Lost Boy - In Search of Nick Drake

Ok...this is probably the last post on Nick Drake. I just thought I should post this audio file for those that are interested in hearing more on Nick's life.



Nick Drake is the quintessential cult hero, and you can hear again why as Radio 2 presents another chance to hear 2004's acclaimed documentary, presented by Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt.

Pitt was approached by Radio 2...after the network learned he was a huge Nick Drake fan. Pitt says: "I was introduced to Nick Drake's music...and am a huge admirer of his records. "When Radio 2 approached me to get involved in this project, I was delighted to be asked and pleased that I was able to fit it into my schedule.

This documentary looks to explore Drake's life through the words of those who knew him - collaborators such as producer Joe Boyd and arranger Robert Kirby, his family (including his sister, actress Gabrielle Drake) and his friends. -BBC Radio 2

Download: Lost Boy - In Search of Nick Drake - Size: 25.9 MB

Enjoy :)

Nick Drake Documentary - A Skin Too Few

First broadcast in 2000, this movie documents the 26 short years of Nick's life (1948-1974). Focusing on his brilliant music, as well as the talented musical and technical people who helped shape his sound, in London, during the late 60's & early 70's, as well as his sister Gabrielle, and haunting audio segments of both his late parents. Unfortunately, Nick was not of his time, and was never really appreciated during his oh so short time here. But his 3 albums, Five Leaves Left, Bryter Later and Pink Moon, continue to indoctrinate new fans day after day, being moved by the songs that were written almost 40 years ago. Amazing !!! This is an entirely different documentary from A Stranger Among Us.

This documentary has been uploaded onto YouTube and is in five parts approximately 10 minutes each.

Nick Drake Documentary - A Skin Too Few - Part 1

Nick Drake Documentary - A Skin Too Few - Part 2

Nick Drake Documentary - A Skin Too Few - Part 3

Nick Drake Documentary - A Skin Too Few - Part 4

Nick Drake Documentary - A Skin Too Few - Part 5

Bonus audio file: This is a mp3 audio file of the same show as above, all five parts.
Download: A Skin Too Few - Size: 20.8 MB

Enjoy :)

Nick Drake Documentary - A Stranger Among Us

First broadcast in 1999, this documentary looks at Nick Drake's life through the memories of his family and friends. This is an entirely different documentary from A Skin Too Few.

This documentary has been uploaded onto YouTube and is in four parts approximately 10 minutes each.

Nick Drake - A Stranger Among Us Documentary Part One

Nick Drake - A Stranger Among Us Documentary Part Two

Nick Drake - A Stranger Among Us Documentary Part Three

Nick Drake - A Stranger Among Us Documentary Part Four

Bonus audio file: This is a mp3 audio file of the same show as above, all four parts.
Download: A Stranger Among Us - Size: 17.6 MB

Enjoy :)

Pink Moon

Every once in a whimpering while you have to confess you've succumbed to the advertising ruse, you've been successfully seduced by the smirking leeches of Madison Avenue and fallen for something they've hawked your direction via some otherwise cloying TV commercial, like it or not and usually not.

And it's a rather sad and sickening feeling when you realize you've given in to these ad execs, this nefarious breed who we all know would sell the souls of their own despondent mothers for an irresistible Snapple or aspirin or deodorant catchphrase, ever seeking the perfect marketing campaign swiped straight from youth culture and sold right back to them as nifty repackaged crap-on-a-stick. -SFGate.com

Like many others, I discovered Nick Drake's music through the use of his song Pink Moon in a VW ad campaign.

I thought...great song, great message. The song makes great background music...although it seems to have nothing to do with the commercial's message--which seems to be about taking a higher road. The backup light adds a nice touch.

The song is Pink Moon by Nick Drake - vocals, acoustic guitar and piano.

From the album Pink Moon - recorded October 1971.

Pink moon -(2:00)

I saw it written and I saw it say

Pink moon is on its way

And none of you stand so tall

Pink moon gonna get you all

It's a pink moon

It's a pink, pink, pink, pink, pink moon.

The following are exerts from YouTube's
Comments & Responses

VW always has great commercials... leave it to the Germans for fabulous propaganda.
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VW should really have thought twice about using this song in a video considering it's a song about death. A pink moon was looked upon as a sign of apocalypse in medieval times. Bang-up job VW, you've made a commercial that makes it sound like using your car is a death sentence.
Beautiful song though, just like all of Nick Drake's work, may he rest in peace.
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Great commercial. Even better song. It is sad, but I probably would have never even heard of the late Nick Drake if it wasn't for this commercial. Now he is one of my favorites.
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When I saw this ad 7 or 8 years ago I thought maybe it was Richie Havens then discovered it was this little English guy with a big voice and precise guitar fingers that had died way too soon. If this song is new to you, start with the CD "Way to Blue" if you can still find it. Has most of Drake's better known songs put into great order. Heard rumors that Brad Pitt had fought for rights to make a movie about Drake but I never understood why it was never made.
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There is something fitting about this ad, considering that Nick would often get in his own car and drive it until he ran out of gas and/or got lost (then having to call his parents to come pick him up). While I don't think that's what the VW folks were aiming for, I do picture Nick driving alone at night when I see this.
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Great that VW introduced so many people to Nick, but what a weird song to use! Pink Moons represent (variously) death, the coming of the apocalypse, and the presence of the devil. Which is encouraging. Nick is still awesome, of course.
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As much as I dislike commercials, I will be forever indebted to VW for introducing so many people to the music of Nick Drake. Some of the most pure and honest music ever made.
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Fantastic ad. Says so much without saying anything. One of the greats.

Northern Sky

Northern Sky - Written and performed by
Nicholas Rodney Drake - (June 19, 1948 – November 25, 1974)

From the LP Bryter Layter, recorded in 1970.

John Cale, celeste, piano and organ; Dave Pegg, bass; Mike Kowalski, drums.

In 2004 the NME has called this song "The greatest English love song of modern times".

The song, written in DADGDG tuning.

I've seen an excellent video on YouTube called How to Play "Northern Sky" by Nick Drake. It shows how to use an alternate tuning BEBEBE, capo on the 4th fret.

________________________________________________________

Northern Sky - (3:42)

I never felt magic crazy as this

I never saw moons, knew the meaning of the sea

I never held emotion in the palm of my hand

Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree

But now you're here

Brighten my northern sky.

:

I've been a long time that I'm waiting

Been a long time that I'm blown

I've been a long time that I've wandered

Through the people I have known

Oh, if you would and you could

Straighten my new mind's eye.

:

Would you love me for my money

Would you love me for my head

Would you love me through the winter

Would you love me 'til I'm dead

Oh, if you would and you could

Come blow your horn on high.

:

I never felt magic crazy as this

I never saw moons, knew the meaning of the sea

I never held emotion in the palm of my hand

Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree

But now you're here

Brighten my northern sky.