Just noticed the review formatting has returned, thank god for that
Just noticed the review formatting has returned, thank god for that
Member since:29.08.2002
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It would seem that 2005 is going to be the year of the singer songwriter. With the likes of David Gray and Tom McRae leading the way in the last few years a number of other artists have sprung from nowhere. One artist who is now missing out on a movement I've no doubt he would have been at the forefront of, is Elliott Smith. Elliott committed suicide back in October 2003 at just 34 years of age and left behind a wealth of fantastic music.
My first introduction to Smith was on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack, where he featured a couple of times and it really stuck in my mind to find out who he was. After a few searches I came across a few more samples of his work and bought this album from Amazon to see just how good he actually was. Despite still having a lot of reservations when the album arrived I put it on and was instantly captured by a couple of tracks on the first listen.
From
the beginning it seems that Smith has done things his way and that is quite clear in his music. His first three albums were very different from just about everything else and with this his fourth studio album he took it a step further. Where the earlier albums had been largely based around an acoustic sound, XO has a more musical feel. He has introduced a lot more instrumentation onto each track and that's what makes this album. It was released back in 1998 and saw Elliott's musical ability start to expand to a larger audience.
The first time I heard the album through two tracks really stuck in my mind and that was a sign it'd be a good album. Straight away I took to "Amity" and "Sweet Adeline", both of, which sounded totally different to a lot of songs about at the moment. The acoustic element of the first few albums still features quite heavily but it's the slight expansion that has lead to the album being so consistent. The rest of the album didn't strike me straight away but gradually the more I've listened to the album the more I've gotten into each and every track.
There is something quite distinctive about Elliott's voice and he seems to be able to write songs that really highlight his strong points. Each track is slightly different but they all emphasis his strong vocals, which is another factor that gives him a more unique sound. Whether it's a slower track or one of the more upbeat numbers, Smith has a way of playing with your emotions and really getting inside your head and making you concentrate. At the same time there is something liberating about the album and it's really down to your mood whether it leads to heavy thinking or easy relaxation.
He drew influence from a large number of bands including Nick Drake and also his favourite band The Beatles. This formed a good footing in the music industry and the rock press loved Smith. It's quite clear on this album that he comes from that more melodic rock background. For instance "Amity" is one of the more influential tracks on the album. The guitars keep it moving at a decent pace and the vocals really bring his lyrics to life. It is however the beat that really makes the track so infectious and its combination with the guitars is another reason the album can draw you in.
The lyrical content of the songs is quite dark, dealing with lost love to drug addiction but they seem to be quite a frank look at these aspects. The fact that Smith never really seemed to properly hit the big time meant that his music throughout his albums stayed pure and unconcerned with chart success. It feels more like he's doing it more for himself rather than global success and that as a fan of music really makes the album quite unique.
While it's easy to see that Elliott Smith won't be everyone's cup of tea I think if you appreciate artists like Jack Johnson, James Blunt and David Gray then this is an artist and album you will enjoy. The unique thing about Smith's work and this album in particular I felt though is that it's not just suited to fans of any artists I've previously mentioned. It's a shame that Smith is no longer with us as I do feel he would be surging in this new revolution; however he has plenty of albums and material just waiting to be discovered. All of which is well worth a listen or two.
Amazon.co.uk £5.97 Amazon Market Place: £3.55
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This certainly sounds interesting, I will have to give this one a look out, as well as his other albums. They sound like they co9uld be right up my street. Another well-written music review. Milky :)
COOOEEE 30.06.2005 15:23
I have now entered the review for the June competition. Best of luck. Fionaxx
Miles13 24.06.2005 11:57
Just like Nick Drake taken too soon, thanx for sharing Milt
OnXO, Elliott Smith leaves the indie doldrums behind and takeswing to new, lush ... more
surroundings. By adding full instrumentation to his acoustic reveries, Smith has ascended to a new level of song-writing that shores up his gentle voice and country-tinged ...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
On XO, Elliott Smith leaves the indie doldrums behind and takes wing to new, lush ... more
surroundings. By adding full instrumentation to his acoustic reveries, Smith has ascended to a new level of song-writing that shores up his gentle voice and country-tinge...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
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