 |  | | | | |  | | | | Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt presents a special documentary telling the story of cult English singer-songwriter Nick Drake. |
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Are you a fan of Nick Drake? How did you discover his music and what's your favourite song? Or maybe you'd like to leave a tribute to him. Fill in the form below with your comments and we'll post as many of them on the site as we can. Click here to send us your stories.
YOUR COMMENTS
When I first heard Nick, it was a revelation, he is unlike any other his songs have a certain intimacy that makes you believe they are reaching out to you personally. This creates a certain bond between you and his music which is really powerful. There is NO other artist in my view which comes close to achieving this. I am allways telling people about Nick's music and even though his catalogue is small I gain something each time I play any of his songs.
David Wilson, Croydon
Normally only a snooty fan of highbrow Western art music, I have always been fascinated by the wonderful layering and fullness of strands and ideas to be found in Drake's music. I hear something new everytime I listen to his tragically small catalogue - a compliment from me that he shares with such giants as Brahms and Sibelius. Drake's gives the impression of being childishly simple, while in fact reaching sublime levels of complexity. A true great.
Sam Ellis, Bangor, N. Wales
I was introduced to Nick Drakes music by a Scottish pen friend some 14 years ago at the tender age of 16. I don't think there is much else that I listened to and loved back then that I still listen to on a regular basis. Nick Drake's music is timeless and beautiful, melancholic yet uplifting - I always return to it. I'm so glad he's finally getting the recognition that he lacked in his lifetime.
Sarah Beatrice, Bristol
I first heard 'At The Chime of a City Clock' come like a haunting revelation to my ears as I strained to hear it over the din of a buzzing pub in 1991. It was the one and only time where I just left my friends and the conversation we were having to go and ask the DJ what song he was playing. I remember him being overjoyed to share his knowlegede of Nick Drake with me, almost with a kind of missionary like ferver, and soon after when I bought all of Nick's albums within weeks, I understood why. Since then I have always returned back to his albums for some 'soul food' type moments, they are so beautiful that they never fail to reaffirm everything serene about life whenenever I need reminding. my favourite song is 'From the Morning', deceptively difficult to play and simply upliftingly to listen too. It is also the song from which some lyrics are written on the back of nick's tombstone, too which I have paid many a pilgrimige, they read 'and now we rise and we are everywhere', and just like that DJ 14 years ago, I rejoice everytime I hear that Nick's music is reaching an ever wider audience bringing his melancholic beauty to people, we are indeed 'everywhere'.
Paul, Shepherd's Bush
Well I first heard of nick drake back in the 80's when Radio 2 highlighted his work. As soon as I heard his music I thought I gotta have this. Realising he tragically died some years earlier I then thought how far ahead of his time he was.His music never dates my only regret is that I didn't get to hear Nick's music in my youth I would have been about 16 when Nick was creating his endlessly talented music. Well I will leave it there and would like to say thanks for introducing me to Nick Drake and his music so short a career but what an impact. Thanks once again.
Jimmy, Wigan
3 or 4 years ago I got involved in a BBC choice Tv documentary about Nick. The vicar at the church at Tanworth in Arden was considering holding a special service this year (30th anniversary of Nicks tragic death. I don't know if it is going to take place. It would be nice to bring together some of his admirers. Also Joe Boyd talked about bringing out another Nick Drake album since the discovery of some early tapes of Nick playing when he was travelling/living in France and some other stuff including his Mum playing the piano!! Does anyone know any more about this? Adam Greene in Portsmouth
Adam Greene, Portsmouth
30 years, and the bandwagon rolls on, bringing Nick Drake's music to an even wider and younger audience. music that defies years, trends, technology and genre's to emerge as fresh as the day it was recorded. a sad story of a privileged life, looking for acceptance and a place in this world, that sadly eluded him. I'm sure he looks down on us now with the depression faded, and a big smile on his face, knowing that, he was right, people not born in his lifetime, listening to, and tuning into the feelings he put into his music. somehow, I think there will still be documentaries made about him in another 30 years time.
Andrew Jones, Hereford
In 1999 I read an article on local magazine about "Bryter Layter". I got enchated with Nick's story and with the description of his music. So I bought that album and I became one of his biggest fans.
Christiane, Brazil
I have been listening to Nick Drake since 1979/1980, nitially through the fruit tree boxed set .Once you have heard his music it stays with you. My favourite song is "Clothes of Sand".It seems to me that this lad suffered all through his life. When you listen to the Pink Moon album you realise what a brave person he must have been, putting down all that personal grief on record. Life must have been awful for him. I just wish that for his sake that his songs had been listened to more when he was alive.
Mark Newnham, Wakefield
First heard "Time Has Told Me" on the Island ampler "Nice Enought To Eat". Bought each album as it became available and then again on CD when they were reissued. If only there were more of them! Great, great music.
Steve Mepham, England
I bought my first Nick Drake album when I was about 18 - the compilation 'Heaven in a Wild Flower'. As I remember, he was sited as an influence on David Sylvian whose 'Brilliant Trees' album I loved. I subsequently got Five Leaves Left & Bryter Layter on vinyl and played them to anyone who would listen at art school. My favourite song has to be Hazey Jane I for the best line in a song ever - 'Can you tell if you're moving with no mirror to see, if you're just riding in your mind, looks a little likely'.
Sue McMurray, Barnstaple
I discovered Nick whilst I was a schoolboy and he inspired many of my early poems. I still find him an easy way to help me to unwind. I hope that I'll be able to hear the programme (work committments may prevent it) about one of the UK's most underrated singer-songwriters of the last millenium. Best wishes to Brad Pitt and all the production team.
Derek Lawson, Runcorn
I first heard of Nick Drake on 'E ' Network, which is a local cable station in my area. A documentary was aired a few years ago. It captured my attention instantly. There was this lovely,h aunting beauty in his words and melodies that just sucked me into another dimension. I was obsessed with finding a CD.It was so different from anything I've ever heard.It was like finding a lost treasure. I rarely hear of any fans mentioning how charming he looked as a man. I just can't find the words to describe how much Nick's music has captivated and enchanted me since the discovery and I never tire of listening.
Tonya Swift, Little Rock Arkansas
I have been a fan for a few years and I absolutely love the guy, since a small kid I have been a big Simon and Garfunkel, Cat Stevens and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young fan, and this guy just struck a chord with me. I am so pleased his music is spreading, I am talking to more and more people who are aware and love his work and it makes me so happy. As a guitarist I really admire how he arranged his tunings around the song, instead of arranging the song around the tuning like the majority of composers. A true great.
Brido Hunter, Glasgow
I was introduced to Nick's music about 8 years ago when I used to work in a 2nd hand record shop in Surrey. The guy that published a fanzine about Nick titled "Pink Moon" gave me some copies to sell in the shop. The first track of Nick's I heard was "River Man" from "Five Leaves Left". It was his voice that got me first, then the beauty of his guitar next to the background of lush arrangements. When I purchased the box set "Fruit Tree" in Sound Barrier, Guildford, the chap said, "you'll never have to buy another CD in your life after getting this", and in a way he was right - nothing compares. For me, his best album was Pink Moon, stark and full of soul and emotion, and has to be heard by everone interested in music. I must have 3 copies of each of his 3 albums in the house, and an extra set for the car - I challenge anyone to listen to Northern Sky and not feel emotional. Genius in every sense of the word.
Thomas Robinson, Hampshire
I was introduced to Nick Drake's music just over a year ago and I was instantly captivated by it. His music is so incredibly beautiful and the words are so poignant. I particularly love Man in a shed and Time of no Reply but I don't have one favourite song as they're all truly unique. His songs have inspired my music so much. I am glad his music is getting recognition as he deserves it. If only he could be here today to see the recognition he is now getting.
Bentley, Derbyshire
I saw a small section on Nick Drake in Q magazine on 100 Heroes of Music and was curious to find out. I bought a cd copy of Five Leaves Left with a mate who is a goth and heavy metal fan. When I played it, I was absorbed by Nick's eerie but smooth vocals from the first listen and suprisingly so was my mate! Recently, I bought the biography of nick by Humphries and was close to tears. A man who was so talented yet so distant from himself has shone in many people's music collections, old and new!
Philip Ruck, Wigan
I played in a band called 'Bryter Layter' for 3 years. We played lots of Nick's songs. Our original material was also inspired by his music.
Kate Easton, Leicester
Ever since I discovered Nick’s music 3 years ago it has been an integral part of my life. His music has comforted me, kept me from a deep depression, inspired rediscoveries of my artistic side and my love of nature, introduced me to new friends, and led me to other musicians I may not have listened to. No other music has affected me to the extent that Nick’s has. I regret not having heard his music earlier in my life, but I’m grateful to have it now, so near to my heart, my “anima gemella.” To Nick Drake’s Estate I say a humble ‘Thank You” for the upcoming releases, more treasures to embrace. To the fans that have already commented, I say thanks for sharing, and I agree with all you’ve said! My ultimate Nick music moment (to date): Listening to “From The Morning” while watching the sunrise on a lake’s horizon, fully realizing the depth of the artistic gift he gave to the world, even though his personal cost was dear.
Marsha Zee, Chicago
I only heard about Nick Drake after reading in the newspapers that Brad Pitt was doing a documentary about him. As I know that Brad is a fan of Jeff Buckley, I thaught that I should buy an album to see if he was good. Bryter layter was the one I found first, and knowing nothing of his work, I bought it, and loved it. I will look forward to hearing his other albums, as well as the rarer performances and bootlegs. As it is all thanks to Radio 2 and Brad Pitt, that I now know Nick Drake, I would like to thank both of them - it is such a pleasure to be introduced to new music that is so good.
James Wilson, Somerset
I so agree with everyone else's comments about the almost healing beauty of Nick's music. I have been an avid, if private rather than evangelical fan, since introduced to his music some ten years ago. I read Patrick Humphreys biography and found it rather disappointing: it seemed unable to explain the mystery of Nick's lyrics which seemed almost not of this earth in their visionary mysticism. The only article I have ever read which seemed to have the key to his lyrics (let alone his tunings!) was written by his contemporary at Cambridge (and author of Revolution in the Head - the seminal work on the Beatles' lyrics), the late Ian Macdonald in 1999 who tragically took his own life last year. Nick, it seems, was trying to warn of the terrible danger of materialism and our isolation from the natural world. His frustration at failing to make himself understood was instrumental in his worsening sense of depression. MacDonald tragically took his own life last year leaving one wit! h the sense that to understand the sad truth about our debased world must burn terribly. If you can find the article, read it - please. To heed the truth in his songs is to begin the healing process.
Jules Murray, London
Nick's music was introduced to me by a now ex-boyfriend. I am extremely fortunate to have encountered his work, which I find is sometimes inspirational, sometimes haunting; it just hits the spot for 'mood music'. Glad that there is a revival of his genius; it is much deserved and very overdue! Looking forward to the documentary.
Usha Jain, London
I'm almost embarrassed to say I found Nick Drake through a commercial for the Volkswagon Cabrio. Pink Moon was the background music, it haunted me. I searched the internet for mentions of the song and finally found Nick Drake. What a revelation! It's always a joy to find a fellow fan, almost like we share a secret.
Jesse, Glendale, California
I only discovered Nick Drake and his music about three months ago, at first through the "Way to Blue" compilation. Having heard almost all of his songs now, I feel every time as if I am listening to a piece of history, the like of which will never be reproduced. He truly was a gift to this earth, and it is a tragedy that he was as under-appreciated in his lifetime as he was, because his music is completely unsurpassable.
Oli Sumerling, Camden
My dad first introduced me to Nick Drake's work at a time in my life when I had lost my way a bit. The first song I heard was Way to Blue and ever since then, i've bought every one of his albums. At first, his music made me feel sad, but now I see his work as an inspiration to us all. I believe Nick's music helped me recover from my problems and although I am only seventeen, I have played his music to all my friends and they agree that there is something to be said about music that is not necessarily from our era but is still truly great. It is one of my missions in life to spread the word and keep the memory of Nick Drake alive.
Lucy Sparrow, Bath
My flatmate got me into Nick's music. Nearly every Sunday morning after a night out clubbing, I would be woken up by the sound of Nick Drake in the next room. At first I cursed the noise but after a time I began to like what I heard. Now I like nothing better than the sound of "One of these thing first" and "Northern Sky". Thanks Keith!
Amar, Sutton Coldfield
"Most people think his music is as sad as his life was, but I think there is a glimpse of beauty in that sadness". These were the words of a friend of mine who introduced me to Nick Drake's music just last summer. The first song I ever listened to was "Cello song", and I became completely entangled in his music. I do not listen to his albums very often though, I guess this is in part because I would like to save his music for very special moments. But I can see why my friend thought that there was still beauty in all that sadness. I think what my friend said to me about Nick Drake would apply easily to many other artists like Radiohead, for example, who are labelled as 'depressing' or 'suicidal' without a real appreciation for the quality and artistry they convey. Nick Drake will always be one of my favourite musicians, one of the few who can give me a sense of being alive in a world that is real. In such a world people are able to experience the whole spectrum of emotions i! n succession, without feeling ashamed for that.
Alejandra Valero, Mexico
I "rediscovered"the songs of Nick Drake several years ago when I read the Phil Rickman novel - "The Wine of Angels" - where one of the characters is one enigmatic musician called Lol Robinson, inspired by Nick Drake and who was in a band called "Hazey Jane". As the story unwinds author Phil Rickman brings in several references to Nick and his songs. My favourite song is without doubt the haunting Cello Song.
Terry Smith, Burntwood
I first saw a Nick Drake album on my the floor of my friend's room. I put it in the player and never turned back. The man was without doubt the most ingenious writer I've ever heard with his guitar parts. Few realize that much of his work on the instrument was done in new, unique, original tunings that no one had ever even thought of doing before, resulting in chords and patterns that just strike straight through to the heart. Sometimes you hear him hit a chord and just blurt out "oh God, that is perfect..." I'm not scared to say that there are a number of Drake's songs that made me cry unashamedly the first time I heard them. That coupled with his almost haunting yet smooth voice result in a musical style that is simply one of the very best I've heard in my life.
Bill, Philadelphia
In 1979, aged 11, I was into recording favourite songs onto tape from the radio. I used to keep the recorder going into the next song so I could get a decent 'edit'. Left it running one night and accidentally recorded 'Thoughts Of Mary Jane'. I'd never heard anything like it ever before. It made the world look like a different place; a place where mysticism and superstition brushed shoulders stark reality. Nick Drake is an icon, but above that - I consider him as a friend that helped me find a place in this world.
Brian, Place
I supported Nick when I was still at school at what is supposed to have been his first London gig. (See N.D. Biog. for more details). I would be interested in hearing from anyone who was at that small gig above the Goodwill To All pub in Headstone Lane Harrow - or anyone who has a general interest in Drake - for years I thought I must be the only one putting my scratched copy of Five Leaves Left on the turntable - amazing to see what is happening now! Bruce Fursman Mandolin & Guitar of the Folkomnibus. PS I still have that old round backed mandolin that Nick played and recorded with it on many sessions as I am still a part-time musician.
Bruce Fursman, London
About 7 years ago Beth Orton raved about Nick Drake in a magazine and I'd seen his "Introduction..." CD often in the bargain racks and thought what the hell. His music still blows me away today. Songs like "River Man" (you can almost feel water lapping on a riverbank) have no comparison I know. Hopefully Brad Pitt's involvement will bring a few more ears to his music - something all Nick fans end up wishing for.
Ste Sykes, Ashington
A friend bought '5 Leaves Left' in the 80's, I used to ask him to play "Man in a shed" because it was my favourite at first listen, and later I bought it on CD and quickly bought the other albums, a late night with a bottle of red wine is never the same without Nick Drake, he moves you in a mysterious way (never mind religion), he slowly seeps though your mind until you cannot imagine a time before he was in your life. It is a shame he wasn't recognised whilst alive, oh, I prefer 'River Man' now to 'Man in a shed' but Danny Thompson on bass, a Joe Boyd production and Nick or John Martyn or the Increds and I'm in a folk blur of happiness.
Alan Davies, Llanbradach, Wales
I first heard about Nick Drake when I was reading an article about Fairport Convention in a Sunday newspaper. I was in a record shop some weeks later and found a second hand copy of Heaven in a Wild Flower, the Joe Boyd comp. it was difficult to explain why but it seemed then that everyone I knew had to hear. I think many people who find Nick Drake have a similar experience. the complexity of the guitar work is awesome. I play a little and it was like magic at first as I struggled to master some of his songs, which I still haven't achieved. how did he do it. His voice on the other hand was a total contrast just simple honest and touching. even to this day I still judge people that I meet on whether on hearing his music they get it or don't. I used to keep the Way to Blue compilation to give to those deemed worthy. Can't wait to hear this documentary
Dave, Fife
His music is magical - I never thought I'd say that seriously about an artist! He seemed to have such a connection with life, but tragically it seems, too much. His songs seem to have different effects on you at different times, the same song can sound happy and uplifting, then a different day, it can connect with your sadness and melancholy.
G. Downey, South Shields
I was introduced to Nick Drake's music just over a year ago and i was instantly captivated by it. His music is so incredibly beautiful and the words are so poignant. I particulalry love Man in a shed and Time of no Reply but i do not have one favourite song as they are all truly unique. His songs have inspired my music so much. I am glad his music is getting recognition as he deserves it. If only he could be here today to see the recognition he is now getting.
Bentley, Derbyshire
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| | | | LINKS
| Nick Drake Biography
Nick's life story and discography, including sound clips from his albums.
Nick Drake on BBC4
Information about BBC 4's Nick Drake documentary, A Skin Too Few.
| | The Nick Drake Files
One of the first and most comprehensive sources of information about Nick, though it is only sporadically updated these days.
Nick Drake.com
Not, as you might think, an official site, but contains plenty of info, including a useful section for musicians.
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| | | | | MORE INFO ON BBC.CO.UK
Made to Love Magic
Read a review of the new album at the BBC's Music website.
Brad Pitt
Why did Brad decide to present the show? Find out here.
Bryter Layter
The full story behind Nick Drake's classic second album from The Critical List.
BBC 4
Information on BBC Four's Nick Drake documentary.
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