New changes at WhitefishRadio.com and my upcoming graduation have kept me quite busy in the last couple weeks, but I was able to spare a few seconds of my day today to update "Shane's Spotlight." Today I am going to share with you my thoughts on my favorite artist of all time, Elliott Smith.Elliott Smith was born Steven Paul Smith on August 6, 1969. He grew up in Texas and spent many years in Portland. He played with the band Heatmiser in Portland for a few years before releasing his first solo album, Roman Candle in 1994. The nine-track release was recorded on any equipment Smith could find, and uses very few backup instruments. The primitive recording technique is noticeable, but adds a more personal quality to the simple guitar and lyric songs. My favorite songs from the album are probably "Condor Ave.," a song that Smith wrote when he was seventeen years old, and "No Name #1," a song about a man at a party who decides that he will make no impression and slips away unnoticed. Roman Candle was an indication of greatness sure to follow for Elliott Smith.
The next year, Smith released a self-titled album under the Kill Rock Stars Label. Songs such as "Needle In The Hay" and "The White Lady Loves You More" seem to elude to drug problems Smith may have developed during this time, even though he claimed to have stayed away from drugs during the 1990s.
Another low-fi release followed in 1997, called Either/Or. This album was given favorable reviews, and three of the songs were used in Good Will Hunting. The movie's director also used a previously unreleased song from Roman Candle and Smith wrote a new song, "Miss Misery" to be included on the soundtrack. "Miss Misery" was nominated for an Academy Award, and Smith was unwillingly thrust into the limelight. He was not eager to perform his song during the awards, and had to be convinced to do so. He walked out onto the stage, appeared a bit nervous at first, but then gave a simple yet memorable performance.
Smith's first major label release came in 1998 on DreamWorks records. The CD, titled XO, was much different from his previous efforts, and included deeper sounding musical arrangements and more background instruments not normally associated with Smith.
Figure 8 in 2000 was yet another change for Smith. It sounded a lot like XO, but seemed to be more upbeat and positive. It was essentially a mash up of sounds that comprised his previous efforts. The opener, "Son of Sam," embraces the use of deep instrumentation and fun piano solos. "Happiness" regresses to his early career, with most of the song using very minimal instrumentation.
The next few years were full of depression and addiction for Smith. Many people commented on his longer hair and unshaven appearance, and some sensed trouble ahead. During this time he became addicted to heroin, abused alcohol, had difficulties performing songs, and was involved in some legal trouble. He couldn't seem to record any material, and developed paranoia. Rehab sessions were unsuccessful, partially because Smith felt that he couldn't admit to his problem.
Things did begin to look up though, as Smith was able to get through rehab and give up many things that had haunted and begin recording music again. He had a few projects lined up, including the soundtrack for Thumbsucker.
Elliott Smith died on October 21, 2003 of an apparent suicide. Many songs had been recorded before then, and From a Basement on the Hill was released a year later. Smith's musical abilities are apparent on this disc, with every Smith-style displayed. Deep guitar riffs and intense vocals are heard in "Coast to Coast" and "King's Crossing," while Smith's recognizable guitar plucking are displayed in "Memory Lane" and "Let's Get Lost"
Elliott Smith was a highly skilled musician with a story that has become too common among musicians. A rarity in today's music, his songs are completely personal and heartfelt. Elliott Smith's life was cut too short and it is impossible to tell how far this musician would've gone.Essentials
- Condor Ave.
- Needle In The Hay
- Between the Bars
- Rose Parade
- Angeles
- Say Yes
- Sweet Adeline
- Waltz #2 (XO)
- Son of Sam
- Happiness
- Coast to Coast
- A Fond Farewell
- King's Crossing
- Twilight
Recommended Tracks
- No Name #1
- St. Ides Heaven
- Ballad Of Big Nothing
- Pictures of Me
- Pitseleh
- Somebody That I Used To Know
- Junk Bond Trader
- Let's Get Lost
- Pretty (Ugly Before)
- Memory Lane
