Building an Elliott Smith musical library

mydogmookieblaylockmydogmookieblaylock Posts: 2,996
edited October 2012 in Other Music
So i did this a couple years ago when i wanted to own some Tom Waits albums and it worked really well for me.

I love the songs i hear on KEXP from Elliott Smith and want to purchase some CD's of his but have no idea where to begin - being that i am lazy and trust all of your musical opinions (since we all know who the greatest band ever is) i would love some advice from the JAMILY.

Thanks in advance -
Peace
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • mfc2006mfc2006 HTOWN Posts: 37,368
    You can't really go wrong with any of his records, in my opinion. His first 2 (roman candle, self titled) are more acoustic in nature & don't have a full band.

    My favorite is probably XO, but it's constantly changing. He was definitely one of the best songwriters that I've ever heard.
    I LOVE MUSIC.
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  • XO was the first album of his for me also back in the day... which quickly led to getting them all.
    I agree that it does have a good bit of variety (happy/sad sounding songs, acoustic/full band, etc).
    You really can't go wrong in picking any one though.
    No time to be void or save up on life, you gotta spend it all.
  • tcaporaletcaporale Posts: 1,577
    It's either XO or Either/Or as his best for me, two perfect records.
  • Either/Or is my favourite. You could really start with any album, all of them are amazing, but I'd start with Either/Or or self titled and go from there.
    This is not for you...
    Speaking as a child of the nineties
  • i appreciate your input --- and will definately use your suggestions.

    thanks

    Robb
  • megatronmegatron Posts: 3,420
    the only studio i have is XO. also have 12/20/01 crystal ballroom live album. it's nice
  • gimmesometruth27gimmesometruth27 St. Fuckin Louis Posts: 22,129
    i have been wanting to get into smith as well. thank you all for posting your suggestions. it sound as if he is like dylan in the sense that you can pick up almost any of his albums and it will be very good.
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  • mfc2006mfc2006 HTOWN Posts: 37,368
    I LOVE MUSIC.
    www.cluthelee.com
    www.cluthe.com
  • What's the album that has this great trio of songs?
    "Baby Britain"
    "Waltz No. 2"
    "Pitseleh"
    I think it's XO, but I'm open to correction. Regardless, get the album with those on it first. I'm not a die hard by any means. In fact, I only like bits and pieces of E.S., so if I'm not a huge fan, and I like these songs, these songs are probably a great way to introduce yourself to him. He's a fabulous songwriter, an amazing guitar player and a pretty good piano player, too. I'd like to dig more of his stuff, because I can see the craft in it, but I think it's his weak kinda voice (he double and triple tracks it a lot) that puts me off.

    There's also a song that I think is on From a Basement on a Hill that is called "Twilight" that is fucking brilliant.
    My Pearl Jam shows: 1 in 1995, 2 in 1998, 20 in 2003, 13 in 2006, 3 in 2007, 8 in 2008, 5 in 2009, 4 in 2010, 5 in 2012. EV: 8 in 2011, 1 in 2012. Brad: 1 in 1998, 1 in 2002.
  • smarcheesmarchee Windsor, Ontario Posts: 14,539
    1998 ~ Barrie
    2003 ~ Toronto
    2005 ~ London, Toronto
    2006 ~ Toronto
    2008 ~ Hartford, Mansfied I,
    2009 ~ Toronto, Chicago I, Chicago II
    2010 ~ Cleveland, Buffalo
    2011 ~ Toronto I, Toronto II, Ottawa, Hamilton
    2013 - London, Pittsburgh, Buffalo
    2014 - Detroit
    2019 - Chicago X 2
  • mfc2006mfc2006 HTOWN Posts: 37,368
    smarchee wrote:

    RIP, Elliott. You are missed. :(
    I LOVE MUSIC.
    www.cluthelee.com
    www.cluthe.com
  • smarchee wrote:
    RIP

    Thanks for posting smarchee
  • zarocatzarocat Posts: 1,901
    but have no idea where to begin

    Figure 8
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  • ledveddermanledvedderman Posts: 7,755
    A true genius lyrically and musically. I'm a decent guitar player and singer but so many of his songs are impossible for me to play live. Very complicated stuff but the way he pulled it off all so smoothly is amazing.
  • mfc2006mfc2006 HTOWN Posts: 37,368
    ^^completely agree.

    Easily one of my favorite guitarists and songwriters of all time.

    And yes, his tunes are tricky to play!
    I LOVE MUSIC.
    www.cluthelee.com
    www.cluthe.com
  • mfc2006mfc2006 HTOWN Posts: 37,368
    https://elliottsmith.bandcamp.com/album/either-or-expanded-edition

    you can listen to some of the live tracks from the Either/Or expanded edition by clicking that link. can't wait for this!
    I LOVE MUSIC.
    www.cluthelee.com
    www.cluthe.com
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