Building an Elliott Smith musical library

mydogmookieblaylock

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

mfc2006

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.

offhegoes32

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.

tcaporale

It's either XO or Either/Or as his best for me, two perfect records.

small_my_table

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.

mydogmookieblaylock

i appreciate your input --- and will definately use your suggestions.

thanks

Robb

megatron

the only studio i have is XO. also have 12/20/01 crystal ballroom live album. it's nice

gimmesometruth27

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.

mfc2006

man, i love this song.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD823RBv ... 6&index=43

randallanddarcy

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.

smarchee

9 years ago today :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isicc1vqoT8

mfc2006

smarchee wrote:

9 years ago today :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isicc1vqoT8

RIP, Elliott. You are missed. :(

mydogmookieblaylock

smarchee wrote:

9 years ago today :(

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isicc1vqoT8

RIP

Thanks for posting smarchee

zarocat

mydogmookieblaylock wrote:

but have no idea where to begin

Figure 8

mfc2006

Either/Or Deluxe Preorder on colored vinyl up here:
https://killrockstars.merchtable.com/bundles/pre-order-elliott-smith-either-slash-or-expanded-edition-north-american-only-exclusive-ships-march-april-2017/?no_redirect=true#.WHGgQpK63Io

ledvedderman

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.

mfc2006

^^completely agree.

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

And yes, his tunes are tricky to play!

mfc2006

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!