Nick Drake- Pink Moon & Place To Be (First Listen) 

There's a saying out there that goes: "You don't find Nick Drake's music, his music finds you".

Nick Drake occupies a place in so many hearts, you feel you know him so well and yet can't reach out to help.

It's remarkable how a person like Nick, who was so depressed in his life, has managed to become such a comforting voice to millions of people who have their own struggles to deal with. There are several times when his music has literally saved my life as well, and for that, he'll always have a very special place in my heart.

"Now We Rise And We Are Everywhere"....is engraved on Nick's tombstone. The music business of the 70's was the last nail in his coffin. But now, yes, he's immortal.

Nick Drake is perfect Sunday morning music...or late night music, depending on the mood/day...

Pink Moon is a metaphor for death. I love love LOVE that you compared Nick Drake to Joni Mitchell! Thank you!

That was a great review of an amazing talent. His songwriting was musical poetry in its finest eloquence. His mastery of the acoustic guitar is probably the crispest and cleanest of any guitarist. A pink moon occurs every April. So named by the North American Algonquin Indians because at that time of year the ground was covered in a small pink blossoming flower. Fruit tree is a must listen to track. He sings of someone who doesn't find recognition for their talents until they are dead and buried. The story of his tragically short life.

Yes!!! Nick Drake is awesome. So sad that he died so young.

This is the most stripped back of his 3 albums, no strings or adornment. Last month was the 50 year anniversary of Bryter Layter his second album. Nick Drake was unique, both his songwriting and guitar playing. It never gets old, very good idea JP.

Love Nick Drake! Please give a listen to River Man.☮️

OMG Nick Drake 😭😭😭😭 I love his music, His final album is sooooo special in My life Thanks Justin 😭

My eyes were staring at the screen, but they didn't see anything. I was in the place Nick's guitar work never fails to take me.

Incredibly rich and intimate album. Smokey is a great way of describing his voice. Smokey, like a bass flute. Love the cover too.

This music is so intimate and lovely. Nick was a folk artist rooted in English musical traditions but who had intensely studied lots of American jazz and so he explored gorgeous and complex harmonies that were more common to advanced jazz artists than to other folkies. Magical.

Thank you for reacting to this, Justin. Nick Drake is my favourite artist, and it’s great to see others discovering and enjoying his music. It can be very easy to gloss over due to the simplicity of the core arrangements on both of these songs, but Nick was a phenomenally talented guitar player, easily among the best acoustic guitarists in the world. His tone, phrasing, inflections, sense of rhythm etc. were incredibly unique and original. Every note and slight nuance is intentional, lending itself to an incredibly organic sounding style of playing, one that almost always seems an improvisation, devoid of predetermined composition. He is pretty much renowned for his playing, his right hand technique is honestly unmatched. Just his strumming alone takes you on an intense emotional journey. I still find myself hearing new nuances and subtle melodies, in even just these two songs, after years of listening to his music. There seems to be a multitude of perspectives someone can hear his music from, his guitar playing is just overflowing with hidden, sophisticated melodies. And of course, as you mentioned, he puts his entire soul into everything he does, and the emotion he expresses so effortlessly through his playing is quite unrivalled; I kind of see him as the Stevie Ray Vaughan or David Gilmour of acoustic guitar. His playing combines fragility and vigour in a way that I haven’t seen from anybody else, and I honestly have yet to find anyone who truly comes close. I remember reading an interview with John Wood (if I remember correctly), where he mentioned there being a huge increase in musicians travelling to Sound Techniques (the studio Nick recorded at) in the years following Nick’s passing, in hopes of having him produce their records, saying they wanted their tone and such to sound as Nick’s did. He said that they would always leave disappointed, adding that he had nothing to do with the warm, gentle sound Nick managed to express so beautifully. A telling testament to his virtuous nature. I apologize for rambling lol, I just think he’s a criminally under appreciated guitar player. There is a humble sense to his playing that I think masks just how unbelievably talented he really was. If you ever get around to it (even just on your own time), his song “Hanging On Star” is another beautiful one, and I think it showcases his guitar playing very well.

Two of my favorite Nick Drake songs. Place Behind the Sun is another gem. 💎

Didn't discover him until '79, and glad I did. Still have all 3 lps

Nick’s music is so beautifully sad and it has a special innocence and purity to it. I don’t think I can pick a favorite song, but I do love ‘Cello Song and Clothes of Sand. There is a young guitarist named Josh Turner who has an excellent video on his analysis of Nick’s guitar playing even down to what strings and the length of Nick’s nails. He replicates Nick’s playing amazingly well.

I think the line “ now I’m weak as the palest blue, oh so weak in this need for you” might be to me one of the best lines in a song ever.

Nick’s music is the ultimate journey through the mind of a poetic introvert, each song a delicate treasure. There’s a personal feeling to his songs -as though they’re lifted from the pages of a diary and you have been invited in. It’s been postulated he was Autistic, due to his extreme shyness, his difficulty in communicating with others and a lack of convention relating to nonverbal cues. Whatever the case he was a brilliant musician with a unique voice and guitar playing style. He’s the greatest posthumously famous musician to have ever lived. His first song to become renowned was twenty four years after his death. That’s something else. Legend...

Nick Drake was from a village not too far away from here (Birmingham) called Tanworth-In-Arden, he died at home in 1974 aged just 26 of an anti depressant overdose and is buried in the churchyard with his parents. The village has become a pilgrimage site for fans. Re the meaning of Pink Moon I’m not sure what it means either but just down the road from Nick’s house is a farm called “Pink Green”...can’t be a coincidence can it? 🤔

Just love the raw minimalism of this album. Emotionally charged and looking for peace. Definitely a night atmosphere here and his “soft and smoky” voice convey the dark place he was coming from. As you rightfully said “honest, unique and personal”. Thank you Justin!

I am THRILLED you are listening to some more Nick Drake, Justin! This album in particular is probably in my top 10 of all time (and I've heard a lot of albums!). So much depth from just a man and his guitar...

Dude, Nick Drake!!! You're firing on all cylinders with these continually great picks. (I wrote this before hearing your reaction, so it better be good ;) ) A Volkswagen commercial revived his career posthumously in the early 2000s. When ever I think I've written a good song I have to think about Nick and whether I've even come close to how he communicates such simple but brilliant ideas. I wouldn't describe him as bearing his soul, so much as evoking a mood.

This album is both sad and hopeful.

I really like your way to approach the meaning and the content of these songs. I'm a huge Nick Drake fan, I've been singing at the Nick Drake Gathering in Tanworth-in-Arden regularely since 2012, and more and more young people are showing up there, doing really good interpretations of Nick's songs

Nick Drake is undoubtedly one of the greatest songwriters of all time. His music is something special.

Great review as always Justin. Thought I’d seen all your stuff, but never noticed a Nick Drake review! If you haven’t listened to it yet, imho, the one to go for from him is River Man. Got a sneaking suspicion you’ll love it.

When i heard Northern Sky in 93 i cried for 2 years as it coincided with heartbreak. Of all the artists to be introduced to when a dark tunnel enveloped one.... So that’s why I can’t listen to a complete lp of Nick Drake , it would just crush me with memories of following Jackie Leven and Stephen Duffy trying to make sense of it all. Mind you, the musical light at the end of the tunnel came from an unexpected source Namely Erasure’s “Erasure” which is so breathtakingly fabulous that my first ever birthday gift via A****n vouchers is arriving on Saturday- a vinyl copy ! ( and Loveboat too! ) So there’s always the Mystery of Love , which is , so Jackie Leven said, stronger than the mystery of death. Keith, on the other hand, remains the Sole Inhabitant, but will also be in the Amazon delivery, thanks to a live solo concert by None other than, Yes you’ve guessed it, *homas *olby! Now , talking of tragedies, don’t tell me that you’re not gonna play Grace by Jeff Buckley? I’m surprised That didn’t claim it’s reaction time sooner but no worries, it’s all relative. Diolch J! Beautiful beautiful songs - so simple & minimalist and yet deeply moving!

Justin, you should also check out John Martyn - a contemporary and close friend of Nick Drake - the title track of his Solid Air album was written as a tribute to Nick after he passed. John Martyn started as a folk singer/songwriter was an early adopter of echoplex effects for his guitar (listen to the amazing Glistening Glynbourne on Bless the Weather) and increasingly moved towards more electronic music over time. Also worked with Phil Collins - listen to Couldn't Love you More on Glorious Fool for Phil's drumming and a beautiful love song.

Quite a bit before the VW commercial, a great, pre-grunge band called Walt Mink did an awesome cover of Pink Moon. I saw them live before I bought the album, and the tune was a standout of their set, and it made me seek out Nick Drake. Which I am forever grateful for.

Nick is beautiful pain. Rise above knowing this beauty exists. Thanks dude!

A night with Nick Drake on the stereo takes you to another place....

Love these songs. Love Nick Drake. You might also check out Elliott Smith, if you haven't yet. Indie folk at its best.

🙂 Love Nick Drake. I'm looking forward to you listening to more. If he only knew his impact and how many people still find comfort in his music all these years later.

wow, nick Drake ....such a precious gem

Heard his name a lot, saw albums, but never really heard his music. I did see the commercial and liked the storyline. I have a slow burn with certain voices, unique voices, takes awhile for me take in. Today, I took it in... sad, pleasant, moody, hopeful, dark, all at the same time. I liked the guitar reinforcement, interesting. Listened to David Sancious’s Transformation (Speed of Love) last night while painting... may try Nick soon. Peace and Music

The density of Place to Be is impressive

You're impressive in your ability to describe the music of Nick Drake, compared with so many of these "reaction" videos on this site. I appreciate how sincere and straightforward in this kind of reaction upon first hearing the songs. Thanks for helping to introduce Nick Drake to others and reinforce the feeling that so many of us have in our love for Nick Drake's music. He is a singular figure in music, unique and deeply mournful in most of his songs. Fantastic quality to his voice, his guitar playing and his songwriting. However, one minor issue with your comments. You describe his guitar as seeming simple and more of a vehicle for the voice and the lyrics, which is not entirely wrong, but many skilled guitar players remark about how challenging it is to play the way he did. So I guess you could say he makes the complex seem simple, which is a gift in itself. Too many guitar players are into the speed riffing, excessive notes and showing off their dexterity on the instrument. That does nothing for me. Drake's guitar playing is rich, resonant, clean and feelingful.

Another fantastic choice. One of my absolute favourites. This album is absolutely heart rending. So many songs are like little cries for help. I so wish he could have found the help he needed.

Now I'm weaker than the palest blue, oh so weak in this need for you.. Beautiful.

One of my favourite albums of all time- Extremely emotional and comforting. Glad to see you cover it!

Oh man, why didn't youtube show me this in my feed. Love some Nick Drake 👍🏼

I’ve loved his music for 50 years! Good response as usual. X.

Thanks Justin. Nick Drake has got one of the most beautiful male voices I've ever heard. The softness reminds me of David Gilmour but deeper. Hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I believe he overdosed his prescription medication. Whether it was intentional is speculated rather than definitely known . All 3 albums are brilliant of course but I hope you can get round to my favourite sometime which is Bryter later. The collaboration with Fairport convention and other musicians is absolutely stunning.

Wow!! You came back! Nick really is my favorite songwriter! Unique stuff!

JP - another good job! Love Nick, 3 perfect albums from someone who left too soon. Basically, his music and he was just about lost and forgotten. Thankfully, it's been revived. Too bad he didn't live to see it. I'm not sure if you reacted to it already, if not, please do my favorite one day, Northern Sky. Truly beautiful!

Some candles burn too quickly,because they shine so brightly. Thanks for keeping the lights on! ☮️

There you are, Nick's back. Thanks my friend!

The existential song 'Things Behind the Sun" is a real insight into Drake's state of mind. It is one of the saddest songs I have ever heard and difficult to listen to for that reason.

Fabulous

These songs are written by a vulnerable person whom wanted to express himself, but found fame hard to handle. Black Eyed Dog is one to hear, perhaps a comment on his battle with fame and pressure of life. Fruit Tree is just perfect. Thoughts of Mary Jane so wistful. He was from a talented family sister was an actress, mother was musical. Wild ground pink Phlox comes out in spring at around the time the full moon which can take on a pink tinge. It's about birth and renewal. Spring time! p.s. this reference to Phlox applies to the U.K. p.p.s. he overdosed, but uncertain if accidental.

Justin thanks for listening to Nick. Hope you listen to more of his music. He has a soulful, sad quality in his voice. He was apparently quite introverted and shy which held his career back from success. His music was also very deep emotionally and perhaps he was just too ahead of his time to find acceptance. I think Nick was to music what Vincent Van Gogh was to painting. An unrecognized genius in his time that sadly was only appreciated after his tragic passing. I discovered him through the famous Volkswagen commercial that likely introduced his music to many. It featured "Pink Moon" and I have loved that song ever since.

pink moon was on a car commercial years ago and i loved it. it took me years to find it and i found it by accident. glad i did because its awesome. updated (You pointed this out later in the video but i decided to keep the comment the same anyway lol)

Thanks for doing these two songs together. I was thinking the other day, hoping you would get around to Nick Drake, that one song at a time off this album would not represent him well enough for him to be appreciated. It's a stark melancholy beautiful album.

Nick found me around 20years ago and has been with me ever since i hope he knows how much love is out there for him, so sad ✌fruit tree is my personal favorite from his 5 leaves left album . So glad it was you who made a reaction to this 👌🎼

I had never heard of Nick Drake until a couple of years ago when a friend almost went the same way. When looking up about the drug, Drake's name was mentioned, but hadn't heard his music until now. Thank you.

Justin, you should listen to the cover of "Pink Moon" by no-man (Tim Bowness on vocals + Steven Wilson on various instruments). it is a very ethereal and beautiful version (I prefer it to the original). no-man did another cover from Nick Drake's third album, it's the track called "Road".

Nick Drake, the legend xx

Holy Moly, this is great! Super chill yet introspective at the same time. Makes me want to paint to it ... and I’m not a painter. Putting this in my library on my lunch break!

Nick Drake has been a secret for too long, glad someone is giving him time. 3 Albums and out but what wonderful music he left. Rumour has it that Elton John recorded a demo of all Nick Drake songs (back when) and that Heath Ledger was doing research to play him for a bio-pic. Though, admittedly, not for everyone - ND was a profound songwriter. A few of my faves: "Time Has Told Me, Fly, Pink Moon and The Thoughts Of Mary Jane". ALSO: Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. Cheers.

The greatest one-two punch in the history of recorded music. There are no two finer songs. Period.

Nick Drake is autumn music. I usually go on a ND rant right around Thanksgiving.

Yes pink moon was used in a volkswagen cabriolet commercial in the 90's. The person who worked at the advertising agency was a huge nick drake fan.

As far as I know, Nick's guitar playing wasn't simple. He had his own picking style and he changed the tunings on this guitar. He has been an influence on other guitarists.

I believe Northern Sky is my favorite of his many great songs. I think it was the emotion that was the tipping point for me.

one of my favourite artists of all time..so glad you're giving him a try ( I didn't expect you to get so far into English folk!) A pink moon is an actual event...and coincidentally the next one is due this month..April 25th I think... so watch out for it. Nick's real depression song is Black Eyed Dog..named after what Sir Winston Churchill ( who also suffered from severe depression at times) called his darkest moods. Another thoughtful and sensitive review though👍

Thanks Justin. It has been a while since I had heard Pink Moon. A similar unclad voice for me is Seu Jorge.

Beautiful songs. Nick drake seems like someone i have to explore more of. On a somewhat random note. You describing playing keyboard in the dark, i did the same exact thing :). Which somehow reminded me i wanted to recommend something classical. Arvo Pärt - Tabula Rasa. Especially the first movement called ludus. Imo its made to be listen in the dark. He is one of the pioneers in the new simplicity movement in classical music. I think with your love of ambiant music, you will really dig it.

Man how did I miss this reaction. Nick Drake is such a unique and precise guitarist, he uses open tunings like Joni Mitchell.

WOW I was going to suggest Nick Drake!!!!!! Nick was an astounding hauntily exquisite & deeply moody melancholic one of a kind artist during his short life til his unfortunate demise by suicide. RIVER MAN was the first deeply moving song I'd heard of his off a mid 70's ANTILLES sampler LP which included an odd collection of eclectic off beat yet sophisticated charmers. He finally gained belated fame in the 90's long after his passing when his work was being used on commercials and film soundtracks. His biography suggest that he suffered from depression and was also dismayed by not receiving success in his career.

Ah Nick Drake, I am surprised you started with Pink Moon my personal favourite is Five leaves left, but hey ho, there is a haunting quality to his songs and voice, it makes me so sad to think what he might of done if he had lived. You get the idea with those tracks of what your gonna get from Nick. if you want more suggestions, my favourite tracks are River man, Hazey Jane at the chime of a city clock, and a wonderful outtake Time of no reply.

Oh dear, JP ! Another rabbit hole. A few bunnies for you to chase... a Pink Moon event, in some cultures, portends doom.. listen too to 'From the Morning' , also on Pink Moon, especially the line (carved on his, and parents' grave stone) 'And now we rise, and we are everywhere' ...this is definitely not a depressive song. He arouses very, very, very strong emotions, especially for those, like me that 'get' him and have his music viscerally and deeply embedded in every fibre of our body and soul. There you have it. Simple really. Oh ! when you next time pootle around Nick Drakes' rabbit warren. Listen to The Unthanks' interpretations of Nick's mother, yes mother's ! music "The Song and Poems of Molly Drake" A very beautiful and talented family. Keep on chuckling, Justin !

I've been to his grave twice, such a beautiful soul

i stop down for "Pink Moon" and when it was used on a Volkswagon commercial. I stopped down for that commercial.

Nice, Nick Drake was a genius, another such genius you should check out is John Martyn he was a good friend of Nicks and his song Solid Air was written as a tribute to Nick Drake, that and May You Never are both beautiful and worth checking out

Nice enough if you like this sort of thing. Of course I know of him, and his story. That said, the old solo, acoustic carrying, troubled troubadour thing was never really my bag. Hadn't heard these before, but had heard other stuff. A little too mellow for me.

I first discovered Nick Drake when I looked up what song they were using on a Volkswagen Cabriolet commercial (it was Pink Moon), I've loved Nick Drake ever since!

Funny coincidence I just learned that April 27th this year is the pink moon, which is a term for the moon at perigee,it's closest approach to Earth.

This guy was a great guitar player which you do not hear too much about.

I really like the song 'Northern Sky'. Quite positive for a Nick Drake song.

Sadly, the way many of us were introduced to Nick Drake was from a Volkswagen commercial. But at least we got there, huh?

High JP. I have to spoil you again. The melody on this is superb and it epitomizes the avant garde side of the band. The song is "IF THERE IS SOMETHING" and the band is Roxy Music. I think you will love it

Nick Drake and Syd Barrett have the same vibes. Both amazing artists.

My favorite review was that no matter how much you increase the volume, he never gets loud. Pink Moon was introduced to most people by Volkswagen.

Justin, I think you are spot on with Nick singing like he is baring his soul. One of Nick Drakes friends wrote a song about him.. John Martyn wrote a track called "Solid Air", It is well worth a listen and I would love if you could give that track a reaction. It will really fit in with your love of "ambient music". Nick used to babysit for John and this is a song about John's loss and is a wonderful tribute to any musician. Oh yeah, John Wood also engineered Solid Air as well.

Nick Drake was a good friend of John Martyn I recommend his music particularly the "Solid Air" and "Bless the Weather" albums. Like Nick he had a great guitar playing style. Also you may recognise some of his songs as they have been widely used in movie soundtracks

I was glad Volkswagen used Pink Moon in a national TV ad. It brought so many people to Nick’s catalogue. I find it difficult to listen to him, Elliott Smith, and Jeff Buckley. I’m a pain avoider from way back.

You must listen to Duncan Browne’s first 2 lps as well, ‘Give Me Take You’ (1968) and ‘Duncan Browne’ (1972). If you love Nick you’ll love these too 👍

My fave Nick Drake album! I don't think he's a guy who really benefits from the more elaborate production heard elsewhere. Which prompts me to a rec: Judee Sill, a fellow tragically doomed young singer-songwriter of the era. But in contrast with Drake, she was more of a pop genius almost in the Brian Wilson mold, with a knack for elaborate baroque arrangements and heavenly harmonies that enhance her raw, soul-baring songs (although she could blow your hair back with just her voice and a piano or guitar!) Her album Heart Food is one of the best ever. Tracks to sample: "The Phoenix", "There's a Rugged Road", "The Kiss", "Jesus Was a Crossmaker"

🤙🏻

This is my first listen. It certainly won't be my last.

From the Morning was also used in an ad.

He was terribly shy. Maybe asperger syndrome. I think he was on the spectrum in some way or another. He was a perfectionist as a guitarist. Never a wrong note.

Have you ever gone to a Coffeehouse like in Berkeley, CA. or in New Orleans, LA.?????? Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel...all played in Coffeehouses with just their guitar, their voice, their lyrics, and songs to small audiences who drank coffee and Blueberry muffins while listening to these artist. So, when artists like Drake start an album....they approach it as if they are personally playing to you. Drake suffered major depressions like many artist about things that they could not or thought they could not change in society like in the song "I'd Love to Change The World" by Ten Years After. And when you really listen to that song and think about the issues we are facing in this world today.....it is VERY depressing to point that many people including these artists Nick Drake, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, etc. made a decision that they really don't want to be in this world and like Chris Cornell took their lives(suicide). But I would advise you to listen to I'd Love To Change The World by Ten Years After. If you have heard it ....go hear it again...and this the major reason why most artist really commit suicide.....the helplessness of changing a terrible society of killings, murders, hate, and sexual violence into productive fair loving societies. And the other part of that lyric in "I'd Love To Change The World" by Ten Years After is "But I don't Know What To Do...so I'm leaving it up to you!" Check song out...and then you will understand Drake's depression.

Bare bones Nick. Many feel it's his best, but even if i like all his stuff, i still think his first one is his best, with great musicians like Richard Thompson helping out, and the amazing orchestrations of Robert Kirby on Way to Blue and River Man.

I believe that Pink Moon was used in the movie Serendipity (John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale) during the key scene. Can anyone confirm? Love his voice and the whole vibe he gives off.

There is really nothing simple about his playing he does not sound like anyone else listen to Things Behind the Sun.

We NEVER forget Nick. 🥰 Got stickers on the helmet, the motorcycle and pins on the backpack. Thank you Nick, thank you JP.

FYI: His sister Gabrielle is a talented actor, famous for portraying Lt. Gay Ellis on the British sci-fi series "UFO" (1969-1970). A few years ago she wrote a book about Nick.