Nick Drake: The Biography by Patrick Humphries
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Book Reviews of Nick Drake: The Biography
Book Review: It's the classic romantic tragedy....with a twist
Summary: 5 Stars
The twist being that this story didn't take place 300 years ago but 30 years ago! I would not be surprised if future generations looked back on Nick Drake's legacy and his place in the late 20th century as we now look back on Mozart, Byron or Van Gogh: with awe. To think that he was from the baby boomer generation is almost surreal. The same generation as Bill Clinton and Al Gore! Nick Drake fans will love this book, but saying that is like preaching to the choir. This book holds appeal for even those who don't know Nick Drake's music that well, but who might be interested in the folk music happenings in London in the late 60s/early 70s. The book really sets the scene--you can almost smell the patchouli incense burning--and gives a rare insight into that world. The book is divided into three sections: "Before, During, and After." I found that the three albums Nick recorded in his lifetime correspond nicely with the tone and mood of each section. If you own them, I would suggest playing them in the background as you are reading for full effect.
This book can be very sad at times, but it is essential reading for so many people. If for no other reason than to develop a greater sensitivity toward, and compassion for, those with mental illness who feel so unable to cope with their harsh and confusing world. I am haunted by Nick Drake's story. It seems rather unlikely that it would have had the same tragic ending had he been born 20 years later. What a waste! Meanwhile, all these horrible people get to live on and on and on (I won't name names). It just seems like such a cruel twist that such a gifted genius would also be cursed with such an anguished and brief existence. On an up note, the book does reveal the many happy years Nick had before his illness took hold...which provides some consolation.
Book Review: A Titanic failure...
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a laudable attempt to tell the Nick Drake story, but the amount of padding to make it into a thick enough volume to stand up on shelves is ridiculous. The detailed reminder of how the Titanic sunk goes on for several florid pages, only to tell us that one person connected with its history was the author's uncle, who delivered Nick Drake at a Rangoon hospital.
This only section of real interest to any Drake admirer is nearer to the end, and it is thankfully not pruriant. Drake's slow and tragic decline is told with care and uses the fascinating insights of friends and family.
A thinner volume leaving out all the padding would have served Drake's memory better, and would sell just as well. The author might have had to settle for a cheaper RRP for his product, but he still would have seen more payback than Drake did for his economical music in his lifetime.
Book Review: t h e p i n k m o o n i s o n i t s w a y
Summary: 5 Stars
I wish Nick had lived to see the following he has today. I think he was one of the greatest musicians of all time, and I think the book pays tribute to the man he was. This book captures what Nick was, and I think it is one of the best biographies ever written. I heard Nicks' music a long time ago, and I learned a lot about him, but there was so much more I wanted to know, and this book tells everything. I read the book in one sitting and when I was done I couldn't stop thinking about him. I have always loved Nick, but after reading the book, I see that there is much more to him than I ever thought. I wish there were more books on Nick. I think most people would love his music, and love reading about him. I gave the book five stars. It is a classic.Book Review: A Man too gentle for us mere mortals.
Summary: 5 Stars
Nick Drake and his music are moments that come around once in a lifetime.Humpheries book takes us on a journey that undertakes a direction of detection. It begs the question we all want to know: What are the origins of the depression that eventually took out this gentle genius.How did his pain help/hinder the creative paths of his music? The book is very thorough and well researched and a must read by all lovers of Nick Drake.Book Review: Hanging On A Star
Summary: 5 Stars
With this Book Patrick Humphries has given Nick Drake the Biography he has always deserved. Nick was just 26 years old when he died of an overdose of prescribed drugs in 1974, no one really knows wether it was an accident or not. One thing is certain though is that Nick Drake was one of the most talented musicians to have ever lived. The biography is brilliant please read it.
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