I originally released this video in 2020 and it was a little rushed and it always bothered me how it all came together. I think I spent too much time on his childhood and then editorialized at the end and maybe made some insensitive comments. This new version is about 2.5 min shorter and doesn't include the original in video ad. Here's the original: th-cam.com/video/Gb5gNf8DVss/w-d-xo.html
I think the video is fine. I did not notice anything untoward. It was very informative. My. My introduction was through the compilation time is no reply and The stand out songs for me were the title track and mayfair.
The tone as well, his playing was interesting but he seemed to play on strings that most people would consider dead and that sound really fits his somber songwriting.
Time has told me that this river man in a shed knew the way to blue and things behind the sun. This poor boy did fly in the northern sky from the morning in the Saturday sun...and on Sunday. I know the place to be, to ride, is this road, which will be hanging on a star now the day is done and it's a time of no reply. This rider on the wheel gave us three hours of Magic from his time piece. Tomorrow is a long time but strolling down the highway his voices became Bryter Layter.
I first heard his songs on a college station, maybe 7 years ago now. Place to be. What a perfect song to fall on me then. At the time I was feeling extremely out of place in the world, truth be told I still do. I was borderline suicidal, but somehow managed to keep my breath. I'd never heard a song that resonated so strongly with the core of my being. It was like an old friend comforting you in troubling times. His music means an extraordinary amount to me, I could not have lived to see today without it. Knowing I was not truly alone, even across time, was a comfort. He inspired me to pick up the guitar again after years of telling myself I'd never be any good. I've practiced his songs for hundreds of hours and will continue for hundreds more. I'd like, someday, to play at the gathering. That is, if I can get the nerve up.
I discovered Nick through seeing a BBC documentary about him in about 1998/99/00. I remember his sister, Gabrielle, being in Crossroads which was an eminently ropey old British soap opera from yesteryear. But I never knew who Nick was at the time of watching Crossroads as a schoolboy in the eighties and laughing at the sets and at its abject dialogue. The BBC documentary made mention of her being his sister. I bought a compilation CD to begin with and the three albums followed quickly
I heard Nick on the Volkswagen commercial and then saw a VH1 segment on him. I went nuts, looking for his cd's in stores. His music is so haunting, you don't get enough. :)
Me too. Introduced GenX to Nick Drake. Such a beautiful story told of people who don't care about their drunk friends and rather drive through the night with the full moon shining on them. Resonated a lot with me back then. Someone involved in the commercial did upload it here on yt. I guess the cinematographer? Sorry, if that is not correct. For me one of the most beautiful ads I've ever seen. th-cam.com/video/_-kqUkZnDcM/w-d-xo.html
I hope that wherever Nick may be he knows how much we all love him and his music. It hurts thinking he thought he wasn’t good enough when that isn’t the case at all. We love you Nick❤️
It was in Oxford in the early nineties that I first heard Nick Drake's music; a friend played me River Man and that was it - my whole being levelled-up to a new plane of existence within about 30 seconds. I became obsessed with learning to play the song. Took about ten years 😅
My sister got me into his music, and it caught my heart and ear immediately. Later reading about his lifeI was saddened, but I was glad he essentially time travelled and his music was being heard in the future. I think sometimes art has to be grown into by audiences.
Time has told me that this river man in a shed knew the way to blue and things behind the sun. This poor boy did fly in the northern sky from the morning in the Saturday sun...and on Sunday. I know the place to be, to ride, is this road, which will be hanging on a star now the day is done and it's a time of no reply. This rider on the wheel gave us three hours of Magic from his time piece. Tomorrow is a long time but strolling down the highway his voices became Bryter Layter.
I first heard him while hanging out with some indie rock types in the early 90s. I was a grumpy punk rocker, but something about the vulnerable quality of Nick's voice combined with the confidence of his guitar playing really resonated with me.
I started playing music circa 1989 and I went into a famous record. Store name escapes me at the moment somewhere in Soho the guy told me my music reminded him of Fairport convention, and he made this tape for me and I remember just hanging around the store for a couple hours while he used a tape to tape I guess and he handed me this homemade tape I have to this day all the best and such a beautiful order and then a couple years (unable to get enough. The music played in my car for at least a couple years. It was the only thing I listen to. It was so beautiful.) I can’t remember where I met John McNamara, who was the perfect gentleman allowing me to crash in his apartment didn’t even know me and let me stay there while he went to work and he just gave me a Nick Drake tape and he said listen to this, and I’ll never forget how the music filled the air in this basement Brooklyn apartment. He made me a copy, actually that had to be around 1992 maybe 1991? The year of the movie about Thomas Jefferson came out played by Nick Nolte… John and I went to see it at the movie theater across the street from the plaza hotel and as hard as this is to believe we were the only two people in that theater sat in the front row of the balcony, and because my aunt had just told me, our family was descendent of Martha Jefferson directly… I felt like royalty watching home movies it’s hard to explain, but it still amazes me, and in that same 24 hours I became addicted to Nick Drake and I literally had this crappy old Datsun 280 ZX I drove back-and-forth from the Catskills to NYC and everywhere in between basically kind of homeless but working it out and that
I was a late appreciator of Nick. Early on, with all the competition at that time, like the public in general I never heard anything special in him. Picking up those albums and listening to them you hear more quality each time. Also, his sensitive nature is revealed. His mother was beautiful and a lovely singer, and his early life must have been charmed. It's great to hear the likes of Brad Mehldau playing his music. Thank you, Eric.
Time has told me that this river man in a shed knew the way to blue and things behind the sun. This poor boy did fly in the northern sky from the morning in the Saturday sun...and on Sunday. I know the place to be, to ride, is this road, which will be hanging on a star now the day is done and it's a time of no reply. This rider on the wheel gave us three hours of Magic from his time piece. Tomorrow is a long time but strolling down the highway his voices became Bryter Layter.
I will be forever grateful to VW for featuring Pink Moon in that ad. Otherwise, I might not have discovered Nick. I quickly picked up Pink Moon after seeing the ad, and fell in love. To this day, one of my favorite memories was working in a small, cold office at my first "career" job outside college, around the year 2000, listening to "Place to Be" while working alone in that room. His abilities were absolutely astounding. There are some songs that just amaze me when I listen to them, knowing this very young man created such incredible music so long ago.
I got into Nick in the early 2000's, when there was a surge in discovery of his music among musicheads. Sometimes, I may go back and re-discover a track somewhere, like on TH-cam. Or I'll share with a young person on TikTok about Nick. However, I think his music is most appreciated when you start having a few years under your belt, say late 20's and 30's, and appreciate the sparseness and space between the notes.
The first time I noticed his music was “Northern Sky” from the movie Serendipity (2001). It was used near the end of the movie. I fell in love with his music.
I saw the original video when it first came out and I wanted to say thank you. You introduced me to Nick Drake and I’ve been listening as well as learning his techniques. Almost 3 years later, and I can say that video had a crazy impact on my life. THANK YOU !!!
When I was 17-18 a friend introduced me to his records with the words: 'Don't listen to this when you're feeling depressed.' But it goes so deep when you do. Beautiful songs, unique guitar style. One of the greatest for me.
I first heard Nick Drake on a community radio station in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in the late 1970s - CKUA. The afternoon DJ, Rick Kuhl (and he was cool), used to play great music that was not being played on commercial radio (they're still around!). I was blown away. A friend later gave me the Pink Moon album. I was hooked for life, and soon got the other albums. I love all of Nick's music, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Riverman. Haunting and beautiful. Thanks Nick, wherever you are. And thanks for this thoughtful mini-documentary.
This was really lovely. Thank you for recognizing him and making this. My dear friend Brad and I cherished Nick, Pink moon was the last song I sent him over text before he passed. Nick’s music will live on, l’m grateful for it every day.
About ten years ago I heard his name in passing and checked out pink moon and really loved it. He instantly became one of my all time favorite folk artists
Yes it was the Volkswagon ad for me too. So glad I saw it as I might never have discouvered his genius. I have a bachelors degree in Fine Art and every time I listen to Nick I can't help but think he was to music what Van Gogh was to painting. Two loney, under appreciated souls during their lives, that found aclaim and appreciation after their passing. R.I.P. Nick.
It predated their meeting in 1967 but when I hear The Rolling Stones singing Out of Time I think of Nick. I also see some parallels with Syd Barrett in that his use of psychedelics, however much or little it was, was perhaps too much for his delicate psyche. His was a beautiful soul and he left us a lot of beautiful music to get lost in.💔
@@2ridiculous41 Some people, depressives or others are easily negatively affected by psychedelics. A few can't smoke weed, they green out easily and get paranoid reactions. I know, I'm one of them
@@2degucitas whether you can consider that as caused by the LSD or simply that the LSD opens the door to whatever is already there remains speculation. I took LSD hundreds of timesfrom the 60s into the 80s and have no ill effects nor even a single bad trip. Of course that is my opinion of it. and its effects.
Love Nick Drake, came across his music back in the early 2000s during my singer songwriter days. Can listen to him Joni or Duncan Sheik anytime. Big thanks for the video!
I remember the moment in 1993, my best friend said "here, listen to this" It was the time of the grunge. I heard the first songs of "Bryter Later" . what was happening here? this was so friendly, so tender, so sensitive, seems to come from a dimension, where the world was already too loud and fast to remark such a great brilliant talent that was ahead and before his time. Thank you for this great documentary
The first time I heard Nick, I was a senior in high school in 2017. It was in English class, we were doing a poetry unit and covering the Dylan Thomas poem "Fern Hill". My teacher was convinced that Nick must have been inspired by it, and it's not a stretch to assume he'd be familiar with Thomas, who was a Welsh poet and a bit of a national icon. Anyway, for those of you who are fans of Nick but have never read Fern Hill, be sure to check it out because it's a nice poem :)
Geez, I remember playing his songs in the early 70s in Austin, TX with one particular friend. I had no idea I was in such a minority. His songs just have such a great beauty in them. I had no idea at the time he suffered so much. Difficult to realize this was half a century ago.
I stumbled across Nick about 20yrs ago .. there was an article about him in a magazine (remeber them? Bits of glossy paper you held in your hands that had pictures and words in them 😂) - I found a complitaion album and was blown away, I'm a. big Dance / Rock fan so this was very left field for me ... but its been on permanent rotation ever since, sharing space with The Beatle, Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin and the Chemical Brother. A true genius.
I compliment you for this sensitive and fairly comprehensive review of Nick Drake's life, his accomplishments and his struggles. It covers most of the key points without being sketchy or superficial. I have a long history with Nick's music, having discovered in while I was a DJ at a university radio station in the early 70s--finding first the "best of" compilation album featuring songs from his three official album releases just after the release of "Pink Moon". I shared his music with listeners of that station, friends and acquaintances over the years, trying to expand the audience for his deeply moving music. With so much mediocre and undistinguished music being embraced by millions of "fans," the music of Nick Drake stands out for its emotional depth, originality and musical accomplishment in his songwriting, guitar playing and soulful singing. It's tragic that he had to die while virtually unknown and unrecognized, but we're fortunate to have the material he did record to savor and celebrate forever.
Nick's music was highly respected by his fellow musicians and he knew that. His mother Molly said that Nick once told her he felt he had failed to produce music that was meaningful to the people of his own generation.
The theory that Nick was unique in deploying different guitar tunings is kinda daft. Different guitar tunings are exactly what Joni Mitchell deployed over her ENTIRE CAREER! Joni gained traction initially in the small club scene and then hit the already strong Folk scene in NYC and then fully embraced by the supportive scene out of Laurel Canyon in LA. I think Nick's depression really hampered his traction in live performance. It is hard to engage and hold an audience if all you want to do is just hide on stage. Perhaps a more likely theory is that he was not a traditional folk artist, so much as a hybrid of things to come. He was quite a bit ahead of his time which is why his music has aged so very well over the decades influencing several generations of artists.
When I was young, a friend's brother had the Pink Moon album and from that first listen, From The Morning has always been a favorite of mine. Nick's music comes in and out of my world and I forget about it until something like the VW commercial reminds me of how wonderful a world he created. Just today, an artist named Amos Lee posted a bit of From The Morning which sent me back down the wormhole.
The first time I heard him was when I was a senior in high school, 1971-72. I was obsessed with discovering new music and would buy albums by artists I’d never heard of just because of an association with someone else I liked. Another group, a record label, a producer, guest musicians, even album cover artists. My association for Nick was most likely Fairport, since I was a big fan. I was crushed when I heard he died and he remained one of my favorite undiscovered gems and someone I’d often recommend. The last thing I ever expected was to hear Pink Moon on that Volkswagen commercial. I mean, he’d been gone for decades by then and was virtually unknown even during his lifetime. Absolutely blown away by it. I’m so glad he finally got the recognition he deserved. It’s just unfortunate that he wasn’t here to enjoy it.
I bought the FRUIT TREE box set in the 80-ies which had been recommended by a friend knowing I loved Van Morrison's ASTRAL WEEKS. Slowly but steadily the music grabbed me to stay with me forever. Nick Drake produced 3 classic albums for all the world to hear.
My first exposure to Nick Drake was back in 1994 in Tulsa, Oklahoma of all places. The local NPR station had a segment on Sunday Night called "The Folk Sampler-From the Foothills of the Ozarks- With Mike Flynn". On this program they played "Time Has Told Me." as the theme that day was "Time" His voice was so haunting. I had to hear more. I went to my local Barnes and Noble (back in the day) and ordered a cd of Bryter Later and then Pink Moon- both of which I played to death. Now I have then entire collection on cd and still looking for a few vinyl pieces to complete my ND library. The compilation that hit US stores has some very stripped down versions of his music such as Hazy Jane pt 1 and the talent on that very complicated and intricate guitar picking and progression is just mind blowing. My oldest daughter, now 32, is also a huge Nick Drake fan, since she grew up with that as her nightly listening routine with dad.
I first heard Nick on Jango radio. I had to learn more about him. I am a folk singer too and he inspired me. I hope he somehow knows that he is respected now. I am a big fan of his music.
A well done and informative primer! Thank you! Nick Drake and, still till this day, is undoubtedly one of the most unheralded Singer/Songwriters of this Century. While many of his song I find attractive, but I'm so glad that my first introduction to him was via ''River Man'', a completely intoxicating, almost otherworldly tune in terms of where it takes you emotionally with having no choice for closing your eyes and being enveloped as you listen. [Shout out as well to Molly Drake].
The first time I heard Nick Drake was in 2014 when I was in 7th grade and read The Perks of Being a Wallflower. In that book the main character made a mixtape for someone and the books lists the songs on it and one of them was “Time of No Reply” and I absolutely fell in love with that song
Very nicely done, respectful, clearly appreciative of his music, life. Personally, I would rank him every bit an equal to the likes of the earlier works of an Al Stewart, Tom Rush, Bowie during his folk phase amongst others. Unfortunately, I dont think Island Records at that time had the slightest clue as to what they had on their hands (failed several other artists as well) and Nick, a decidedly delicate soul tragically fell between the cracks. Became unwound. Undone... His musical legacy, timeless. Stunningly beautiful in its honesty. One of my all time favorites.... Thanks for this.
His sister is Gabrielle Drake a fine actress. I saw one of his rare live shows he shyly shambled on and seemed to look at his feet throughout. Oddly I was working at the Crucible Theatre Sheffield and waiting for a friend when I heard a track of Nicks on the pub sound system. I fell into conversation with a neighbour at the bar who tuned out to be Richard Hawley who was also a fan!
Great video, thank you. I first heard of Nick Drake in an article about Alexi Murdoch which referenced him. Listening to the albums I was hooked. A great talent. It's a real shame that his career wasn't nurtured properly.
I think it was nurtured. Joe Boyd did everything he could to accommodate Nick. Even when the albums didn't sell well, Island still had hope that the next album would 'break him' in to the mainstream. Ultimately it was down to Nick to oversee his own destiny but because of depression, shyness there's not a lot anybody could have done after 1972.
I remember the first time I heard his Pink Moon album.. still one of the best folk-rock albums in history. Hearing how he took his own life and then hearing Place to Be really hits different now
I discovered his music after seeing Pink Moon featured on a list of great albums in a guitar magazine when I was a teenager. After listening to the album online I had a brief period of being totally obsessed with his work, I listened to everything I could find & was just completely enamored with it. Like most things I eventually moved on to something else, but Pink Moon in particular is something I still go back to occasionally. Drake truly had something that few others of his era had, it's hard to pinpoint what that something is, but for me it's the sense of vulnerability and introspection that comes across in his music.
The VW commercial was my first time hearing Nick himself. However I had heard musician cohorts covering his songs long before the VW commercial. Pity we lost him he was special.
I first heard Nick Drake when an American student played it for us at the office..He was blown away that non of us had heard of Nick Drake, and I was completely blow away by how beautiful the music was. Been a huge fan since.
Oh I love Nick Drake! So much of his music was sad and wistful, but his voice and playing are so soft and beautiful, so it's not like youre listening to Elliott Smith or anything when you put it on.
I got into nick drake somewhere in g to ge early 90’s. I heard of him on the radio on an NPR show NEW SOUNDS. I was hooked, found his albums and was very impressed. Id occasionally hear his stuff on different shows hear and there. The VW commercial was the first time i heard him in a long time. Seems to have been a one off though. Too bad, this day and age its all image before talent.
Nicks ," The Riverman," is a timeless masterpiece song, of both music & lyric. The first time I heard it I was transported into a completely different time frame & seduced by its ethereal haunting melody.
Among singer songwriters such as myself running around London in the 90s Nick was a legend, but I'd never heard the classic albums. My first hearing was 'Time of No reply'-as stunning a song as anything in his output. Just the opening lines 'Summer was gone and the heat died down/And Autumn reached for her golden crown' had me straight away.
Great précis of his short life. Some artists are just so far ahead of their time and this was Nicks problem. Successive generations now discover Nicks work with the same joy and wonder. Turns out his work is timeless.
First time I heard Nick Drake was on Bob Harris's BBC2 Saturday 11pm show; River Man. I'll never forget it. Like the spiritual older brother of Kate Bush. Couldn't shake the haunting complex melancholy but meaningful, life affirming sound. Stunning music.
Very nice presentation (and I too had that thought about what might have happened if Joe Boyd had provided Nick with a second guitar and a roadie!). I have been listening to Nick since the late 1970s and I have several biographies about him, and you covered all the main things people would need to know. Some of the well-known modern performers who admired Nick's work include Robert Smith of the Cure, Peter Buck of R.E.M., and the recently departed Tom Verlaine of Television. I remember back in 1999 when I saw that Volkswagen commercial for the first time, I almost fell over-I couldn't believe hearing Nick's music in a major TV ad. Ironically, "Pink Moon" wasn't the original song choice for the commercial, but I think it turned out petty well. To think that he was so young when he made "Five Leaves Left," and yet the album is so polished. Nick's music is timeless.
I first heard Nick Drake in1980 when I was living in a squat in the New Forest All of his albums have stayed with me ever since and I find that I get along with other people who like his music very well
I originally released this video in 2020 and it was a little rushed and it always bothered me how it all came together. I think I spent too much time on his childhood and then editorialized at the end and maybe made some insensitive comments. This new version is about 2.5 min shorter and doesn't include the original in video ad. Here's the original: th-cam.com/video/Gb5gNf8DVss/w-d-xo.html
Will you be reviewing the 50th anniversary box set of ‘Dark side of the Moon’ and also the new re-recording of the album by Roger Walters ?
if you discuss suicide *please* emphasize that there are resources available
I never knew he was an Englishman, thanks.
I think the video is fine. I did not notice anything untoward. It was very informative. My. My introduction was through the compilation time is no reply and The stand out songs for me were the title track and mayfair.
Good stuff. Thanks for the upload…
Nick`s quiet music and gentle sensitive voice is such a blessed relief from the madness of the modern world.
Then I found Elliott Smith
@@phillip7928shut up dawg
Great comment
"River Man"...one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written...
His guitar playing was so clean.
The tone as well, his playing was interesting but he seemed to play on strings that most people would consider dead and that sound really fits his somber songwriting.
It’s helped by the tunings based on Joni Mitchell
@@alantracy6757 Really? He chose wisely.
Pink Moon is one of those albums that will never get old
Probably my least favourite,its so sad
Time has told me that this river man in a shed knew the way to blue and things behind the sun. This poor boy did fly in the northern sky from the morning in the Saturday sun...and on Sunday. I know the place to be, to ride, is this road, which will be hanging on a star now the day is done and it's a time of no reply. This rider on the wheel gave us three hours of Magic from his time piece. Tomorrow is a long time but strolling down the highway his voices became Bryter Layter.
@@mjh5437 Are you saying sad music is less enjoyable? What kind of point are you trying to make..
It still gets played on a local indie radio channel here
It's starkly beautiful and makes his other albums seem overdone.
Every album is a masterpiece
You got that right . :)
The Fruit Tree boxset is essential 👍🏻
@@DaveMcGarry
And I have it, just love it ! :)
@Rudi Galindo i really enjoy that album personally but i guess its not for everyone lol
@Rudi Galindo
The Devil you say.:(
I first heard his songs on a college station, maybe 7 years ago now. Place to be. What a perfect song to fall on me then. At the time I was feeling extremely out of place in the world, truth be told I still do. I was borderline suicidal, but somehow managed to keep my breath. I'd never heard a song that resonated so strongly with the core of my being. It was like an old friend comforting you in troubling times. His music means an extraordinary amount to me, I could not have lived to see today without it. Knowing I was not truly alone, even across time, was a comfort. He inspired me to pick up the guitar again after years of telling myself I'd never be any good. I've practiced his songs for hundreds of hours and will continue for hundreds more. I'd like, someday, to play at the gathering. That is, if I can get the nerve up.
Hey, brother. We walk a similar path.
I discovered Nick through seeing a BBC documentary about him in about 1998/99/00. I remember his sister, Gabrielle, being in Crossroads which was an eminently ropey old British soap opera from yesteryear. But I never knew who Nick was at the time of watching Crossroads as a schoolboy in the eighties and laughing at the sets and at its abject dialogue. The BBC documentary made mention of her being his sister. I bought a compilation CD to begin with and the three albums followed quickly
@@Lee.Carlson - yes ropey sets that wobbled, good old Crossroads.
I heard Nick on the Volkswagen commercial and then saw a VH1 segment on him. I went nuts, looking for his cd's in stores. His music is so haunting, you don't get enough. :)
Me too. Introduced GenX to Nick Drake. Such a beautiful story told of people who don't care about their drunk friends and rather drive through the night with the full moon shining on them. Resonated a lot with me back then. Someone involved in the commercial did upload it here on yt. I guess the cinematographer? Sorry, if that is not correct. For me one of the most beautiful ads I've ever seen. th-cam.com/video/_-kqUkZnDcM/w-d-xo.html
@@eily_b
Agreed ! :)
I hope that wherever Nick may be he knows how much we all love him and his music. It hurts thinking he thought he wasn’t good enough when that isn’t the case at all. We love you Nick❤️
nick drake was a ripple in the vast ocean that took nearly 20 years to reach me, and 20 years after that I'm thankful.
It was in Oxford in the early nineties that I first heard Nick Drake's music; a friend played me River Man and that was it - my whole being levelled-up to a new plane of existence within about 30 seconds. I became obsessed with learning to play the song. Took about ten years 😅
My sister got me into his music, and it caught my heart and ear immediately.
Later reading about his lifeI was saddened, but I was glad he essentially time travelled and his music was being heard in the future. I think sometimes art has to be grown into by audiences.
A tasteful, dignified and informative presentation, Eric. I own Nick's albums but never really delved into his story until your vid.
Same here. This certainly fleshed out all the details I only vaguely new. Time to bring out his albums again.
@@MrPlannery watch the documentary A Skin Too Few. On TH-cam
@@kevinkenny6975 I'll have a look
Time has told me that this river man in a shed knew the way to blue and things behind the sun. This poor boy did fly in the northern sky from the morning in the Saturday sun...and on Sunday. I know the place to be, to ride, is this road, which will be hanging on a star now the day is done and it's a time of no reply. This rider on the wheel gave us three hours of Magic from his time piece. Tomorrow is a long time but strolling down the highway his voices became Bryter Layter.
I am Navajo from Arizona, and I just discovered Nick Drake. I listen to all three albums, and would love to buy them.
His mother Molly also is now available to listen to. Beautiful songs which foreshadow those of Nick.
Love his music. It's timeless.
I first heard him while hanging out with some indie rock types in the early 90s. I was a grumpy punk rocker, but something about the vulnerable quality of Nick's voice combined with the confidence of his guitar playing really resonated with me.
I started playing music circa 1989 and I went into a famous record. Store name escapes me at the moment somewhere in Soho the guy told me my music reminded him of Fairport convention, and he made this tape for me and I remember just hanging around the store for a couple hours while he used a tape to tape I guess and he handed me this homemade tape I have to this day all the best and such a beautiful order and then a couple years (unable to get enough. The music played in my car for at least a couple years. It was the only thing I listen to. It was so beautiful.) I can’t remember where I met John McNamara, who was the perfect gentleman allowing me to crash in his apartment didn’t even know me and let me stay there while he went to work and he just gave me a Nick Drake tape and he said listen to this, and I’ll never forget how the music filled the air in this basement Brooklyn apartment. He made me a copy, actually that had to be around 1992 maybe 1991? The year of the movie about Thomas Jefferson came out played by Nick Nolte… John and I went to see it at the movie theater across the street from the plaza hotel and as hard as this is to believe we were the only two people in that theater sat in the front row of the balcony, and because my aunt had just told me, our family was descendent of Martha Jefferson directly… I felt like royalty watching home movies it’s hard to explain, but it still amazes me, and in that same 24 hours I became addicted to Nick Drake and I literally had this crappy old Datsun 280 ZX I drove back-and-forth from the Catskills to NYC and everywhere in between basically kind of homeless but working it out and that
I was a late appreciator of Nick. Early on, with all the competition at that time, like the public in general I never heard anything special in him. Picking up those albums and listening to them you hear more quality each time. Also, his sensitive nature is revealed. His mother was beautiful and a lovely singer, and his early life must have been charmed. It's great to hear the likes of Brad Mehldau playing his music. Thank you, Eric.
My fascination and love for Nick Drake is never-ending!
Time has told me that this river man in a shed knew the way to blue and things behind the sun. This poor boy did fly in the northern sky from the morning in the Saturday sun...and on Sunday. I know the place to be, to ride, is this road, which will be hanging on a star now the day is done and it's a time of no reply. This rider on the wheel gave us three hours of Magic from his time piece. Tomorrow is a long time but strolling down the highway his voices became Bryter Layter.
I will be forever grateful to VW for featuring Pink Moon in that ad. Otherwise, I might not have discovered Nick. I quickly picked up Pink Moon after seeing the ad, and fell in love. To this day, one of my favorite memories was working in a small, cold office at my first "career" job outside college, around the year 2000, listening to "Place to Be" while working alone in that room. His abilities were absolutely astounding. There are some songs that just amaze me when I listen to them, knowing this very young man created such incredible music so long ago.
2010 AT&T aired a commercial featuring a Nick Drake song. That's when I became a fan of him.
I got into Nick in the early 2000's, when there was a surge in discovery of his music among musicheads. Sometimes, I may go back and re-discover a track somewhere, like on TH-cam. Or I'll share with a young person on TikTok about Nick. However, I think his music is most appreciated when you start having a few years under your belt, say late 20's and 30's, and appreciate the sparseness and space between the notes.
No one has or will ever make music like he did. It is truly transcendent and it creates a world of its own. He gave the world a beautiful gift.
There is another; Travis Meeks - Tree Colors; absolute genius - much like Nick.
John Martyn honored Nick Drake by writing, “Solid Air.” John’s lyrics about Nick are so accurate…they are eerie! 👍👍👍👍
The first time I noticed his music was “Northern Sky” from the movie Serendipity (2001). It was used near the end of the movie. I fell in love with his music.
Beautiful song. My friends had it as their wedding song.
Beautiful movie too!!
I saw the original video when it first came out and I wanted to say thank you. You introduced me to Nick Drake and I’ve been listening as well as learning his techniques. Almost 3 years later, and I can say that video had a crazy impact on my life. THANK YOU !!!
Northern Sky is probably my favorite song, that with Little Wing and Going to California. Man, the struggle for the artist is real.
When I was 17-18 a friend introduced me to his records with the words: 'Don't listen to this when you're feeling depressed.' But it goes so deep when you do.
Beautiful songs, unique guitar style. One of the greatest for me.
I first heard of Nick Drake in the mid 1990s when Mojo magazine did a feature on him, he was on the cover too. Have loved his music ever since.
Same here, that edition o Mojo came out in 1997 I think.
I first heard Nick Drake on a community radio station in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in the late 1970s - CKUA. The afternoon DJ, Rick Kuhl (and he was cool), used to play great music that was not being played on commercial radio (they're still around!). I was blown away. A friend later gave me the Pink Moon album. I was hooked for life, and soon got the other albums. I love all of Nick's music, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Riverman. Haunting and beautiful. Thanks Nick, wherever you are. And thanks for this thoughtful mini-documentary.
This was really lovely. Thank you for recognizing him and making this. My dear friend Brad and I cherished Nick, Pink moon was the last song I sent him over text before he passed. Nick’s music will live on, l’m grateful for it every day.
About ten years ago I heard his name in passing and checked out pink moon and really loved it. He instantly became one of my all time favorite folk artists
been obsessed with him over the past few weeks, absolute legend
He tends to have that effect on people!
Yes it was the Volkswagon ad for me too. So glad I saw it as I might never have discouvered his genius. I have a bachelors degree in Fine Art and every time I listen to Nick I can't help but think he was to music what Van Gogh was to painting. Two loney, under appreciated souls during their lives, that found aclaim and appreciation after their passing. R.I.P. Nick.
It predated their meeting in 1967 but when I hear The Rolling Stones singing Out of Time I think of Nick. I also see some parallels with Syd Barrett in that his use of psychedelics, however much or little it was, was perhaps too much for his delicate psyche. His was a beautiful soul and he left us a lot of beautiful music to get lost in.💔
I think you are wrong about the effect of psychedelics on NIck.
@@2ridiculous41 I don`t think so,LSD screwed my mind up too for years after taking it only a handful of times.
@@2ridiculous41 Some people, depressives or others are easily negatively affected by psychedelics. A few can't smoke weed, they green out easily and get paranoid reactions. I know, I'm one of them
@@2degucitas whether you can consider that as caused by the LSD or simply that the LSD opens the door to whatever is already there remains speculation.
I took LSD hundreds of timesfrom the 60s into the 80s and have no ill effects nor even a single bad trip.
Of course that is my opinion of it. and its effects.
He was something special, I listen to him a lot. ❤
Love Nick Drake, came across his music back in the early 2000s during my singer songwriter days. Can listen to him Joni or Duncan Sheik anytime.
Big thanks for the video!
I remember the moment in 1993, my best friend said "here, listen to this"
It was the time of the grunge. I heard the first songs of "Bryter Later" .
what was happening here? this was so friendly, so tender, so sensitive,
seems to come from a dimension, where the world was already too loud and fast
to remark such a great brilliant talent that was ahead and before his time.
Thank you for this great documentary
I found ND through Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes....it blew me away.....absolutely brilliant
Brad Pitt produced a Nick Drake documentary. I highly recommend it.
Didn't know that!
Thank you. Just found it and will be watching it after this. 👍
Any hints on the name of this documentary and where to find it?
@@iRepairElectronics th-cam.com/video/aMR9xzwz34U/w-d-xo.html
@@iRepairElectronics More of a radio show than a TV documentary,on Radio 2 in England
The first time I heard Nick, I was a senior in high school in 2017. It was in English class, we were doing a poetry unit and covering the Dylan Thomas poem "Fern Hill". My teacher was convinced that Nick must have been inspired by it, and it's not a stretch to assume he'd be familiar with Thomas, who was a Welsh poet and a bit of a national icon. Anyway, for those of you who are fans of Nick but have never read Fern Hill, be sure to check it out because it's a nice poem :)
Nick was undoubtedly a fine Poet rather than just a singer/songwriter.
Thank you. I will ❤🙂
R.I.P. Nick Drake
Five Leaves left is my personal favorite album🥀🎤🎸🎻🪘🎧💿🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃
Pink Moon is pure, distilled brilliance
Geez, I remember playing his songs in the early 70s in Austin, TX with one particular friend. I had no idea I was in such a minority. His songs just have such a great beauty in them. I had no idea at the time he suffered so much.
Difficult to realize this was half a century ago.
I stumbled across Nick about 20yrs ago .. there was an article about him in a magazine (remeber them? Bits of glossy paper you held in your hands that had pictures and words in them 😂) - I found a complitaion album and was blown away, I'm a. big Dance / Rock fan so this was very left field for me ... but its been on permanent rotation ever since, sharing space with The Beatle, Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin and the Chemical Brother. A true genius.
Terry Wogan on the BBC radio introduced me to Nick Drake around 1994 - 'Man in a shed'. Amazing music and a tragic loss. And Terry Wogan. RIP.
Just discovered his music about two years ago. Wow! Out of this world! Nice video.
I compliment you for this sensitive and fairly comprehensive review of Nick Drake's life, his accomplishments and his struggles. It covers most of the key points without being sketchy or superficial. I have a long history with Nick's music, having discovered in while I was a DJ at a university radio station in the early 70s--finding first the "best of" compilation album featuring songs from his three official album releases just after the release of "Pink Moon". I shared his music with listeners of that station, friends and acquaintances over the years, trying to expand the audience for his deeply moving music. With so much mediocre and undistinguished music being embraced by millions of "fans," the music of Nick Drake stands out for its emotional depth, originality and musical accomplishment in his songwriting, guitar playing and soulful singing. It's tragic that he had to die while virtually unknown and unrecognized, but we're fortunate to have the material he did record to savor and celebrate forever.
So ahead of his time! Love me some Nick Drake
River Man
Things Behind The Sun
Pink Moon
Phenomenal tunes
Nick's music was highly respected by his fellow musicians and he knew that. His mother Molly said that Nick once told her he felt he had failed to produce music that was meaningful to the people of his own generation.
Heard him only this week via River Man. I was stunned into awed silence. As I've explored further, I struggle to withold tears.
In the '90s an excellent UK mag called 'Q' had a cd supplement called Chill Out. Nick Drake's River Man was on it and I was enthralled.
The theory that Nick was unique in deploying different guitar tunings is kinda daft. Different guitar tunings are exactly what Joni Mitchell deployed over her ENTIRE CAREER! Joni gained traction initially in the small club scene and then hit the already strong Folk scene in NYC and then fully embraced by the supportive scene out of Laurel Canyon in LA. I think Nick's depression really hampered his traction in live performance. It is hard to engage and hold an audience if all you want to do is just hide on stage. Perhaps a more likely theory is that he was not a traditional folk artist, so much as a hybrid of things to come. He was quite a bit ahead of his time which is why his music has aged so very well over the decades influencing several generations of artists.
nice recap of a wonderful artist’s life. thanks.
Excellent job as always! You gave great insight into Nick's life. What an artist... wish we had more of his music.
When I was young, a friend's brother had the Pink Moon album and from that first listen, From The Morning has always been a favorite of mine. Nick's music comes in and out of my world and I forget about it until something like the VW commercial reminds me of how wonderful a world he created. Just today, an artist named Amos Lee posted a bit of From The Morning which sent me back down the wormhole.
“One of the most influential singer songwriters in recorded music history”. A masterpiece of overstatement 🙄.
Thank you. Heard Nick for 1st time today. What a genius ❤
I just discovered Nick Drake a few months ago! I have 5 Leaves Left & Bryter Layter. Both are masterpieces.
The first time I heard him was when I was a senior in high school, 1971-72. I was obsessed with discovering new music and would buy albums by artists I’d never heard of just because of an association with someone else I liked. Another group, a record label, a producer, guest musicians, even album cover artists. My association for Nick was most likely Fairport, since I was a big fan. I was crushed when I heard he died and he remained one of my favorite undiscovered gems and someone I’d often recommend. The last thing I ever expected was to hear Pink Moon on that Volkswagen commercial. I mean, he’d been gone for decades by then and was virtually unknown even during his lifetime. Absolutely blown away by it. I’m so glad he finally got the recognition he deserved. It’s just unfortunate that he wasn’t here to enjoy it.
Very close to my experience. Never understood why many people in an very musical town never heard of him.
"This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you"
Two hours ago I showed my kid the ND VW Cabrio ad.
She loves his songs.
I bought the FRUIT TREE box set in the 80-ies which had been recommended by a friend knowing I loved Van Morrison's ASTRAL WEEKS. Slowly but steadily the music grabbed me to stay with me forever. Nick Drake produced 3 classic albums for all the world to hear.
My first exposure to Nick Drake was back in 1994 in Tulsa, Oklahoma of all places. The local NPR station had a segment on Sunday Night called "The Folk Sampler-From the Foothills of the Ozarks- With Mike Flynn". On this program they played "Time Has Told Me." as the theme that day was "Time" His voice was so haunting. I had to hear more. I went to my local Barnes and Noble (back in the day) and ordered a cd of Bryter Later and then Pink Moon- both of which I played to death. Now I have then entire collection on cd and still looking for a few vinyl pieces to complete my ND library. The compilation that hit US stores has some very stripped down versions of his music such as Hazy Jane pt 1 and the talent on that very complicated and intricate guitar picking and progression is just mind blowing. My oldest daughter, now 32, is also a huge Nick Drake fan, since she grew up with that as her nightly listening routine with dad.
I first heard Nick on Jango radio. I had to learn more about him.
I am a folk singer too and he inspired me. I hope he somehow knows that he is respected now.
I am a big fan of his music.
So glad you did a episode on Nick Drake.
A well done and informative primer!
Thank you!
Nick Drake and, still till this day, is undoubtedly one of the most unheralded Singer/Songwriters of this Century. While many of his song I find attractive, but I'm so glad that my first introduction to him was via ''River Man'', a completely intoxicating, almost otherworldly tune in terms of where it takes you emotionally with having no choice for closing your eyes and being enveloped as you listen. [Shout out as well to Molly Drake].
Same here, that VW commercial. Left me stunned.
The first time I heard Nick Drake was in 2014 when I was in 7th grade and read The Perks of Being a Wallflower. In that book the main character made a mixtape for someone and the books lists the songs on it and one of them was “Time of No Reply” and I absolutely fell in love with that song
Very nicely done, respectful, clearly appreciative of his music, life. Personally, I would rank him every bit an equal to the likes of the earlier works of an Al Stewart, Tom Rush, Bowie during his folk phase amongst others. Unfortunately, I dont think Island Records at that time had the slightest clue as to what they had on their hands (failed several other artists as well) and Nick, a decidedly delicate soul tragically fell between the cracks. Became unwound. Undone... His musical legacy, timeless. Stunningly beautiful in its honesty. One of my all time favorites.... Thanks for this.
His sister is Gabrielle Drake a fine actress. I saw one of his rare live shows he shyly shambled on and seemed to look at his feet throughout. Oddly I was working at the Crucible Theatre Sheffield and waiting for a friend when I heard a track of Nicks on the pub sound system. I fell into conversation with a neighbour at the bar who tuned out to be Richard Hawley who was also a fan!
Great biography of a monumental talent. Thanks
Great video, thank you. I first heard of Nick Drake in an article about Alexi Murdoch which referenced him. Listening to the albums I was hooked. A great talent. It's a real shame that his career wasn't nurtured properly.
very good comparison.
I think it was nurtured. Joe Boyd did everything he could to accommodate Nick. Even when the albums didn't sell well, Island still had hope that the next album would 'break him' in to the mainstream. Ultimately it was down to Nick to oversee his own destiny but because of depression, shyness there's not a lot anybody could have done after 1972.
I remember the first time I heard his Pink Moon album.. still one of the best folk-rock albums in history. Hearing how he took his own life and then hearing Place to Be really hits different now
Every time I listen to Nick Drake it feels like the first time
I discovered his music after seeing Pink Moon featured on a list of great albums in a guitar magazine when I was a teenager. After listening to the album online I had a brief period of being totally obsessed with his work, I listened to everything I could find & was just completely enamored with it. Like most things I eventually moved on to something else, but Pink Moon in particular is something I still go back to occasionally. Drake truly had something that few others of his era had, it's hard to pinpoint what that something is, but for me it's the sense of vulnerability and introspection that comes across in his music.
Nick, and Fairport, were magical. Still are.
Bryter Layter is a thing of pure beauty ❤️🌹
The VW commercial was my first time hearing Nick himself. However I had heard musician cohorts covering his songs long before the VW commercial. Pity we lost him he was special.
So influential, yet so underrated
I was THIS OLD when I find out about Nick; as a song reference from an 18 yr old on my diary page online. You're never too old to learn new tricks.
Fantastic research! Even as a long time fan there was plenty here that was new and interesting. Thanks for your thoughtful video!
I first heard Nick Drake when an American student played it for us at the office..He was blown away that non of us had heard of Nick Drake, and I was completely blow away by how beautiful the music was. Been a huge fan since.
GREAT presentation by Eric!🤓👍🏼
I heard Nick's music probably from the commercial, but in 2012 I listened to it properly; changed my life for sure
In my opinion Nick's subtlety, gentleness, and poetic-songwriting ability can be shown in Northern Sky. Such a heartwarming song
Oh I love Nick Drake! So much of his music was sad and wistful, but his voice and playing are so soft and beautiful, so it's not like youre listening to Elliott Smith or anything when you put it on.
I got into nick drake somewhere in g to ge early 90’s. I heard of him on the radio on an NPR show NEW SOUNDS. I was hooked, found his albums and was very impressed. Id occasionally hear his stuff on different shows hear and there. The VW commercial was the first time i heard him in a long time. Seems to have been a one off though. Too bad, this day and age its all image before talent.
Nicks ," The Riverman," is a timeless masterpiece song, of both music & lyric. The first time I heard it I was transported into a completely different time frame & seduced by its ethereal haunting melody.
I watched this as I have just started listening to his music. It’s such a shame that he wasn’t recognised in his lifetime.
Well done, respectful and informative. Nick's audience wasn't even born when he passed away.
Among singer songwriters such as myself running around London in the 90s Nick was a legend, but I'd never heard the classic albums. My first hearing was 'Time of No reply'-as stunning a song as anything in his output. Just the opening lines 'Summer was gone and the heat died down/And Autumn reached for her golden crown' had me straight away.
You sir, produce the most wonderful, well researched, and thoughtful films on the internet. Excellent.
This is sad. Nick Drake would have absolutely thrived in today's music environment
An excellent video and instrumental in keeping Nick Drake’s music out there. Thank you. 🙂👍
I have a box set of LPs with all his albums plus a bonus thing.
Great précis of his short life. Some artists are just so far ahead of their time and this was Nicks problem.
Successive generations now discover Nicks work with the same joy and wonder.
Turns out his work is timeless.
First time I heard Nick Drake was on Bob Harris's BBC2 Saturday 11pm show; River Man. I'll never forget it. Like the spiritual older brother of Kate Bush. Couldn't shake the haunting complex melancholy but meaningful, life affirming sound. Stunning music.
Very nice presentation (and I too had that thought about what might have happened if Joe Boyd had provided Nick with a second guitar and a roadie!). I have been listening to Nick since the late 1970s and I have several biographies about him, and you covered all the main things people would need to know. Some of the well-known modern performers who admired Nick's work include Robert Smith of the Cure, Peter Buck of R.E.M., and the recently departed Tom Verlaine of Television. I remember back in 1999 when I saw that Volkswagen commercial for the first time, I almost fell over-I couldn't believe hearing Nick's music in a major TV ad. Ironically, "Pink Moon" wasn't the original song choice for the commercial, but I think it turned out petty well. To think that he was so young when he made "Five Leaves Left," and yet the album is so polished. Nick's music is timeless.
I first heard Nick Drake in1980 when I was living in a squat in the New Forest All of his albums have stayed with me ever since and I find that I get along with other people who like his music very well
i heard "northern sky" on a radio station in russia few years ago, i never heard him before. it was so beautiful, i could never forget it.