A Nice Pair: Island Records

It’s Sunday which means it’s time for A Nice Pair – books and records that go together like sunshine and an island getaway. Today we’re featuring the book The Islander: My Life in Music and Beyond by Chris Blackwell with the album Pink Moon by Nick Drake.

Chris Blackwell’s memoir, The Islander, follows his journey growing up in Jamaica to founding Island Records, one of the most influential labels in music history. Since its founding in 1959, Island Records has been home to legendary artists representing wildly divergent musical styles, yet who share the same maverick, outsider spirit of its founder. He shares stories of working with legends like Bob Marley, U2, and Grace Jones, revealing how he shaped the sound of generations. It’s a blend of personal adventure, music industry insights, and a deep love for Caribbean culture.

Nick Drake was one of the musicians who was signed to Island early on. Released in 1972, Pink Moon was his final album before his passing, and its melancholic yet intimate sound has since gained critical acclaim. Though it wasn’t widely recognized during his lifetime, Pink Moon has become a deeply cherished masterpiece, resonating with listeners for its raw emotion and poetic simplicity.