I’ve been in love with Nick Drake’s music for most of my life. I first stumbled onto him in the mid 90s at one of those old record store listening stations. I pressed play on Way to Blue without knowing what to expect and was instantly transfixed. I bought the CD that same day and played it obsessively. I wouldn’t even call myself just a fan, more like a devotee. This music is part of the deep soundtrack to my life. Thanks for sharing this. I’m listening now and already feel like I’ve slipped into another world.
This is a beautiful essay, inspired by beautiful music. I've been listening to the box set this week and reading the book that come with it. I, too, didn't think I was going to write about it. Then I thought I would. And now I think perhaps I won't, after all, in part because pieces by you and others have it so well covered. Or rather, I will write (have done so already), but perhaps not publish.
Thanks for the reminder about Nick Drake. I never gave his music the time it deserves. That’s just the diversion I need now that Emil B. has been confirmed. Something to bring the pain to the surface.
I also take refuge in quietly celebrating how much you and I share. I too was raised in a conservative Jewish home. In other words, a spiritual wasteland. The Beatles saved my life. I was 11 when they arrived, just a few months after the first, horrifying assassination (JFK).
I also fell hard for the alternate tunings. I learned and recorded my favorites from Joni and from David Wilcox. Do you know his music? Start with “Leaving You.” If you have any tears left, this gorgeous song will coax them out.
Another connection: like you, I spent 15 years at the feet of the brilliant Buddhist teacher, Shinzen Young. I helped organize his local community here: the Mid Atlantic Vipassana Network (MAVN). Of course, Shinzen gave us our punny name.
This really resonated with me. I’m in that place of being overwhelmed by the grief of everything while those around me are mostly very locked into pretending things are fine. Thank you for the reminder that I’m not the only one.
I love Nick Drake and always wondered if he was gay - I feel it in the sadness and the lyrics, too.
Incidentally if you’re interested in contemporary singer songwriters doing a similar thing, check out Ryan Beatty’s album Calico - profound, mysterious lyrics soaked in gay grief.
Thanks for your “out of the box” article today. I downloaded some of Nick’s songs and listened to them while reading your words - I know it’s not the same as finding that sought after album amidst the masses. I too miss that challenge of days long past.
But your article - and Nick’s melodies in tandem - were welcome diversions from today’s horrors.
I’ve been in love with Nick Drake’s music for most of my life. I first stumbled onto him in the mid 90s at one of those old record store listening stations. I pressed play on Way to Blue without knowing what to expect and was instantly transfixed. I bought the CD that same day and played it obsessively. I wouldn’t even call myself just a fan, more like a devotee. This music is part of the deep soundtrack to my life. Thanks for sharing this. I’m listening now and already feel like I’ve slipped into another world.
This comment is why I wrote this piece. Thank you.
This is a beautiful essay, inspired by beautiful music. I've been listening to the box set this week and reading the book that come with it. I, too, didn't think I was going to write about it. Then I thought I would. And now I think perhaps I won't, after all, in part because pieces by you and others have it so well covered. Or rather, I will write (have done so already), but perhaps not publish.
Beautiful essay, Jay - really hits home. Thanks you.
Thank you Will — I was inspired by yours of course!
Hi Jay,
Thanks for the reminder about Nick Drake. I never gave his music the time it deserves. That’s just the diversion I need now that Emil B. has been confirmed. Something to bring the pain to the surface.
I also take refuge in quietly celebrating how much you and I share. I too was raised in a conservative Jewish home. In other words, a spiritual wasteland. The Beatles saved my life. I was 11 when they arrived, just a few months after the first, horrifying assassination (JFK).
I also fell hard for the alternate tunings. I learned and recorded my favorites from Joni and from David Wilcox. Do you know his music? Start with “Leaving You.” If you have any tears left, this gorgeous song will coax them out.
Another connection: like you, I spent 15 years at the feet of the brilliant Buddhist teacher, Shinzen Young. I helped organize his local community here: the Mid Atlantic Vipassana Network (MAVN). Of course, Shinzen gave us our punny name.
I like the way Andrew signed off above:
Be Brave and Go well! We’re with you.
This really resonated with me. I’m in that place of being overwhelmed by the grief of everything while those around me are mostly very locked into pretending things are fine. Thank you for the reminder that I’m not the only one.
I love Nick Drake and always wondered if he was gay - I feel it in the sadness and the lyrics, too.
Incidentally if you’re interested in contemporary singer songwriters doing a similar thing, check out Ryan Beatty’s album Calico - profound, mysterious lyrics soaked in gay grief.
Jay!
Thanks for your “out of the box” article today. I downloaded some of Nick’s songs and listened to them while reading your words - I know it’s not the same as finding that sought after album amidst the masses. I too miss that challenge of days long past.
But your article - and Nick’s melodies in tandem - were welcome diversions from today’s horrors.
Thanks, again.
Be Brave n Go Well 🌈