the reports I've found, David Geffen was said to be enamored of Nick's music and swore he could make a star of him. But apparently, no record deal could be arranged to shift him from the Island label, where Chris Blackwell was very devoted to Nick.
I urge people to seek out his first two albums as well as "Pink Moon," his most raw and harrowing set of songs. There are great songs on those first two albums, "Five Leaves Left" and "Bryter Layter" which also feature some excellent musicians working with Nick, including Richard Thompson and John Cale. The posthumous album releases are much more inconsistent. There are a few great songs worthy of being released, but also too many that are not up to his standards and should not have been released, in my opinion.
Agreed, and “Parasite” while revealing a somber mood, also lends an appreciation to the darkness, like a starry sky.
just walking through the streets of my home city, someone playing pink moon. sunny afternoon. happy pigeons. feels good.
This is the most loving review of music I have ever heard. I'm sure Abby would have loved to have met Nick in person. As we all would. Thank you, Abby!
Nick Drake made a profound difference in the way I listen to music. Just to give my two cents, I think Pink Moon struck a chord with me because of how intimate it sounds and the music itself is so personal. When I put on his vinyl, including Five Leaves Left and Bryter Layter, there’s something about his musicality, tone, and style that come together to feel that he’s singing in the same room as you. It speaks volumes that his music resonates so deeply with almost everyone that hears it, thank you for sharing your thoughts and using your platform to bring awareness to the amazing world of music Nick Drake created!
Hi abbi! I’m 14 and ur channel has inspired me to start an art/music channel (I’m commenting from it😛)where I draw art based off of classic rock albums. Ur videos are so good and introduce me to a lot of new music! Thanks for making great videos and teaching me so much about this music. I’ve never even heard of Nick Drake until today, but I listened to Pink Moon and liked it! Just wanna say thanks
Hello, Abigail. Gabrielle Drake was a early life star on the uk series, UFO. It's on the roku channel and she wore a purple wig! If you didn't know...thanks for your beauty vids.
She seems to have her own small cult fan base in the vintage SciFi community. Quite a cutie!
@@dogranch She appeared 2 weeks ago in the BBC Nick Drake Tribute Promenade concert, in the Albert Hall. A must to catch up on for Nick fans!
Your lines about "blend of light and shade" and "beauty in simply being alive" are so perfect. This made me think of how I get the same vibes from the Wim Wenders 1987 film "Wings of Desire". That film and Pink Moon are about the incredibleness of being human, having human senses and thoughts all in the vastness of the physical and spiritual world.
Nicks Sister, Gabrielle had a quite successful acting career. In Sci-Fi circles she is best known for her role as Lt Ellis in 1969-70 UK series `U.F.O`.
Mind blown. Man, you really learn something new every day. I absolutely LOVE Lt. Ellis in UFO and had no idea! Wow!!! Craziness!
She really did a lot to promote his legacy.
She was a major beauty. And very devoted to supporting Nick and carrying his legacy after Nick's death.
Been to his grave in Tamworth In Arden, when I used to work nearby... Worth checking out his Mum's (slight) album and, even more so, the recent album The Songs and Poems of Molly Drake by The Unthanks, currently the most interesting English folk group, who've also covered King Crimson (Starless). The book Nick Drake by music journalist Patrick Humphries, who was at Cambridge University with the mellifluous singer, is insightful. in 1999 Brad Pitt even recorded a tribute to him for BBC Radio, Lost Boy - In Praise of Nick Drake.
When The Guardian newspaper in the UK got bored with all the end of the century best album lists having the same records (Beatles, Dylan, Stones etc) on them in 1999 they asked a bunch of music journalists for their alternative best album of the twentieth century. Bryter Layter by Nick Drake won that poll! Pink Moon was Number 80 out of the 100 listed. (It also included Odessey and Oracle at 77)
I love you and your channel. I never miss !! For me, I feel that Nick is the Vincent Van Gogh of music. He didn’t get popular until after his death, but I was lucky enough to have a girlfriend of mine back in 1989 turn me on to Nick Drake. After she played the album Pink Moon , in its entirety for me, I immediately went out and bought every album I could have his. I then proceeded to lock myself in my room and “binged- listened “ to his music. I heard his genius and felt his pain. It was like a spiritual experience, and till this day he is still one of my favorite artists. It’s just ashamed that no one appreciated his talent during his short life on this planet, but just think what would have happened if he was recognized for his talent and achieved fame and fortune. Would he still be writing great music today or would he have still met the same fate that had ended his life? We will never know 🙏☮️
Really enjoyed this episode! This is one of those albums where you feel the music throughout your entire body, it’s unexplainable but always gives me goosebumps in the best kind of way.
Between Nick Drake & Arnold Layne-era Pink Floyd, Joe Boyd is responsible for midwifing some of the best music ever put on tape.
He's also the author of the best book I've ever read about the 1960s London music scene. It's called White Bicycles for anyone interested.
I love Nicks music. To me he is to music what Van Gogh is to painting. A brilliant artist that made great art and struggled with mental health issues that harmed what might have been a great career.
Once again, Vinyl Monday delivers the goods! If only there were twice as many Mondays in the month. Thank you Abigail for making Mondays my favorite day of the week.
...may is coming...
Thank you for this. I love Nick Drake, and more than almost any other artist, when listening to his music I reach back emotionally through the decades to connect with him. His music makes you feel like he's there. Your review gets right in that space together with us. I like thinking of Nick smiling, and I totally agree with you not to connect the beauty of his albums with the pain he felt at the end of his life.
Yes to Neil Halstead. Another artist who's in that same zone is Townes van Zandt.
I hope that Nick Drake is at rest somewhere better than here. As someone who struglles with mental health issues, his music helped me a lot through rough times
This may just be your best Vinyl Monday yet, Abby! I found my parent's dusty old CD reissue of Pink Moon from the early 2000s, and played it constantly throughout high school and college. I found myself getting a little misty eyed during your recounting of watching the Nick Drake documentary; I had a similar experience reading Richard Morton Jack's new biography of Nick that came out last year, especially how it talked about his family life and how they tried to understand his mental health struggles. Side note: another great album I thought of when you mentioned Nick's hushed vocals and the concept of "nothing music" is the Habibi Funk label's reissue of Roger Fakhr's "Fine Anyway". A lot of songs on that album owe a stylistic debt to Nick's guitar playing and singing. Keep up the great work!! 😀
Absolutely love this album … Nick Drake is such and under appreciated artist … Pink Moon is just genius! Thank you!
This album doesn’t sound like a typical 70's album bc it’s very proto indie and acoustic like a Donovan album or maybe a Dylan album but more stripped back 🎸🎼
But that’s sucks this album was released like three years before his death bc its sad to see some artists go before they can see the love we give their work like Ian Curtis from JoyDivision and ofc Nick Drake
i just never had you down as a nick drake listener abby: apologies if you think that i've made assumptions that i don't have any right to. a strong aspect of this weeks episode is the tracking of the artists living influence.
when i first heard five leaves it became imperative for me to access everything he had ever recorded. it seemed uncompromising music in it's own way: art and soul. absolutely one of my top ten favourite guitarists.
lucinda williams does a fine cover of which will.
there is the the sadness from unanswered questions when we first encounter his story but a day once dawned, and it was miraculously beautiful.
I've been obsessed with this record for the last 3 months, and have been binge watching some of your videos in the laste few days, so this video was such a pleasent surprise for me. Thank you
I first discovered Nick in the 1990’s. A neighbor had his records and was really into him. At the time I wondered why I hadn’t heard of him before. Great stuff, should have been huge. R.I.P
For me you have Nick and you have everyone else. He was timeless. If you want to know the complete story of his life ( and the only biography approved by Gabrielle, his sister, check out the new book Nick Drake - A Life by Morton Jacks. I started reading it and can't put it down.
You are bringing attention to Nick and his band mates. True talent always rises to the top, it may take decades, but there is a place. 🥬🍕☕🚀📬50th year on, good luck Nick.
'One Of These Things First' is my favorite. I heard it driving and I had to pull over! Your commentary at the end made me emotional because your words and appreciation for his music came from your soul. Some art/artists can make you feel deeply and I loved your tribute to such a fine musician. Thank you Abby! Godspeed Nick!
Thank you, Abby, for covering Nick Drake on your channel.
Nick is one of my favourite artists. I have always found his beautiful, melancholic songs very soothing and relaxing. I love all three of his albums, with "Five Leaves Left" probably being my favourite.
If you are interested in going deeper into the tragically short life of Nick Drake, then I would highly recommend Richard Morton Jack's excellent new biography, "Nick Drake- The Life".
that biography will definitely be on my reading list for the next nick video!
@@abigaildevoe I'm thrilled to hear there will be a next Nick video! YAY!
Another fantastic review, and nothing left out or unsaid in 34 minutes. Pink Moon is beautiful and creates a very comfortable escape and timeless vision. Five Leaves Left is also purely excellent for those who haven't heard. You even covered the strings on his guitar. Bravo!
Most definately 'Riverman' from his 1st album. It's sublime. I'm surprised that song has never been used in a film soundtrack. His second album Bryter Layter was by far his best.
I swear to God, I have Beavis bubbles popping around my head right now! This is the coolest Vinyl Monday installment EVER!!
Was not expecting the Slowdive and Neil extra feature. But that really made this even more special. Thanks!
I don't know who or how, but somehow, when I was nursury school age, at the height of his career, I heard Nick. Someome in my early childhood, in college town Nebraska, had a copy of Bryter Later. My best guess is he came though on tour, and one of my aunts or uncles was there. One of These Things First is in the same neighborhood as Vince G's Pumpkin Waltz.
My kindergarten music teacher, Mrs. Boehlke, is a possibility, too. (To her I attribute Chick Corea's "Piano Improvisations Vol. 1")
Thank you so much for giving this beautiful album a great show. Superb work. I don’t think it can be overstated how incredible a guitarist Nick was. There are tabs and sheet music around for nearly all of his songs, but his parts are extremely difficult to replicate. Amazing that he had such skill and imagination at that age.
Thanks, Abi, for this real and warm picture of Nick. I love your work.
Thank you for your incisive comments on the deep art of Nick Drake!
Thank you for reviewing Pink Moon on the Pink Moon this year Abby. As our BBC says 'The full Pink Moon follows on 24 April at 21:33 BST, the fourth full moon of 2024'. As timely as could be, and as delightful, insightful and enchanting as all your Vinyl Monday's seem to be...
THANK YOU for always going in depth with the background and the creation of the album/artist! I'm very new to Rock music and I can't tell you the amount of bare info about the background of lesser known albums/artists on Wikipedia I've come across, when most of the times, that part is just as interesting compared to the music itself. This channel as been a godsend for me, as a great source of extra knowledge and info, that's surprisingly pretty scarce when it comes to leaser known "classics".
Always enjoy your videos, but just that comment on how Wiki offers little context of retrospective reviews drove me to leave a comment. I often come to your videos off the album names I recognize, but always end up staying for 30+ minutes just due to how well you lay out the history of an album. Also, great shout on 4+20
About a decade ago, when cd's were still a thing, I bought the Nick Drake single "River Man"!
It came in a recreation of the '7" Single' sleeve!
Loving the channel Abigail!
👏🏻👌🏻👍🏻
?? when cds were still a thing" ??
I still buy CDs along with vinyl LPs. In fact, I've got one on order from Germany (I'm in the UK) right now. It's an early surfer girls singles compilation entitled "Surf Bunnies and Hot Rod Honeys". Okay, it might not be quite as introverted and earnest and soul-searching as Nick Drake but hey, I like it!
Best Wishes
I have that single too!
And for 'about a decade ago', try 20 years ago! 🙂 I know, I know...
One of my favourite artists. The recent book released about him is highly recommended.
It’s hard to pick a favorite song, lyric, or line. But it might be that my one favorite *word* in any song is the “need” in Place To Be: “oh so weak in this need for you”. He’s almost out of breath when finishing the line, such a palpable sense of longing ❤️
Always look forward to watching each episode of Vinyl Monday! An extensive knowledge of music history, brilliant album reviews from a wide range of artists both known and lesser known, Vinyl Monday is always a highly informative and entertaining watch. Loved this review of Pink Moon and Nick Drake. Much appreciated💜🙏❤️
Nick Drake's music featured extensively in the long-running and very popular 1990s UK TV drama "Heartbeat", which was set in the 1960s. Some of his songs made it onto the accompanying soundtrack CDs which sold really well, They were probably the first time most of the British public became aware of his name and must have earned his estate more than he ever earned when he was alive. My favourite: Northern Sky.
Recently I've taken the time to learn how to play and sing Which Will, and this video showing up in my recommendations feels like really special timing.
Thank you for the time and care you put into this album and Nick's music. It's such a lovely window into his music and someone's personal journey with it.
i can't believe sid barret named an album pink moon in reference of his old band pink floyd 🤯
Northern sky and/or River Man. Way to blue , compiled and sequenced by Joe Boyd is a great listen.
Lovely video thanks. Nick Drake is my favourite singer/songwriter - he has been a friend to me for a long time...
Nick is definitely the Father of Lo-Fi. I wouldn't call his music "Nothing" I would call it more "Delicate" and "Whimsical." It's like that friend who always talks so softly and you really have to pay attention to them when they talk. Is that James Jewel Osterberg and Co I saw for next week? From Lo-Fi to the forerunners of Punk and Metal. Since there are few people more self destructive than Mr Osterberg this one will be fun.
River Man is my favorite of his songs. It was the song that introduced me to him. This was my first time on your channel and I will be back! Subscribed. Very poetic and thoughtful perspective on his work. Thank you!
I had Nick Drake's music in my collection while he was still alive. At 14(1970), I returned from a vacation in England with my mother. I brought with me a copy of the music newspaper "Melody Maker", which featured an advertisement for an Island Records "sampler" 2-L.P. set named "Bumpers", which I then mail orderred from a record "shop" in England. It contained a song by Nick Drake named "Hazey Jane". "Pink Moon" wasn't Nick's first U.S.A. release. Island Records(through a brief manufacturing/distribution deal with Capitol Records) released an L.P. named "Nick Drake", which I bought first as an 8-track cartridge, then as a vinyl L.P. . As I would discover after Nick's passing, "Nick Drake" was a compilation of tracks from the UK albums "Five Leaves Left" and "Bryter Layter".
Thank you for exploring Nick’s world and music. I discovered Pink Moon from that Volkswagen ad 20 years ago and never looked back. His music is a blessing; some of the strangest yet heart wrenchingly, achingly beautiful. Once you listen to him there’s no going back.
As always, nicely done with the Slowdive plug. Bless you :)
this might be my favorite video about an album on this whole platform
i almost squealed when the recommendation for this video popped up! nick drake is one of my favourite artists and pink moon is one of my favourite albums. it's incredible and almost unbelievable how someone managed to capture so much beauty on one record. he was such a lovely, intelligent and skilful person (my nick drake poster is staring at me while i'm writing this comment 👀) and not to sound parasocial or anything but i miss him every day. i love your vinyl monday series! it's so great to see a young woman talk so unabashedly and knowledgeably about music, especially older music, which is a generally male-dominated and often misogynistic scene. i loved this video and i am looking forward to the next vinyl monday
I first discovered Nick Drake when I was a teenager and I came across an old copy of "Five Leaves Left" at a used bookstore. As someone who wasn't into the music that was popular at the time (N'Sync, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears. etc), I fell in love with his voice and this led me into the world of English Folk Rock.
My favourite folk album of all time and Nick at his strongest, in my opinion. His discography still glows and remains as beautiful and strong. I also played Pink Moon on guitar and vocals next to Nick's headstone on his birthday and placed the three albums on it in his honour.
The story I was told is Nike taped all the songs for Pink Moon on his reel to reel at home. Then he just showed up at the studio where he dropped off the tapes at the front desk, telling the receptionist this was his new album and then just left.
No, Pink Moon was recorded in the studio. But he dropped the master tapes off at Joe Boyd’s office.
Heard my first Nick Drake song yesterday, he has a kind soul
Nick Said it best.
Fame is but a fruit tree
So very unsound
It can never flourish
‘Til its stock is in the ground
So men of fame
Can never find a way
‘Til time has flown
Far from their dying day
fame is but a fruit tree…his tree is healthy and strong
This is Nick's best album, in my opinion. One of the most beautiful records ever made by anyone. His first two were good, but I prefer the unadorned Nick, just his voice, guitar, occasional piano. The way it was meant to be. Listening to this album is akin to laying on a cloud or floating down a peaceful river as the sun sets.
Love this album. It was the VW commercial that reeled me in. And thanks for recommending Palindrome Hunches, just bought it😊
A lovely, knowledgeable review of a legendary album. My fave Nick song is 'River Man', a song that I consider to be haunting and beautiful; it always gives me goosebumps. There have been songs released that were recorded after 'Pink Moon' by Nick when it seemed that he was getting better. However, the song 'Black Eyed Dog' is heartbreaking; you can hear the pain in Nick's voice.
as a millennial, that's exactly how it happened: first the vw commercial (was enchanted but didn't know how to find out what the song was), then the royal tenenbaums (oh, hey, it's that guy's voice again! i can look up the soundtrack!). from there, i had a friend download his albums for me and burn me some cds. i still have them somewhere...
Pink Moon is one of my favorite records. Thank you for providing such a great in depth analysis and commentary. I'll be checking out your other videos.
Niiick Draaaaake! So stoked to hear you cover this record. Tho I can't help but want to point to his other two even better imho albums as an answer to your astute criticism on Pink Moon's shortcomings. Keep in mind its only shortcomings are that it isn't either Five Leaves Left or Bryter Layter.
The rhythm of his acoustic guitar strumming on the title track just might be the Most Relaxing Sound Ever (TM). It feels like an oar continuously being dipped into a placid autumn lake.
I consider Pink Moon one of the 10 greatest albums of all time
Another sad story but only recently rediscovered beautiful album, Judee Sill's 1973 Heart Food would be worth a Vinyl Monday, though I'm not sure if it's on vinyl, though I'm sure trusty Abi can find it.
I had talked to John Wood many years ago. Regarding Pink Moon,when Nick and John completed the album John asked Nick about arrangents. Nick simply said he didn't want any arrangements. The only overdub was the piano on Pink Moon played by Nick.
I also talked to Colman Andrews as well. Colman was known as a bon viant. He was the Orson Welles of the literary and culinary world. He came across as quite the character.
I found out about Nick through a RUclips channel talking about his life and music and I’ve been listening to probably 6 or seven songs of Nick’s at my job driving and it’s addictive in a good way. Love his guitar work and I play a little guitar myself and I just really like his music. I’m 57
There’s something about things behind the sun that is so haunting and his voice sounds like he can barely sing but man I really like that song
Pink Moon is one of the greatest albums ever. Learning to play the songs on guitar was one of the best experiences of my musical journey.
Hey Abigail, im pretty new to the chanel and i love your content. Your style is impeccable as is your taste in music. Love the way you give us an in depth look at some of the greatest records ever. Great episode and much love from a great city for vinyl collectors Edinburgh Scotland.
I had owned "Five Leaves Left" for decades, but never had become a fan, except for the "River Man", and therefore never had the urge to have more of Nick. then I got myself a CD of Pink Moom from a bargain offer, at the time I was deep into fingerpicking guitar style, as a listener and as a player. And I must say that it is such a gift to have one last album of Nick in its purity, at least. It cannot be better, except there are no more of these musical blessings. It is one of the truly perfect albums from the classic folk/rock period.
Adding to all the stories about mental condition, it's worth mentioning, that he was a heavy pothead. It's the most reliable way to make an unstable person even more unstable. (I'm not sure from where I have the information, possibly Joe Boyd's "White Bicycles".) I think of that "just five leaves left" alert sheet marking a very uncomfortable situation.
Aside from the extreme shyness of Nick Drake in particular, it is worth mentioning that a lot of the great folk guitar fingerpickers had extreme fluctuations in quality on stage, ranging from brilliant to total failure. This includes John Fahey, Davey Graham, Bert Jantsch, and I even saw Kaki King struggling hard. Performing solo without the safety net of a band in the 60ies/70ies, just consider: These compositions are based on individual guitar tunings.
Not being classically trained, not having the perfect pitch hearing ability, and having no digital guitar tuner devices available, but having to perform a repertoire that depends on repeated re-tuning of the guitar, a performance night starting at mediocre bodily or mental condition can easily turn out as a disaster.
Really good episode Abbi. I appreciate the research you do for Vinyl Mondays and the amazing amount of context you provide detailing the artists, producers, engineers and musicians creating these timeless albums. I know you get “but what about”isms in your comments for requests, but I’m about to do the same 😊. Judee Sill and Vashti Bunyan. I found their beautiful music through Nick as a gateway drug. Judee has a strong Laurel Canyon connection and Vashti was also part of Joe Boyd’s artist collective. And they both created timeless albums that are criminally overlooked. 🙏
I’m a hard rock and metal fan mostly but wow, This is Such a good album!
I absolutely love it! Love the album cover too.
I remember buying this cd on the bargain wall of my local record store in 2007 it was well loved so I bought it on those strengths and when I put this album on I was moved and it was a fantastic 30 minutes of wonderful music after this I bought everything that Nick Drake ever did
This record helped me so much a year and a half ago when i was dealing with really bad depression. listening to parasite for the first time on my way home from college looking out the bus window at the rain will always be a core memory for me :]]
I've come to really adore the way that you analyze music! It's always a treat when you cover an album I have connected with deeply and spiritually such as this one. Having such an eye for the finer details has always been the most fruitful and fulfilling part of music listening for me, and being exposed to new details I missed after countless listens is amazing! There were truly times I found myself tearing up with the way you'd describe the beauty of songs like Horn. And the extensive research you do for each video will not go unnoticed. SERIOUSLY amazing video here, Abby! I have no doubt your approach to and passion for music analysis will take you very far!
Abigail, for what it is worth, those current pressings of the Nick D back catalogue do seem to be absolutely excellent. They've done a lovely job of the old Island labels!
Such a distinctive and charming channel.
Nick Drake is a case of delayed recommendation. First, there was a push of a few recent low profile acts in the late '70s like Rodriguez and Nick Drake's back catalogue fit there. I looked at the cover art which didn't look like a ransom note and turned the page. Cut to the late '90s and a friend, also a guitarist, pushed a few things on to me, including Leonard Cohen and Nick Drake. I took the Cohen and thanked him for the other one. A touch more curious, this time, I napstered all the Nick Drake I could find in piecemeal fashion. Early '00s, I was on a writing project and got into the habit of playing large folders of mp3s on my computer. I stopped a few times to register the beauty of Way To Blue, saying, "hm, what's this?" and just going on. One night, this happened again and I stopped what I was doing and checked the winamp playlist. Alright, godammit, I'll get that, too. That friend from before did home burns of the three main CDs and the door swang open and didn't shut again. Five Leaves Left gets my vote for best overall play but when I got to Pink Moon I knew it was a forever home. I bought the Fruit Tree CD set which had the documentary A Skin Too Few with its rainy night melancholy and heartbreak. Sorry for the word flood and thank you for this celebration. As for Vinyl Friday, tip taken, thanks, and the more the merrier.
I first discovered Nick Drake in 2001 when I watched The Royal Tenenbaums at the cinema and he was part of the soundtrack.
Ever since then I've loved his music. I have all the records he released. I even have his mother Molly's music that was released some years back (a book with CDs filled with songs and poems of hers).
I hiked all alone to Knivskjellodden (the northern most point of landmass Europe a year or two before the pandemic, walking amongst reindeers and strange birds and dangerously slippery rocks and cliffs, past small waterfalls and rivers, I finally came to the coastline where Europe ended. There are no roads to this place. I was the only person there.
I had Nick Drake in my headphones for most of the journey there.
My wife and were married in a beautiful garden setting in upstate NY. We chose "Northern Sky" as the processional music.
When my soon-to-be wife had asked me for a suggestion for the processional music, "Northern Sky" was the first thing I thought of. She was unfamiliar with the song, so I played it for her. She thought it was incredibly beautiful and she agreed it would be perfect. And it was.
Aside from my sentimental attachment to this song, my favorite is "Fly." The combination of Nick's voice and that descending riff, what sounds like a harpsichord and that incredible John Cale viola accompaniment just kills me.
Cabbage night?! Cool, never heard that term before. In my east Pittsburgh suburb where I grew up, they called it 'devil's eve'. You learn something new every day!
A very nice, loving tribute to a unique artist. The 4,000 OG copy total is astonishingly low. The early 70s yielded some remarkable albums by artists that were victims of great misfortune. (Big Star is another)
River Man is my favorite Nick Drake song. Done in a completely different and hard-hitting style, Shawn Lee’s cover of River Man is also awesome.
Great, evocative album, and you're right - it's more reflective than depressed. Crazy thing - the moon was exactly the same color as the album cover tonight!
Nick Drake is one of those pop stars (?) that transcends into being both a tragic martyr and icon. I’m thinking of Drake and Nick Cave and Morrissey.
Just discovered your videos, and I'm digging them - Working my way through, and I appreciate the shoutout for Northampton!
'Solid Air' is a wonderful metaphor for the depression which crushed Nick Drake. It's an almost spookily accurate analysis, and a love letter and a timely attempt to reach out and help (although Nick spent a lot of time being looked after by John and Beverley Martyn). He had friends and family who tried to help in really constructive ways, in the end it's just that they couldn't. But I agree that there was nothing 'inevitable' about his end, I think it's more that the chances of his character finding a way were not good, despite all the good chances that were thrown his way (he even played for the Rolling Stones in Morocco; Jagger asked him to contact him back in London but I can imagine Nick vaguely thinking "Oh it would be awkward and pushy to follow up").
By the way, I love Pink Moon, it's my favourite of his albums, though Five Leaves Left has my favourite songs. I just don't get Joe Boyd's (and many others') response that it's an unbearably depressing record.
Nick Drake was *the* artist that open me up to folk music, for a person that loves instrumental and complex music a guy with a guitar just didn´t appeal to me...how will I like it? Oh but I did, I love his voice so down to earth so non showy and to himself(also thank you for that Slowdive connection! one of my favorite bands), his lyrics so introspective and something that you mention and that I like a lot in my folk music-simple and to the point lyrics, and the guitar playing is also so good, I´ve heard the album today and before it "Horn" was there, I really liked it but wasn´t something especial but after this lisen I´ve grown to really like it´s sparceness and it was cool that you liked the song so much it really has grown on me, I connect a lot with Nick Drake I don´t see him as a sad person I see him as he is on those photos of him on the outdoors in the forest, quietlly thinking by himself, the only one he needs
Thank you for the video and I really have to see that A Skin Too Few doc you mentioned
a skin too few is available for free here on youtube! (if you don't mind the crunchy 2000 video quality haha)