Elliott Smith lived fast and died young. His success as an artist, with brilliant releases like
From a Basement on the Hill &
New Moon (both released posthumously), along with his academy award nominated track “Miss Misery,” were matched only by his struggles with depression, drug abuse, and alcoholism. Tragically, E.S. never got a chance to fully enjoy his success. The exact circumstances surrounding his death are unclear, but on October 21, 2003, police found E.S. dead from two stab wounds to chest. According to his girlfriend, the two were fighting forcing her to lock herself in the bathroom. When she emerged, she found E.S. standing with a kitchen knife sticking out of his chest. She removed the knife and called police. To this day, E.S.'s death has neither been ruled a homicide or a suicide. Some suggest foul play (for detailed info see
this and
this).
E.S.'s music is amazing; his lyrics are deep, haunting, and often laced with references to his struggles with drug addiction. In “ A Fond Farewell” he whispers:
Veins full of disappearing ink
Vomiting in the kitchen sink
Disconnecting from the missing link
This is not my life.
A reference no doubt, to his struggles with heroin. In light of his death, songs like “A Fond Farewell” and “Last Hour,” both released posthumously, seem like aptly named premonitions. In “Last Hour” E.S. croons:
And the bodies you left lying around
Talking it out
The last hour
I'm through trying now
It's a big relief
I'll be staying down
Where no-one else gonna give me grief
Mess me around.
The song is either a sad coincidence or a horrible premonition. It would be incorrect to state that all E.S.'s songs are dark and morbid. Some songs, like "Clementine" and "Miss Misery," are clear nods to love and relationships.
Overall, E.S. delivers his lyrics in a soft, whispery, and sometimes whiny tone. At times, it sounds as if he struggles to force the words out… but in a good way, if that makes sense. Under his lyrics, E.S. lays down beautifully simple acoustic riffs. The chords in “I Figured You Out,” “Lets Get Lost,” "Angeles," and “A Fond Farewell” are particularly catchy. It's all part of the E.S. package and it comes highly recommended. E.S. has a large fan base and the love of his music has sparked fan sites like
Sweet Adeline, a 21 track
tribute CD, fan
tatoos, and even a
tribute wall on Sunset Blvd in L.A..
Some find his music morbid and depressing. I enjoy it. As Elliott said:
“some songs are sad but they make you happy anyway.”
E.S. Henry Fonda Theatre 2003
--The E.S. Tribute Wall--
Those new to E.S. should check out:
- Miss misery
- Pitseleh
- A Fond Farewell
- I Figured You Out
- Let’s Get Lost
- Angeles
Also check out these live performances.
June 2, 1998: Studion: Stockholm, Sweden- A C.D. quality acoustic gem.
The show is available for free download
here.
November 10, 2001: Roseland Theatre, Portland, OR- An upbeat, full-band, show with electric guitar.
The show is available for free download
here.
enjoy,
-- DMN
Posts
