Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Music 124: Elliott Smith


I seemed to have forgotten that October 21st was the 7th anniversary of Elliott Smith's death. It seems surreal having one of the best musicians of our time to be gone. I figured that it's better late than never to showcase this artist's talent.

Elliott Smith always had painstakingly morose and emotional tunes that were straight from the heart. He was honest and you could tell from his music that it was true. Smith's music had a sound that made you feel like he was in the room with you. Now it's haunting but still beautiful.

Here are a few of his top songs:
1) Between the Bars (this song is a real video of Smith himself playing. This song was featured in the movie Good Will Hunting along with many other Elliott Smith songs.)


2)Angel in the Snow (This song was released in 2007 after Smith died. It's on the album New Moon and was featured in the film Up in the Air.)


3) Waltz #2 (XO) (This song can be found on the album XO. This is another live video of him.)


For all newcomer listeners, there is a lyric by Elliott Smith that is one that still holds true to this day and is now sadly ironic. He wrote in his song Waltz #2 (xo) , "I'm never gonna know you now but I'm gonna love you anyhow." This is probably his most popular line and one we should all remember. Even if Elliott Smith is no longer with us, his music lives on as his lasting messages will too. Elliott Smith will be remembered.

Elliott Smith's memorial site, also the cover for his album Figure 8. Fans wrote on this wall messages to Smith. The wall was restored to it's original state in 2008 when if was vandalized 


All of Elliott Smith's music is available and can be found almost anywhere. A new album: An Introduction to Elliott Smith was released on November 2nd for anyone interested. Hopefully you've enjoyed this review and it's not just me thinking he is a truly good artist.

For more information about Elliott Smith you can go here.

2 comments:

  1. I think you've told me about him before...or maybe played a song or something like that. His lyrics are very deep. Hmmm...

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  2. Yeah, I listened to a lot of his stuff for quite awhile. He is a very interesting artist.

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