Nick Drake - Pink Moon

Island Records

Nick Drake's final album before passing away at the tender age of 26 proved to be his most concise and well performed project, while also being his shortest album clocking in at just 28 minutes. The lack of success - sales and commercial significance - at Pink Moon's time of release is a telling sign that some don't receive their flowers while they can still smell them. Many notable contemporary artists such as Jake Bugg and Elliott Smith take a large page from Nick Drake's book.

Pink Moon is a masterclass in simplicity - or at least a masterclass in making things seem simple. Well and truly some of the most beautiful and delicate pieces of music ever recorded appear over the course of Pink Moon - delivered on a cloud, cool as a light breeze. 'From the Morning' is stunning in its closing moment magic. The guitarwork is unmatched in its delicacy - as subtle and sublime as the intricacies of clockwork.

Intimate doesn't begin to describe the claustrophobic atmosphere which engulfs the records runtime. Feelings of despair hover heavy overhead providing a balance between Drake's light as a feather vocal performance. It's somewhat of a dichotomy, but works incredibly well. Consider them the yin to the others yang - serenity and sorrow.

Pink Moon is a record to confide in - to find solace in after a day that lasts an eternity. A warm blanket to shut out the cold world.

Notable Tracks: Pink Moon, From the Morning

February 25th, 1972