Folk songsmith Nick Drake (1948-1974) was/is an inspiration for many singer-songwriters. His 3 LPs “Five Leaves Left” (1969), “Bryter Layter” (1970), and “Pink Moon” (1972) were and still are widely lauded. The trouble artist died following an overdose of amitriptyline, an antidepressant, aged only 26.
“The Endless Coloured Ways” is a collection of songs by legendary singer/ songwriter, Nick Drake, performed and recorded by over 30 incredible artists from a range of different backgrounds, genres, age groups and audiences. From Fontaines D.C to Guy Garvey, and Aurora to Feist, each artist has offered their own incredible take on a timeless classic.
Also included on this magical record are Let’s Eat Grandma, Bombay Bicycle Club, Aldous Harding, Emeli Sande, and Ben Harper, just to name a few more.
The official video for ‘’Cello Song’ by Fontaines D.C.
25 covers will feature on the compilation. Involved among others are Bombay Bicycle Club & The Staves, Ben Harper, John Parish, David Gray, Craig Armstrong, Liz Phair, John Grant and Irish post-punk heroes Fontaines D.C.
British dream-pop duo Lets Eat Grandma is also part of the tribute. They picked “From The Morning”. A characteristic Drake musing. It was featured on his 1972 “Pink Moon” album.
Jenny Hollingworth from Lets Eat Grandma: “I’ve always thought of it as the most hopeful song on “Pink Moon” and listening to its lyrics about nature showing us the beauty in the light and darkness and how life and death are connected helped me to find acceptance and comfort after loss. Thank you so much to David Wrench for working on it with me.”
Over the years there have been many versions of songs by Nick Drake recorded by other artists. Some versions hold Nick in such reverence that the new rendition brings very little to the original. Some seem to treat the song like a sport with tunings and pickings conquered rather than adapted; and some – often just a few – shed new light on the song by submitting to it, after which the new keeper makes it their own and thus, perhaps, a baton is handed on.
The Fat Angel Sings 