Listen/purchase Molly Drake by Molly Drake

The unearthed album from Nick Drake’s mother, Molly Drake, was first introduced to us by We Listen For You, who did a marvelous write up of this blast from the past. This record has the feel of something found up in the attic—because that’s literally what it is. The self-titled album from the mother of a tragic figure like Nick Drake heightens the mystery and fascination not just around him, but his upbringing. How much did his mother’s instrumental and vocal style affect his? What about his songwriting? Yet, the songs exist in their own right as well, completely removed from the legacy of her son. Her darkly insightful lyrics reveal a portrait of a woman in the 1950s that is so often forgotten, there weren’t many outlets for women back then, especially not mothers. To hear her grapple with existential crises years before her son suggests a shared sadness, a shared tragedy—but also a shared genius.

(from 12 Female Artists You Should Know / Have Known)

Sigh. I can relate.