Nick Drake is the archetypal cult hero – ignored in his too-brief lifetime, revered by new generations hooked on his warm, delicate music and the tragedy of his depression and early death. Compiled from press and radio pieces as well as editor Creed’s Pink Moon fanzine, these reactions to Drake and his work shed some light on his mystery and history. Collaborators reveal his approach to music and the devotion he inspired in the few who listened; producer Joe Boyd relates how Island guaranteed the release of any new material, despite the universal indifference illustrated by dismissive contemporary reviews.
Friends and family recall Drake’s youth and hippie traveller days, painting a picture of a charismatic, adventurous dope enthusiast at odds with the brooding loner image that’s fuelled his myth. There are fanzine entries discussing guitar tunings and psychology, reviews of tribute concerts and even poetry. A mixed bag, then: exhaustive, sometimes repetitive and a plod in the more earnest selections, but all adding up to an impression, not just of a great musician and a son sadly lost, but of an enduring impact that validates his efforts to reach out through his songs. And in that, it’s rather poignant.
