174. Northern Sky by Nick Drake

Nick Drake - Northern Sky

I'm a big fan of folk music and can see where it fits seamlessly into rock music. Great folk music carries a weight of emotion that at times can overwhelm. When Nick Drake appeared back on everyones radar in the 90s his music came laden with his tragic death at a young age and the fact that in his lifetime he didn't sell many records. It was like finding a lost treasure.
I first came across this song while recording an album at Audrey studios with Craig Pilkington. Craig's in a band called The Killjoys. Anyway he had just finished working on a solo album with Anna Burley the lead singer of the Killjoys. On the album she does a fantastic version of this song that at times I listen to rather than the Nick Drake version. When I first heard her sing it I recognised the song but didnt know where I'd heard it before. She really captures the essence of the song. Find it and play it. You won't be disappointed.
Every now and again I bring out my slow mixtape. And by slow I mean those folky numbers or sad songs or love songs. Often the songs change. Some slow songs you get sick of and they have to be removed for fear of destroying the connection. I've never taken this one of the playlist. It's an exquisite love song.
I never felt magic crazy as this
I never saw moons knew the meaning of the sea
I never held emotion in the palm of my hand
Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree
But now you're here
Bright in my northern sky.

It's been a long time that I'm waiting
Been a long time that I'm blown
been a long time that I've wandered
Through the people I have known
Oh, if you would and you could
Straighten my new mind's eye.

Would you love me for my money
Would you love me for my head
Would you love me through the winter
Would you love me 'til I'm dead
Oh, if you would and you could
Come blow your horn on high.