During this time of remembering the one and only Elliott Smith, there is another musician worth bringing up, who is largely underrated and shares a similar aesthetic with Smith. His name is Nick Drake, and he’s been one of the primary musicians I’ve been listening to recently.  Though there isn’t really evidence that Drake had influence over Smith’s music, like some believe, there is no questioning that Drake helped formulate the minimalist style and emotional lyrics that draw so many people to Smith’s music.

Like Smith, Drake battled severe depression and died November 25, 1974, at the early age of 26, from an anti-depressant overdose. Unlike Smith, Nick didn’t experience much fame in his life, mainly because he was reclusive and reluctant to be interviewed, or play live. When he played live, he rarely spoke to his audience, and didn’t “perform” as much as play for himself, often taking several minutes between songs to retune his guitar. It’s wasn’t until recently, when Volkswagen licensed the song “Pink Moon” for one of their commercials, and his music was featured on popular soundtracks like Garden State, that Drake started getting the long overdue recognition that he deserves.

There are several reasons why I feel so attached to Nick Drake’s music. The most evident reason is that his music is among the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard. His guitar strumming is incredible, and he would practice throughout the night, messing around with different arrangements and tunings. His voice and lyrics are mesmerizing, and Pink Moon may very well be my favorite album of all time.  Another reason I feel so close to Drake’s music is because of how real it is. Although Nick was a man of few words, he was able to release his deeply feelings through his music. He didn’t seem to care much about fame or fortune, and though he had no problem with his music being heard by others, he didn’t go out of his way to get it out there.

Many of his recordings were done in his home, and Family Tree, a recently released album featuring unreleased recordings from before his debut album (Five Leaves Left) are extremely intimate and include appearances from his sister and mom. Drake felt closest with his family,  and he spent the last years of his life at his parent’s home, as his depression continued to spiral down.

Nick Drake was a man of mystery, who no one will ever fully know or understand. It’s unclear whether Nick’s death was a suicide or accidental overdose, but Joe Boyd, Drake’s record producer, believes he was “making a desperate lunge for life rather than a calculated surrender to death.” Though there is no doubt that Drake’s family knew him better than any one else did, his music reveals a very personal side of him that can help listeners to get to know him better, even in his absence.

Five Leaves Left (1969):

Nick Drake – River Man

Nick Drake – ‘Cello Song

Nick Drake – The Thoughts of Mary Jane

Bryter Layter (1970):

Nick Drake – One of These Things First

Nick Drake – Fly

Pink Moon (1972):

Nick Drake – Pink Moon

Nick Drake – Place To Be

Nick Drake – Things Behind The Sun

Family Tree (2007):

Nick Drake – Blues Run The Game

Nick Drake – Day Is Done

Elliott Smith

August 6, 1969- October 21, 2003

On October 21, 2003, Elliott Smith took his own life and cut short the career of one of the most talented singer-songwriters of all time. Smith battled depression, drug addiction and alcoholism throughout his short but influential career, but still managed to create some of the most beautiful, emotionally touching music of the last few decades. Smith’s intricate acoustic compositions and blend of folk, pop and rock has made the music from all of his 6 albums timeless and his music has both inspired and influenced hundreds of musicians today. Five years ago today, the world lost an amazing musician too early. I hope you all will join me in remembering Elliott Smith today. Rest in peace Elliott.

mp3: “No Name #3” from Roman Candle
mp3: “Clementine” from Elliott Smith
mp3: “2:45 A.M.” from Either/Or
mp3: “Baby Britain” from XO
mp3: “Junk Bond Trader” from Figure 8
mp3: “Memory Lane” from From A Basement On A Hill
mp3: “Whatever (Folk Song In C)” from New Moon

 

Jack White and Alicia keys recently produced a really solid theme song for the upcoming 2008 James Bond film, Quantum of Solace. This song has White’s name written all over it, and it is really awesome. The fact that the White Stripes/Raconteurs member’s compositions are so minimalist, but still recognizable, goes to show just how talented of a musician he really is.

You may have heard part of “Another Way To Die” in instrumental form in a new coke zero ad. Apparently, White wasn’t thrilled that people first heard the song in a commercial. A statement from his management says:

“Jack White was commissioned by Sony Pictures to write a theme song for the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, not for Coca-Cola. Any other use of the song is based on decisions made by others, not by Jack White. We are disappointed that you first heard the song in a co-promotion for Coke Zero, rather than in its entirety.”

In other news, Coke Zero will become “Coke Zero Zero Seven” to promote the movie. Yum.

Coke Zero Commercial:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl6rwdwTnbQ[/youtube]

Here’s a trailer for Quantum of Solace.

Another Way to Die (2008):

Jack White & Alicia Keys -  Another Way to Die

Jack White & Alicia Keys -  Another Way to Die (Instrumental)

The Mountain Goats, the alias of singer-songwriter John Darnielle, released The Satanic Messiah EP on October 9th via their website and in their best Radiohead impression have included the option of paying for the EP if you feel it necessary. The EP will also be released as a extremely limited double 7″(only 665 copies being sold, Darnielle will get the 666th). The Mountain Goats released their 16th album Heretic Pride on 4AD in February. I haven’t downloaded the EP yet but I know I’ll be donating, Darnielle is one of the most talented songwriters of our time and I’m sure the EP will be fantastic. In the meantime, I urge all of you to download the album and donate a few dollars if you’re feeling gracious, at the very least to send the message of support to artists giving their fans the option to pay.

Download The Satanic Messiah EP

mp3: “Peacocks” from Tallahassee

Youth Novels is the debut LP from 22-year old Swedish sensation Lykke Li. Produced by Björn Yttling of Peter Björn and John fame, Youth Novels is full of indie pop gems that blend the intimate folk of female singer songwriters Feist with choral, orchestral and electronic elements. No doubt Lykke Li owes some of her sound, especially her high-pitched croon, to Björk but her style is a unique mix. Youth Novels is one of the year’s most fun albums, if not one of the best. She’s currently on tour with Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson so check out the tracks I put up and check her out on tour!

mp3: “I’m Good, I’m Gone”
mp3: “Let It Fall”
mp3: “Little Bit”

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