Elliott Smith
Elliott Smith performing in New York City, January 2003.
Background information
Birth name	Steven Paul Smith
Born	August 6, 1969(1969-08-06) Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.
Origin	Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Died	October 21, 2003 (aged 34) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genre(s)	Indie rock Acoustic rock Indie folk
Instrument(s)	Guitar Vocals Piano Clarinet Bass Harmonica Drums
Years active	1991–2003
Label(s)	Virgin Cavity Search Kill Rock Stars Suicide Squeeze DreamWorks ANTI- Epitaph Domino
Associated acts	Heatmiser Quasi Mary Lou Lord Pete Krebs No. 2
Website	Official website

Steven Paul "Elliott" Smith (August 6, 1969 – October 21, 2003) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Events 1538 - Bogotá, Colombia, is founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Nebraska ( is a state located on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States and The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Portland is a city located in the Northwestern United States, near the Confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers Oregon ( is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Events 1512 - Martin Luther joins the theological faculty of the University of Wittenberg. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other Indie rock is genre of Alternative rock that primarily exists in the independent Underground music scene Acoustic music refers to music that solely or primarily uses instruments which produce sound through entirely acoustic means as opposed to Electronic means Indie folk is a genre and musical style primarily categorized by "independent" smaller music labels supporting progressive Folk music artists A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified for the purpose of making Music. The guitar is a Musical instrument with ancient roots that is used in a wide variety of musical styles The piano is a Musical instrument played by means of a keyboard that produces sound by striking steel strings with Felt covered hammers The clarinet is a Musical instrument in the Woodwind family The name derives from adding the suffix -et meaning little to the Italian word The electric bass guitar (also called electric bass, or simply bass; ˈbeɪs as in "base" is a Stringed instrument played primarily with the A harmonica is a free reed Wind instrument which is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes (reed chambers or A drum kit (also drum set or trap set) is a collection of Drums Cymbals and sometimes other Percussion instruments such as cowbells In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music Virgin Records is a British Record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell Cavity Search Records is a Record label based in Portland Oregon formed in 1992 by Christopher Cooper and Denny Swofford Kill Rock Stars is an Independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in Olympia, Washington, United States and Suicide Squeeze Records is a Seattle WA - based Independent record label that presses a significant number of 7" vinyl singles in addition to the more prevalent DreamWorks Records was an American Record label. Founded in 1996 by David Geffen, Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg as a subsidiary ANTI- is an American Record label founded in 1999 as a sister label of Epitaph Records. Epitaph Records is a Hollywood California based Record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. Domino Recording Company, generally known as Domino Records, is an Independent record label based in London. Heatmiser was an Alternative rock band that originated in Portland Oregon in October 1991 For the prefix see the Wiktionary entry quasi-. Quasi is an Indie rock band formed in Portland Oregon Mary Lou Lord (b March 1 1965, Salem Massachusetts) is an Alternative rock musician busker and recording artist Pete Krebs is an independent musician from Portland Oregon, best known as a member of the Punk-pop band Hazel, and for a split record with Elliott No 2 was an Alternative rock band that originated in Portland Oregon in 1998 Events 1538 - Bogotá, Colombia, is founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 1512 - Martin Luther joins the theological faculty of the University of Wittenberg. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Singer-songwriter is a term that refers to Performers who write, compose and sing their own material including Lyrics A musician is a person who plays or writes Music. Musicians can be classified by their roles in creating or performing music An instrumentalist plays a Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised primarily in Texas, and resided for a significant portion of his life in Portland, Oregon, where he first gained popularity. Nebraska ( is a state located on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States and Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Portland is a city located in the Northwestern United States, near the Confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers Oregon ( is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. His primary instrument was the guitar, but he was also proficient at piano, clarinet, bass, drums and harmonica. The guitar is a Musical instrument with ancient roots that is used in a wide variety of musical styles The piano is a Musical instrument played by means of a keyboard that produces sound by striking steel strings with Felt covered hammers The clarinet is a Musical instrument in the Woodwind family The name derives from adding the suffix -et meaning little to the Italian word The electric bass guitar (also called electric bass, or simply bass; ˈbeɪs as in "base" is a Stringed instrument played primarily with the A drum kit (also drum set or trap set) is a collection of Drums Cymbals and sometimes other Percussion instruments such as cowbells A harmonica is a free reed Wind instrument which is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes (reed chambers or Smith had a distinctive vocal style characterized by his "whispery, spiderweb-thin delivery"^[1] and use of multi-tracking to create vocal harmonies. Multitrack recording ('multitracking' or just 'tracking' for short is a method of Sound recording that allows for the separate recording of multiple sound sources to create In Western music, harmony is the use of different pitches simultaneously and chords actual or implied in Music.

After playing in the rock band Heatmiser for several years, Smith began his solo career in 1994 with releases on the independent record labels Cavity Search and Kill Rock Stars. Rock music is a genre of Popular music often though not necessarily employing Electric guitar, Bass guitar, and Drums. Heatmiser was an Alternative rock band that originated in Portland Oregon in October 1991 Cavity Search Records is a Record label based in Portland Oregon formed in 1992 by Christopher Cooper and Denny Swofford Kill Rock Stars is an Independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in Olympia, Washington, United States and In 1997 he signed a contract with DreamWorks Records, for which he recorded two albums. DreamWorks Records was an American Record label. Founded in 1996 by David Geffen, Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg as a subsidiary Smith rose to mainstream prominence when his song "Miss Misery", included in the soundtrack for the film Good Will Hunting, was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Original Song category in 1997. " Miss Misery " is a song by singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Good Will Hunting is a 1997 film directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, both of whom star in the "The Oscar" redirects here for the film see The Oscar (film. The Academy Award for Best Original Song is one of the awards given annually to people working in the motion picture industry by the Academy of Motion Picture

Smith battled with depression, alcoholism and drug addiction for years, and these topics often appeared in his lyrics. Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression, unipolar depression, unipolar disorder, clinical depression, or simply depression Alcoholism is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions Drug addiction is widely considered a pathological state. The disorder of addiction involves the progression of acute Drug use to the development of drug-seeking At age 34, he died in Los Angeles, California from two stab wounds to the chest. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West ^[2] The autopsy evidence was inconclusive as to whether the wounds were self-inflicted. An autopsy, also known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy, or obduction, is a Medical procedure that consists of a thorough Examination ^[3] At the time of his death, Smith was working on his sixth studio album, From a Basement on the Hill, which was released posthumously on October 19, 2004. From a Basement on the Hill is the sixth Studio album by the late Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Events 202 BCE - The Battle of Zama results in the defeat of Carthage and Hannibal. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again "

Biography

Early life

Steven Paul Smith was born at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. His mother, Bunny Welch (née Bunny Kay Berryman), was a music teacher at an elementary school, and his father, Gary Smith, was a University of Nebraska medical student at the time. In Education, a teacher is one who helps Students or pupils often in a School, as well as in a Family, religious or The University of Nebraska is the public University system in the state of Nebraska, USA. His parents divorced about a year later, and Smith moved with his mother to live in Duncanville, Texas. Duncanville is a city in Dallas County, Texas ( USA) Duncanville's population was 36081 at the 2000 census Much later in his life, Smith got a tattoo of a map of Texas on his upper arm and said "I didn't get it because I like Texas, kinda the opposite. But I won't forget about it although I'm tempted to 'cause I don't like it there. "^[4]

Smith endured a difficult childhood^[5] and a troubled relationship with his stepfather Charlie. ^[6] Smith reflected the impact of this part of his life in the lyrics of "Some Song": "Charlie beat you up week after week, and when you grow up you're going to be a freak. "^[6] The name "Charlie" also appeared in the lyrics for "Flowers for Charlie" and "No Confidence Man". " No Confidence Man " is a song recorded by Elliott Smith for a split with Pete Krebs on Slo-Mo Records in 1994 The family was a part of the Community of Christ through much of Smith's childhood, but eventually began attending services at a local Methodist Church. Methodism is a movement within Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations Smith felt that going to church did little for him, except make him "really scared of hell". Hell, according to many Religious beliefs, is a location in the Afterlife, which may be described as a place of suffering ^[7] In a 2001 interview, he stated, "I don't necessarily buy into any officially structured version of spirituality. But I have my own version of it". ^[8]

At the age of nine, Smith began playing the piano, and at ten began learning guitar on a small acoustic guitar bought for him by his father. The piano is a Musical instrument played by means of a keyboard that produces sound by striking steel strings with Felt covered hammers See also Acoustic Guitar (magazine An acoustic guitar is a Guitar that uses only acoustic methods to project the sound produced by its strings ^[9] At this age he also composed an original piano piece, "Fantasy," which won him a prize at an arts festival. An arts festival or art fair is a Festival that focuses on the Visual arts, but which may also focus on other arts ^[10] Many of the people on his mother's side of the family were non-professional musicians; his grandfather was a Dixieland drummer and his grandmother sang in a glee club. Dixieland or Dixie is a name for the southeastern portion of the USA; see Southern United States, Dixie. A drummer is a Musician who plays a Drum or drums particularly a Drum kit ("drum set" or "trap set" Marching percussion A glee club is a Choir, historically of men but also of just women or mixed voices which traditionally specializes in singing short songs ^[10]

At 14, Smith moved from Texas to Portland, Oregon, to live with his father, who was then working as a psychiatrist. Texas ( is a state geographically located in the South Central United States and is also known as the Lone Star State. Portland is a city located in the Northwestern United States, near the Confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers A psychiatrist (also archaically called an alienist) is a Physician who specializes in Psychiatry and is certified in treating Mental disorders It was around this time that Smith first began trying drugs and alcohol with friends as well as experimenting with recording for the first time, borrowing a four-track recorder. Multitrack recording ('multitracking' or just 'tracking' for short is a method of Sound recording that allows for the separate recording of multiple sound sources to create ^[10] During high school, Smith played clarinet in the school band and also played guitar, piano and sang in the bands Stranger Than Fiction,^[6] A Murder of Crows^[11] and The Greenhouse,^[12] billed as either Steven Smith or "Johnny Panic". He graduated from Lincoln High School as a National Merit Scholar. Lincoln High School (generally known simply as Lincoln) is a secondary school located in Portland, Oregon. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic Scholarship competition for recognition and college scholarships administered by National Merit ^[13]

After graduation, Steven Smith began calling himself "Elliott", saying that he thought "Steve" sounded too much like a "jock" name, and that "Steven" sounded "too bookish". The term jock is a classic North American Stereotype of a male athlete. ^[13] Biographer S. R. Shutt speculates that it was either inspired by Elliott Avenue, a street that Smith had lived on in Portland, or that it was suggested by his then-girlfriend. A junior high acquaintance of Smith speculates that it was so as not to be confused with Steve Smith, the drummer of Journey. Steve Smith (born on August 21 1954 in Whitman Massachusetts) is a famous American Drummer who has worked with hundreds of artists in his Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco, California in 1973 ^[14]

Heatmiser

Main article: Heatmiser

Smith graduated from Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, in 1991 with a degree in philosophy and political science. Heatmiser was an Alternative rock band that originated in Portland Oregon in October 1991 Hampshire College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Amherst is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States in the Connecticut River valley Philosophy is the study of general problems concerning matters such as existence knowledge truth beauty justice validity mind and language Political science is a branch of Social sciences that deals with the theory and practice of Politics and the description and analysis of Political systems "Went straight through in four years," he explained to Under the Radar in 2003. "I guess it proved to myself that I could do something I really didn't want to for four years. Except I did like what I was studying. At the time it seemed like, 'This is your one and only chance to go to college and you had just better do it because some day you might wish that you did. ' Plus, the whole reason I applied in the first place was because of my girlfriend, and I had gotten accepted already even though we had broken up before the first day. " After he graduated he "worked in a bakery back in Portland with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and legal theory. Law is a system of rules enforced through a set of Institutions used as an instrument to underpin civil obedience politics economics and society "^[9]

While at Hampshire, Smith formed the band Heatmiser with classmate Neil Gust. Heatmiser was an Alternative rock band that originated in Portland Oregon in October 1991 Neil Jacob Gust is an American musician He is best known for co-founding Heatmiser with Elliott Smith in 1992 ^[15] After graduating from Hampshire, the band added drummer Tony Lash and bassist Brandt Peterson and began performing around Portland in 1992. Anthony Carr " Tony " Lash is an American musician most notable as a founding member of Heatmiser as the band's drummer Brandt Gustav Peterson (born 1966 is an American musician best known as the original bass player with Heatmiser upon its formation in 1992 The group released the albums Dead Air (1993) and Cop and Speeder (1994) as well as the Yellow No. 5 EP (1994) on Frontier Records, and were then signed to Virgin Records to release what became their final album, Mic City Sons (1996). Dead Air is the debut album by Heatmiser, released in 1993 on Frontier Records Cop and Speeder is the second album by Heatmiser, released in 1994 on Frontier Records Yellow No 5 is an EP by Heatmiser, released in 1994 on Frontier Records Frontier Records is an Independent record label, started in 1980 in Los Angeles by Lisa Fancher. Virgin Records is a British Record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell Mic City Sons is the third and final album by Heatmiser, released in 1996 on Caroline Records

Smith had begun his solo career while still in Heatmiser, and the success of his first two releases created distance and tension with his band. ^[16] Heatmiser disbanded prior to Mic City Sons' release, prompting Virgin to put the album out inauspiciously through its independent arm, Caroline Records. Caroline Records started out as a subsidiary of Richard Branson 's Virgin Records label during the early to mid 1970s A clause in Heatmiser's record contract with Virgin meant that Smith was still bound to it as an individual. A recording contract (commonly called a record deal) is a legal agreement between a Record label and a Recording artist (or group where the artist The contract was later bought-out by DreamWorks prior to the release of his album, XO. XO is the name of the fourth album recorded by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith.

Roman Candle

 Music sample:

"Condor Ave"

Sample of Elliott Smith's "Condor Ave" from Roman Candle (1994), reported to have been written when he was around 17 years old,^[6] showing Smith's early songwriting style and lo-fi sound. Roman Candle was Elliott Smith 's debut album as a solo artist even though he was still a singer and guitarist for the band Heatmiser. "Lo-fi" redirects here For the music genre see Lo-fi music Lo-fidelity redirects here

Problems listening to the file? See media help.

His first release, Roman Candle (1994), came about when Smith's girlfriend at the time convinced him to send a tape of "the most recent eight songs that [he’d] recorded on borrowed four-tracks and borrowed guitar" to Cavity Search Records. Roman Candle was Elliott Smith 's debut album as a solo artist even though he was still a singer and guitarist for the band Heatmiser. Multitrack recording ('multitracking' or just 'tracking' for short is a method of Sound recording that allows for the separate recording of multiple sound sources to create Cavity Search Records is a Record label based in Portland Oregon formed in 1992 by Christopher Cooper and Denny Swofford ^[16] Owner Christopher Cooper immediately requested to release the entire album of songs, which surprised Smith, as he was only expecting a deal for a seven-inch record. ^[17] Regarding the record, Smith said "I thought my head would be chopped off immediately when it came out because at the time it was so opposite to the grunge thing that was popular. [. . . ] The thing is that album was really well-received, which was a total shock, and it immediately eclipsed [Heatmiser] unfortunately. "^[16]

Smith felt his solo songs were not representative of the music Heatmiser was making: "The idea of playing [my music] for people didn't occur to me. . . because at the time it was the Northwest – Mudhoney and Nirvana – and going out to play an acoustic show was like crawling out on a limb and begging for it to be sawed off. See also Pacific Northwest The Northwestern United States comprise the northwestern states up to the western Great Plains regions of the United States Mudhoney is an American Grunge band Formed in Seattle Washington in 1988 following the demise of Green River, Mudhoney has for the most of its recording Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen Washington. " ^[18]

The instrumentation of the recordings was primarily acoustic guitar, occasionally accompanied by brief electric guitar riffs or a small drum set played with brushes. A steel-string acoustic guitar, is a modern form of Guitar descended from the Classical guitar, but strung with steel strings for a brighter louder sound An electric guitar is a type of Guitar that uses pickups to convert the vibration of its steel-cored strings into an electrical current which is made louder Only the final track, an instrumental titled "Kiwi Maddog 20/20" (a reference to the bum wine MD 20/20), had full band instrumentation. A low-end fortified wine, also known as bum wine, is any of a class of inexpensive Fortified wines that are popular among the poor, Homeless, A low-end fortified wine, also known as bum wine, is any of a class of inexpensive Fortified wines that are popular among the poor, Homeless,

Smith's debut solo performance was at the now-defunct Umbra Penumbra on September 17, 1994. Events 1176 - The Battle of Myriokephalon is fought 1462 - The Battle of Świecino (or Battle of Żarnowiec Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) Only three songs from Roman Candle were performed, with the majority of the ten-song set comprised of B-sides, Heatmiser tunes, and unreleased tracks. A-side and B-side originally referred to the two sides of 7 inch Vinyl records on which singles were released beginning in the 1950s ^[19] Soon after this performance, he was asked to open for Mary Lou Lord on a week-long U. Mary Lou Lord (b March 1 1965, Salem Massachusetts) is an Alternative rock musician busker and recording artist S. tour. Several more short tours followed, and Smith helped her record one of his songs "I Figured You Out", which he once called "a stupid pop song [written] in about a minute" that he discarded for "[sounding] like the fucking Eagles. "^[20]

Elliott Smith and Either/Or

 Music sample:

"Pictures of Me"

Sample of Elliott Smith's "Pictures of Me" from Either/Or (1997) showing his style of vocal harmony through multi-tracking. Either/Or is the name of the third album recorded by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. The track also showcases the album's expanded instrumentation, with all instruments being played by Smith.

Problems listening to the file? See media help.

In 1995, the self-titled album Elliott Smith was released on Kill Rock Stars; the record featured a similar style of recording to Roman Candle, but not without hints of growth and experimentation. Elliott Smith is the second album recorded by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Kill Rock Stars is an Independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in Olympia, Washington, United States and Roman Candle was Elliott Smith 's debut album as a solo artist even though he was still a singer and guitarist for the band Heatmiser. Though the majority of the album was recorded by Smith alone, friend and Spinanes vocalist Rebecca Gates sang harmony vocals on "St. The Spinanes was an Indie band from Olympia, Portland and Chicago, in the 1990s Ides Heaven", and Heatmiser guitarist Neil Gust played guitar on "Single File". Neil Jacob Gust is an American musician He is best known for co-founding Heatmiser with Elliott Smith in 1992 Several songs made reference to drugs, but Smith explained that he used the theme of drugs as a vehicle for conveying dependence rather than the songs being about drugs specifically. A drug, broadly speaking is any chemical substance that when absorbed into the body ^[21] Looking back, Smith felt that the album's pervasive mood gave him "a reputation for being a really dark, depressed person," and said that he later made a conscious move toward more diverse moods in his music. In the fields of Psychology and Psychiatry, the terms depression or depressed refer to both expected and pathologically chronic or severe ^[22]

Elliott Smith performing live in New York City, 1997.

In 1996, filmmaker Jem Cohen recorded Smith playing acoustic songs for the short film Lucky Three: an Elliott Smith Portrait. Jem Alan Cohen (born 1962 Kabul, Afghanistan) is a New York City -based filmmaker known for his observational portraits of urban landscapes blending of Lucky Three or Lucky Three an Elliott Smith Portrait is an 11-minute short film featuring Elliott Smith playing acoustic songs Two of these songs would appear on his next album, Either/Or, another Kill Rock Stars release that came out in 1997 to favorable reviews. Either/Or is the name of the third album recorded by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. ^[23] The album found Smith venturing further into full instrumentation, with several songs containing bass, drums, keyboards and electric guitars, all played by Smith. The electric bass guitar (also called electric bass, or simply bass; ˈbeɪs as in "base" is a Stringed instrument played primarily with the The drum is a member of the percussion group technically classified as a Membranophone. A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument played using a Musical keyboard. The album title was derived from the two-volume book of the same name by Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, which deals with such themes as existential despair, dread, death and God. Published in two volumes in 1843 Either/Or (original Danish title Enten-Eller) is an influential book written by the Danish philosopher The Kingdom of Denmark ( ˈd̥ænmɑɡ̊ (archaic ˈd̥anmɑːɡ̊ commonly known as Denmark, is a country in the Scandinavian region of northern Europe Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (ˈsœːɐn ˈkʰiɐ̯kəˌɡ̊ɒˀ in Danish Anglicized as;) Angst is a German word for Fear or Anxiety. ( Anguish is its almost entirely synonymous Latinate equivalent God is the principal or sole Deity in Religions and other belief systems that worship one deity.

By this time, Smith's already-heavy drinking was now being compounded with use of anti-depressants. An antidepressant is a Psychiatric medication used for alleviating major depression or Dysthymia ('milder' depression ^[24] At the end of the Either/Or tour, an intervention was staged by close friends of his in Chicago,^[25][5] but it proved ineffective. Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. ^[5]

Miss Misery and the Oscars

In 1996, Smith was tapped by director and fellow Portland resident Gus Van Sant to be a part of the soundtrack to his film, Good Will Hunting. Gus Green Van Sant Jr he has dealt unflinchingly with homosexual and other marginalized subcultures without being particularly concerned about providing positive role models Good Will Hunting is a 1997 film directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, both of whom star in the Smith recorded an orchestral version of "Between the Bars" with acclaimed composer Danny Elfman for the movie. Daniel Robert Elfman (born May 29, 1953) is an American Musician, who is famous for composing scores and songs for Tim Burton Smith also contributed a new song, "Miss Misery," and three other previously released tracks ("No Name #3", from Roman Candle, and "Angeles" and "Say Yes", from Either/Or). Either/Or is the name of the third album recorded by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. The film was a commercial and critical success, and Smith was nominated for an Academy Award for "Miss Misery". "The Oscar" redirects here for the film see The Oscar (film. Not eager to step into the limelight, he only agreed to perform the song at the ceremony after the producers informed him that his song would be played live that night — either by him or another musician of their choosing. ^[16]

Elliott Smith performing "Miss Misery" at the 1998 Academy Awards. " Miss Misery " is a song by singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. The 70th Academy Awards were noted for their high ratings and the 11 wins racked up by the Best Picture, Titanic.

On March 5, 1998, Smith made his network television debut on Late Night With Conan O'Brien performing "Miss Misery" solo on acoustic guitar. Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian moves from Antioch with an army of 90000 to attack the Sassanid Empire, in a Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) A television network is a distribution network for Television content whereby a central operation provides programming for many Television stations Late Night with Conan O'Brien is an Emmy Award -winning American late-night Talk show hosted by Conan O'Brien on NBC ^[26] A few days later, wearing a white suit, he played an abridged version of the song at the Oscars, accompanied by the house orchestra. An orchestra is an instrumental ensemble, usually fairly large with string brass woodwind sections and possibly a percussion section as well James Horner and Will Jennings won the award that night for best song with "My Heart Will Go On" (sung by Celine Dion) from the film Titanic. James Roy Horner (born August 14 1953) is an American Composer of orchestral and film music Will Jennings born Wilbur Jennings in 1944 Kilgore Texas is a prolific and highly successful American Songwriter. " My Heart Will Go On " is the Theme song of the 1997 blockbuster Film Titanic. Céline Marie Claudette Dion ( OC OQ (born March 30 1968 in Charlemagne Quebec) is a Canadian pop Singer Titanic is a 1997 Disaster film directed written co-produced and co-edited by James Cameron about the sinking of the RMS ''Titanic'' Smith did not voice disappointment about not winning the award. ^[27]

Smith commented on the surrealism of the Oscars experience: "That's exactly what it was, surreal. Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the early-1920s and is best known for the visual artworks and writings of the group members . . I enjoy performing almost as much as I enjoy making up songs in the first place. But the Oscars was a very strange show, where the set was only one song cut down to less than two minutes, and the audience was a lot of people who didn't come to hear me play. I wouldn't want to live in that world, but it was fun to walk around on the moon for a day. "^[28]

XO and Figure 8

In 1998, after the success of Either/Or and "Miss Misery", Smith signed to a bigger independent record label, DreamWorks Records. Either/Or is the name of the third album recorded by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. DreamWorks Records was an American Record label. Founded in 1996 by David Geffen, Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg as a subsidiary Around the same time, Smith fell into depression, speaking openly of considering suicide, and on at least one occasion made a serious attempt at ending his own life. Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression, unipolar depression, unipolar disorder, clinical depression, or simply depression ^[29][30][5]. While in North Carolina, he became severely intoxicated and ran off a cliff. North Carolina ( is a state located on the Atlantic Seaboard in the southeastern United States He landed on a tree, which badly impaled him but broke his fall. ^[5] When questioned about his suicide attempt, he told an interviewer, "Um, yeah – I jumped off a cliff. But it didn't work. "^[31] Christopher Cooper, head of Cavity Search Records (which released Roman Candle), said about this time in Smith's life: "I talked him out of thinking that he wanted to kill himself numerous times when he was in Portland. I kept telling him that he was a brilliant man, and that life was worth living, and that people loved him. "^[32]

Smith's first release for DreamWorks was later that year. Titled XO, it was produced by the team of Rob Schnapf and Tom Rothrock. XO is the name of the fourth album recorded by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Rob Schnapf is an American Record producer and Musician. He was the co-producer (along with Tom Rothrock) of Elliott Smith 's albums Tom Rothrock is an American Record producer, composer and Musician. XO also contained some instrumentation from well-known Los Angeles musicians Joey Waronker and Jon Brion. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West Joseph "Joey" Waronker (born May 20, 1969 in Los Angeles, California) is an American Drummer and Music Jon Brion (born December 11, 1963) is an American rock and pop multi-instrumentalist Singer, Songwriter, It contained a more full-sounding, baroque pop sound than any of his previous efforts, with songs featuring a horn section, Chamberlins and elaborate string arrangements and even a drum loop on the song "Independence Day". Baroque art redirects here Please disambiguate such links to Baroque painting, Baroque sculpture, etc The Chamberlin is an electro-mechanical Keyboard instrument related to the Mellotron. In Electronic music, a loop is a sample which is repeated Loops may be repeated through the use of Tape loops delay effects cutting between His familiar double-tracked vocal and acoustic guitar style was still apparent. The album went on to peak at number 104 on the Billboard 200^[33] and sold 400,000 copies^[34] (more than double that of each of his two Kill Rock Stars releases), becoming the best-selling release of his career. The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard ^[35] Smith's backing band during most of this period was the Portland-based group Quasi, consisting of former bandmate Sam Coomes on bass guitar and Coomes's ex-wife Janet Weiss on drums. For the prefix see the Wiktionary entry quasi-. Quasi is an Indie rock band formed in Portland Oregon Janet Weiss is also the name of a character (played by Susan Sarandon) in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Quasi also performed as the opening act at many shows on the tour, with Smith sometimes contributing bass, guitar or backing vocals. On October 17, 1998, Smith appeared on Saturday Night Live and performed "Waltz #2. This article lists the hosts and musical guests for each episode of Saturday Night Live, an American television show by season Saturday Night Live ( SNL) is a weekly late-night 90-minute American Sketch comedy / Variety show based in New York City " His backing band for this appearance was John Moen, Jon Brion, Rob Schnapf and Sam Coomes. Jon Brion (born December 11, 1963) is an American rock and pop multi-instrumentalist Singer, Songwriter, Rob Schnapf is an American Record producer and Musician. He was the co-producer (along with Tom Rothrock) of Elliott Smith 's albums

Smith in a press photo circa 2000.

In response to whether the change to a bigger record label would influence his creative control, Smith said: ". . . sometimes people look at major labels as simply money-making machines, they're actually composed of individuals who are real people, and there's a part of them that needs to feel that part of their job is to put out good music. "^[36] Smith also claimed in another interview that he never read his reviews for fear that they would interfere with his songwriting. ^[37]

 Music sample:

"Son of Sam"

Sample of Elliott Smith's "Son of Sam", the first single from Figure 8 (2000) showing Smith's continuing development of a "more sonically detailed"^[38] and lush sound. Figure 8 is the fifth Studio album by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith.

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Figure 8, which was released in 2000, featured the return of Rothrock, Schnapf, Brion, and Waronker, and was partially recorded at Abbey Road Studios in England. Figure 8 is the fifth Studio album by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Abbey Road Studios, established in November 1931 by EMI in London, England, is a Recording studio located at number 3 Abbey Road, England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland The album garnered generally positive reviews^[39] and peaked at number 99 on the Billboard 200. ^[40] The album garnered praise for its power pop style and complex arrangements, described as creating a "sweeping kaleidoscope of layered instruments and sonic textures. Power pop (or powerpop) is a popular Musical genre that draws its inspiration from 1960s British and American pop and Rock music. "^[38] However, some reviewers felt that Smith's trademark dark and melancholy songwriting had lost some of its sublety, with one reviewer likening some of the songs to "the self-pitying complaints of an adolescent venting in his diary. "^[41]

Album art and promotional pictures showed Smith looking cleaned-up and put-together. An extensive tour in promotion of the record ensued, including television appearances on Late Night With Conan O'Brien and The Late Show With David Letterman. A concert is a live Performance, usually of Music, before an Audience. Late Night with Conan O'Brien is an Emmy Award -winning American late-night Talk show hosted by Conan O'Brien on NBC The Late Show with David Letterman is an Emmy Award -winning American late-night Talk show hosted by David Letterman on CBS However, Smith's condition began to deteriorate as he had become addicted to heroin either towards the end of or just after the Figure 8 tour. Heroin ( INN: diacetylmorphine, BAN: diamorphine) is a semi-synthetic opioid synthesized from Morphine, a derivative ^[5]

Final years and recording of From a Basement on the Hill

A follow-up to Smith's 2000 album was originally planned to happen with Rob Schnapf, but their sessions were abandoned. Rob Schnapf is an American Record producer and Musician. He was the co-producer (along with Tom Rothrock) of Elliott Smith 's albums Smith also began distancing himself from manager Margaret Mittleman, who had handled him since the Roman Candle days. ^[5] He finally began recording a new album with only himself and Jon Brion as producers sometime during 2001. Jon Brion (born December 11, 1963) is an American rock and pop multi-instrumentalist Singer, Songwriter, The pair had recorded a substantial amount of music for the album, when Brion confronted Smith about his drug and alcohol abuse. Alcoholism is a term with multiple and sometimes conflicting definitions ^[42] Their friendship promptly ended, and Smith scrapped all of their work up until that point. He later said: "There was even a little more than half of a record done before this new one that I just scrapped because of a blown friendship with someone that made me so depressed I didn't want to hear any of those songs. He was just helping me record the songs and stuff, and then the friendship kind of fell apart all of a sudden one day. It just made it kind of awkward being alone in the car listening to the songs. "^[16]

When Brion sent a bill for the abandoned sessions to DreamWorks, executives Lenny Waronker and Luke Wood scheduled a meeting with Smith to determine what went wrong with the sessions. Lenny Waronker is a well known Record producer for Warner Bros The singer voiced what he believed to be intrusion upon his personal life from the label, as well as poor promotion for the Figure 8 album. The talks proved to be fruitless, and soon after, Smith sent a message to the executives, stating that if they did not release him from his contract, he would take his own life. ^[5] In May 2001, Smith set out to re-record the album, mostly on his own, but with some help from David McConnell, a member of the band Goldenboy. David McConnell is a southern Californian musician most notable for his involvement as collaborator producer and engineer for Elliott Smith 's final album From a Goldenboy is an Indie rock band from Diamond Bar California that has collaborated with Weezer 's former bassist Matt Sharp. McConnell told SPIN that, during this time, Smith would smoke over $1500 worth of heroin and crack per day, would often talk about suicide, and on numerous occasions tried to give himself an overdose. Crack cocaine or crack is a solid smokable form of Cocaine. It is a freebase form of cocaine that can be made using baking soda ( Sodium bicarbonate The term drug overdose (or simply overdose or OD) describes the Ingestion or application of a Drug or other substance in quantities Steven Drozd (of The Flaming Lips) and Scott McPherson played a few drum tracks, Sam Coomes contributed some bass and backing vocals, but almost every other instrument was recorded by Smith. Steven Gregory Drozd (born June 11, 1969, Houston, Texas) is a Multi-instrumentalist and Drummer for The Flaming The Flaming Lips (formed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1983 is an American rock band Scott McPherson is an American Drummer. He was a member of the now-disbanded Sense Field from 1991 until 1998

One of the few highlights for Smith in 2001 was inclusion of his song "Needle in the Hay" in Wes Anderson's dark comedy The Royal Tenenbaums. Wesley Wales Anderson (born May 1, 1969) is an American director, writer, Actor, and producer of features The Royal Tenenbaums is a 2001 dramatic Dark comedy directed by Wes Anderson about three Gifted siblings who experience The song plays during a suicide attempt. Smith was originally supposed to contribute a cover of The Beatles' "Hey Jude" for the film, but when he failed to do so in time, Anderson had to use The Mutato Muzika Orchestra's version of the track instead. " Hey Jude " is a song by the English rock band The Beatles that was recorded in 1968 Mutato Muzika is a music production company comprising of former Devo members Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, Bob Casale as well as non-Devo ^[43] Anderson would later say that Smith "was in a bad state" at the time. ^[44]

Smith's live performances during 2001 and 2002 were infrequent, typically in the Pacific Northwest or Los Angeles. The Pacific Northwest is a region in the northwest of North America (the term refers to the land not the ocean A review of his December 20, 2001 show at Portland's Crystal Ballroom stated concern over his appearance and performance: his hair was uncharacteristically greasy and long; his face was bearded and gaunt; and during his songs he exhibited alarming signs of "memory-loss and butterfingers". Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. Crystal Ballroom, originally built as Cotillion Hall, is a historic building in Portland Oregon, United States. ^[45] The crowd would often have to shout out the lyrics (and in some cases, guitar chords) when Smith could not think of them. ^[46]

In the first of only three concerts performed in 2002, Smith co-headlined Northwestern University's "A&O Ball" with Wilco on May 2 in Chicago. Wilco is an American rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of Alternative country group Chicago (ʃɪˈkɑːgoʊ is the largest City by population in the state of Illinois and the American Midwest of the United States. ^[47] Smith's performance was described as "undoubtedly one of the worst performances ever by a musician"^[48] and an "excruciating. . . nightmare". ^[49] A reporter for the online magazine Glorious Noise made the statement ". . . it would not surprise me at all if Elliott Smith ends up dead within a year. "^[50]

On November 25, 2002, Smith was involved in a brawl with the Los Angeles Police Department at a Flaming Lips/Beck concert. Events 1034 - Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, King of Scots dies Donnchad, the See also 2002 (disambiguation Year 2002 ( MMII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. The Flaming Lips (formed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1983 is an American rock band Beck' s birth name was Bek see the sources given This is not a typo and should not be changed without good reason ^[51] Smith later said he was defending a man he thought the police were harassing. Assuming that Smith was homeless, the officers allegedly beat and arrested him and his girlfriend, Jennifer Chiba. Homelessness is the condition and social category of people who lack housing because they cannot afford or are otherwise unable to maintain regular safe and adequate shelter The two spent the night in jail. Smith's hand and back were injured in the incident, causing him to cancel a number of shows. ^[16] Wayne Coyne, lead singer of The Flaming Lips and a friend of Smith's, stated concern over Smith's appearance and actions, saying that he "saw a guy who had lost control of himself. Wayne Michael Coyne (born January 13 1961 is the Lead singer, Guitarist and principal Songwriter for the band The Flaming Lips. He was needy, he was grumpy, he was everything you wouldn't want in a person. It's not like when you think of Keith Richards being pleasantly blissed out in the corner. Keith Richards (born 18 December 1943 is an English Guitarist, Songwriter, Singer, producer and a founding member of The Rolling "^[52]

Smith had attempted to go to rehab several times, but said he "couldn't honestly do the first step. Drug rehabilitation (often drug rehab or just rehab) is an umbrella term for the processes of medical and/or psychotherapeutic treatment for dependency A twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles for recovery from Addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral problems . . I couldn't say what you were supposed to say and mean it. "^[16] In 2002, Smith went to the Neurotransmitter Restoration Center in Beverly Hills to start a course of treatment for his drug addiction. Drug addiction is widely considered a pathological state. The disorder of addiction involves the progression of acute Drug use to the development of drug-seeking In one of his final interviews, he spoke about the center: "What they do is an IV treatment where they put a needle in your arm, and you're on a drip bag, but the only thing that's in the drip bag is amino acids and saline solution. Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the giving of Liquid substances directly into a Vein. A hypodermic needle is a hollow needle commonly used with a Syringe to inject substances into the body In Chemistry, an amino acid is a Molecule containing both Amine and Carboxyl Functional groups In Biochemistry, this In Medicine, saline (also saline solution) is a general term referring to a sterile solution of Sodium chloride (table Salt) in water I was coming off of a lot of psych meds and other things. I was even on an antipsychotic, although I'm not psychotic. Antipsychotics are a group of Psychoactive drugs commonly but not exclusively used to treat Psychosis, which is typified by Schizophrenia. Psychosis (from the Greek ψυχή "psyche" for mind or soul and -οσις "-osis" for abnormal condition with adjective psychotic "^[16] After his 34th birthday on August 6, 2003, he gave up alcohol, caffeine, red meat, refined sugar and his longtime (sometimes abused) regimen of psychological medication. Events 1538 - Bogotá, Colombia, is founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. In Chemistry, an alcohol is any Organic compound in which a Hydroxyl group ( - O[[hydrogen H]]) is bound to a Carbon Caffeine is a bitter white crystalline Xanthine Alkaloid that acts as a Psychoactive Stimulant Drug and a mild Diuretic For mammal meat see Red meat. For the band see Red Meat (band. Sugar is a class of edible Crystalline substances mainly Sucrose, Lactose, and Fructose. ^[5] Director Mike Mills had been working with Smith during his final years and described Smith's troubles and apparent recovery: "I gave the script to him, then he dropped off the face of the earth… He went through his whole crazy time, but by the time I was done with the film, he was making From a Basement on a Hill and I was shocked that he was actually making music. This article is about Mike Mills the film director For the RE "^[53]

 Music sample:

"Shooting Star"

Sample of Elliott Smith's "Shooting Star" appearing on the posthumously released From a Basement on the Hill (2004) showing a dissonant passage on distorted guitar, an example of Smith's experimentation with different sounds and a "more noisy" style before he died. From a Basement on the Hill is the sixth Studio album by the late Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith.

Problems listening to the file? See media help.

With things improving for Smith after several troubled years, he began experimenting with noise music and worked on his girlfriend Jennifer Chiba's iMac with the intent of learning how to record with computers, noting that it was the only method with which he was still unfamiliar. The iMac is a desktop Macintosh computer designed and built by Apple Inc ^[16] Smith jokingly labeled his experimental way of recording "The California Frown" (a play on the Beach Boys' "California Sound"). The Beach Boys is an American rock band Formed in 1961 the group gained popularity for its close vocal harmonies and lyrics reflecting a California Youth culture ^[54] He said of the songs: "They're kind of more noisy with the pitch all distorted. Some are more acoustic, but there aren't too many like that. Lately I've just been making up a lot of noise. "^[16]

He was also in the process of recording songs for the Thumbsucker soundtrack,^[55] including Big Star's "Thirteen", and Cat Stevens' "Trouble". Thumbsucker is the Soundtrack to the film of the same name, which is based on the novel of the same name by Walter Kirn Big Star is an American Rock and roll band founded in the early 1970s Yusuf Islam (born Steven Demetre Georgiou on 21 July 1948 best known by his former Stage name Cat Stevens, is a British Musician ^[53] In August 2003, Suicide Squeeze Records put out a limited-edition vinyl single for "Pretty (Ugly Before)", a song that Smith had been playing since the Figure 8 tour. August 2003: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - A vinyl compound is any Organic compound that contains a vinyl group (also called ethenyl) &minus C[[Hydrogen H]] =CH sub>2 Steve Hanft described the last six months of Smith's life as being "like the light at the end of the tunnel" and was convinced that Smith was clean and recovered. Steve Hanft is an American independent film director Hanft started making films at the age of 13 growing up in Ventura California. ^[56]

Death and reactions

Elliott Smith died on October 21, 2003, at age 34 from two stab wounds to the chest. Events 1512 - Martin Luther joins the theological faculty of the University of Wittenberg. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. A stabbing is the penetration of a sharp or pointed object at close range The chest is a part of the Anatomy of humans and various other animals sometimes referred to as the Thorax. ^[2] According to girlfriend Jennifer Chiba, with whom he was living at the time, the two were arguing, and she locked herself in the bathroom. ^[34] Chiba heard him scream, and upon opening the door, saw Smith standing with a kitchen knife in his chest. She pulled the knife out, after which he collapsed and she called 911. 911 (usually pronounced "nine-one-one" is the Emergency telephone number for the North American Numbering Plan (NANP Smith died in the hospital with the time of death listed as 1:36 p. m. While Smith's death was originally reported as a suicide, the official autopsy report released in December 2003 left open the question of possible homicide. An autopsy, also known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy, or obduction, is a Medical procedure that consists of a thorough Examination December 2003: January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - List of countries by homicide rate Homicide ( Latin homicidium, homo human being + caedere to cut kill refers to the act of killing another ^[2] A possible suicide note, written on a Post-it, read, "I'm so sorry—love, Elliott. A suicide note is a message left by someone who later attempts or commits Suicide. The Post-it note, invented by 3M 's Art Fry using an adhesive developed by a colleague Spencer Silver, is a piece of Stationery with a re-adherable God forgive me. "^[2]

According to Pitchfork, producer Larry Crane reported on his Tape Op message board that he had planned to help Smith mix his album in mid-November. Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork, is a Chicago -based daily Internet publication devoted to music criticism and commentary Crane wrote: "I hadn't talked to Elliott in over a year. His girlfriend, Jennifer, called me [last week] and asked if I'd like to come to L. A. and help mix and finish [Smith's album]. I said yes, of course, and chatted with Elliott for the first time in ages. It seems surreal that he would call me to finish an album and then a week later kill himself. I talked to Jennifer this morning, who was obviously shattered and in tears, and she said, 'I don't understand, he was so healthy. '"^[57] The coroner's report revealed that no traces of illegal substances or alcohol were found in his system at the time of his death. A coroner is an official responsible for investigating deaths particularly some of those happening under unusual circumstances and determining the cause of death The coroner did find anti-depressant and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder medications in his system, but at prescribed levels. An antidepressant is a Psychiatric medication used for alleviating major depression or Dysthymia ('milder' depression Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder affecting about 3-5% of the world's population ^[58] With his death not being officially declared a suicide, a journalist noted that some have suspected foul play, but also that the authorities do not seem to be investigating the case further. ^[59]

The memorial outside Solutions Audio in Los Angeles, California in August 2006. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West

Soon after his death, a fan memorial was initiated outside of Solutions Audio (4334 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California), the site at which the cover of the Figure 8 album was shot. Sunset Boulevard is a Street in the western part of Los Angeles County California, that stretches from Figueroa Street in Downtown Los Angeles Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West Farewell messages to Smith were written on the wall, flowers were brought and photos, candles and empty bottles of alcohol mentioned in Smith's songs were left. ^[60] The owner of Solutions has, as of April 2008, allowed the memorial to stand. International holidays and other major events April 1 - April Fools' Day April 4 - Qingming Festival (Mainland Memorial concerts were held in several cities in America and England. ^[54] A petition was soon put forth with intent to make part of the Silver Lake area a memorial park in Smith's honor. Silver Lake is a district east of Hollywood in the city of Los Angeles California. It received over 10,000 signatures, but no plans to go forth with the park have been announced. ^[54] Another memorial is located inside Smith's former high school, Lincoln High, and was erected in July 2006. July 2006 was a month with thirty-one days The following events also occurred during the month ^[61]

Since Smith's death, many musical acts have paid him tribute. Songs in tribute to, or about Smith have been released by Rilo Kiley ("Ripchord" and "It Just Is" on More Adventurous^[62]), Sparta ("Bombs and Us"^[54]), Third Eye Blind ("Elliott Smith" on Symphony of Decay), Beck ("Broken Drum" on 'Guero'), Mary Lorson ("Lonely Boy" on Realistic^[63]), Ben Folds ("Late" on Songs for Silverman^[64]), Rhett Miller ("The Believer" on The Believer^[65]), Earlimart ("Heaven Adores You" on Treble and Tremble^[66]), Pete Yorn ("Bandstand in the Sky" on Nightcrawler, a song jointly dedicated to Jeff Buckley), and Ginger Sling ("Faith" on the "Room" EP^[67]). Rilo Kiley is a Los Angeles -based Indie rock band The band's name is pronounced with long i: ("Ry-loh Ky-lee" More Adventurous is the third full length album released by Los Angeles based band Rilo Kiley. Sparta is an American Alternative rock band from El Paso Texas, formed in 2001 Third Eye Blind (sometimes abbreviated 3eb) is an American Alternative rock band formed in the early 1990s in San Francisco. Beck' s birth name was Bek see the sources given This is not a typo and should not be changed without good reason Guero is the sixth major-label studio album by Beck, first released in March 2005 Mary Lorson is an American Singer-songwriter and Composer. Perhaps best known for her time as the lead singer of Alternative Pop group Benjamin Scott Folds (born September 12, 1966) is an American Singer-songwriter and the former frontman of the Band Ben Folds Five Songs for Silverman is an Album by Ben Folds, first released on April 26, 2005, by Epic Records in the United Stewart Ransom Miller II was born September 6, 1970 in Austin Texas. The Believer is the third solo Album by American country / Rock band performer Rhett Miller, lead singer of the Earlimart is an independent rock band based in Los Angeles California. Treble and Tremble is the fourth album by Earlimart. The first single was "Heaven Adores You" and a music video was produced to accompany the song Peter (Pete Yorn (b July 27, 1974) is an American Singer-songwriter and Guitarist who first gained international recognition when Jeffrey Scott Buckley (November 17 1966 – May 29 1997 raised as Scotty Moorhead, was an American Singer-songwriter and Guitarist He was the son Ginger A Reyes (also known as Ginger Sling) born in Chicago, Illinois is an American Rock musician of Mexican and Peruvian heritage Several tribute albums have been released since his death: To: Elliott From: Portland, Home to Oblivion: Elliott Smith Tribute, Remote Memory: A Tribute to Elliott Smith, A Tribute to Elliott Smith and The String Quartet Tribute to Elliott Smith. A tribute album is a recorded collection of Cover versions of songs or instrumental compositions

Posthumous releases

From a Basement on the Hill, with almost four years in production, was released October 19, 2004 by ANTI- Records (a part of Epitaph Records). From a Basement on the Hill is the sixth Studio album by the late Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Events 202 BCE - The Battle of Zama results in the defeat of Carthage and Hannibal. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " ANTI- is an American Record label founded in 1999 as a sister label of Epitaph Records. Epitaph Records is a Hollywood California based Record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. With Smith's family in control of his estate, they chose to bring in Rob Schnapf and Smith's ex-girlfriend Joanna Bolme to sort through and mix the album. Rob Schnapf is an American Record producer and Musician. He was the co-producer (along with Tom Rothrock) of Elliott Smith 's albums Joanna Bolme (b April 1 1968 is a multi-instrumentalist (primarily Bass guitar) and recording engineer who has worked with several Indie rock bands and Although predicted by Smith to be a double album (or a regular album with a "bonus disc"), it was released as a 15-track single album. Many of the darkest songs from the sessions (later leaked onto the Internet) were not included, such as "True Love" (which deals graphically with addiction and rehab), "Abused", "Stickman" and "Suicide Machine" (a reworking of the Figure 8 era unreleased instrumental, "Tiny Time Machine"). The Internet is a global system of interconnected Computer networks ^[42] It is rumored that it was the family's wishes not to have these songs on the record, as they had the final say in what should and should not be released. ^[42] Reviews of the album were mostly very positive,^[68] but some were more critical; The Onion's A. For the vegetable see Onion. The Onion is an American " fake news " organization V. Club wrote that "the album he left behind turns out to be messy, complicated, and unquestionably not his defining work. . . the album still earns its place—not at the top, and unfortunately as a bookend—in a jarringly important body of work. "^[69]

Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing, a biography by Benjamin Nugent, was rushed to publication and hit stores shortly after From a Basement on the Hill, barely beyond the first anniversary of the musician's death. Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing is a Biography of musician Elliott Smith by Benjamin Nugent. Benjamin Nugent is an American writer best known for the book American Nerd The Story of My People. Smith's family, as well as Joanna Bolme, Jennifer Chiba, Neil Gust, Sam Coomes, and Janet Weiss, all declined to be interviewed and did not support the publication of the book. It contained interviews with Rob Schnapf, David McConnell, and Pete Krebs. Pete Krebs is an independent musician from Portland Oregon, best known as a member of the Punk-pop band Hazel, and for a split record with Elliott The book received mixed reviews, with Publishers Weekly remarking that while "Nugent manages to patch together the major beats of Smith's life, he can offer little meaningful insight" and that Smith's fans "will be disappointed by this short and shallow biography. Publishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade News magazine targeted at Publishers Librarians "^[70]

On May 8, 2007, a posthumous two-disc compilation album entitled New Moon was released by Kill Rock Stars. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. New Moon is a 2- CD /2- LP posthumous Compilation album by Elliott Smith, released on May 8, 2007 by The album contained 24 songs recorded by Smith between 1994 and 1997 during his tenure with the label. The songs consisted of demos, early versions, previously released b-sides and some unfinished tracks. A-side and B-side originally referred to the two sides of 7 inch Vinyl records on which singles were released beginning in the 1950s In the U. S. , the album debuted at number 24 on the Billboard 200, selling about 24,000 copies in its first week. See Billboard (Turkish magazine Billboard is a weekly American Magazine devoted to the Music industry ^[71] The record received favorable reviews^[72] and was Metacritic's 16th best-reviewed album of 2007. Metacritic is a Website that collates reviews of music Albums games, movies, TV shows, DVDs and Books. ^[73] A significant portion of the proceeds from album sales are to go to Outside In, a social service agency for low-income adults and homeless youth in Portland, Oregon. Outside In is a social service agency founded as a Free clinic in 1968 in Portland Oregon, United States. ^[74]

On October 25, 2007, a book titled Elliott Smith was released by Autumn de Wilde, which consists of photographs, handwritten lyrics and "revealing talks with Smith's inner circle". Events 1147 - The Portuguese, under Afonso I, and Crusaders from England and Flanders conquer Lisbon after a Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Elliott Smith is a book about the late musician Elliott Smith that was compiled by photographer Autumn de Wilde. Autumn de Wilde (born 1970 is an American Photographer best known for her Portraiture and commercial work photography of musicians ^[75][76] De Wilde was responsible for the Figure 8 sleeve art, making a landmark and de facto Smith memorial of the Solutions Audio mural. A five-song CD featuring previously unreleased live recordings of Smith performing acoustically at Club Largo in Los Angeles was included in the release. Largo is a Nightclub and Cabaret in Los Angeles CA, known informally as Café Largo or Club Largo, known for its retinue of musical

Musical style and influences

Smith respected and was inspired by many artists and styles, including U2,^[77] The Kinks,^[78] Elvis Costello,^[79] Motown and flamenco records,^[10] AC/DC,^[80] Scorpions,^[81] and Modest Mouse. The Kinks were an English pop and rock group formed in 1963 and categorised in the US as a British Invasion band Elvis Costello (born Declan Patrick MacManus 25 August 1954 is an English Musician and Singer-songwriter, with Irish ancestry "Motown" redirects here For the city see Detroit Michigan. Flamenco is a Spanish term that refers both to a musical genre known for its intricate rapid passages and a dance genre characterized by its audible footwork AC/DC are an Australian Hard rock band formed in Sydney, Australia in 1973 by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young. Scorpions are a heavy metal / Hard rock band from Hanover, Germany, probably best known for their 1980s rock anthem " Rock You Like a Modest Mouse are an American Alternative rock band formed in 1993 in Issaquah Washington by singer/lyricist/guitarist Isaac Brock, drummer ^[82] Smith claimed to listen exclusively to select albums (such as The Marble Index by Nico) for months. The Marble Index is a gothic-folk album with neoclassical and Avant-garde elements recorded in 1968 and released in 1969 by Nico. Christa Päffgen ( October 16, 1938 ? &ndash July 18, 1988) was a German Singer - Songwriter, fashion model ^[80] Sean Croghan (a former roommate of Smith's and member of bands Jr. High and Crackerbash) said that Smith "listened almost exclusively to slow jams" in his senior year at college. Slow Jam (Slo' Jam is an Independent record label and a Music production company headquartered in Berlin Germany and interrelated with the international music market ^[81] Smith was also known to gain inspiration from novels, religion and philosophy. He liked classic literature, especially Samuel Beckett, T. S. Eliot, and Fyodor Dostoevsky (and other Russian novelists). Samuel Barclay Beckett (13 April 1906 – 22 December 1989 was an Irish Writer, Dramatist and poet Thomas Stearns Eliot, OM (September 26 1888 – January 4 1965 was a poet Dramatist, and Literary critic. Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (Фёдор Миха́йлович Достое́вский, sometimes transliterated Dostoyevsky, Dostoievsky, ^[80]

Smith mentioned his admiration for Bob Dylan in several interviews, citing him as an early musical influence. Bob Dylan (born Robert Zimmerman, May 24 1941 in Duluth, Minnesota) is an American singer-songwriter author poet and painter who has been a major He once commented: "My father taught me how to play "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right". " Don't Think Twice It's All Right " is a song written by Bob Dylan in 1962 and released on the 1963 album The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan. I love Dylan's words, but even more than that, I love the fact that he loves words. "^[83]

Smith was a dedicated fan of The Beatles (as well as their solo projects), once noting that he had been listening to them frequently since he was about "four years old"^[84] and also claimed that hearing The White Album was his original inspiration to become a musician. The Beatles were a pop and rock band from Liverpool, England formed in 1960 A solo project usually refers to a single member of a band 's work independent of their original group yet typically without having quit their original group ^[80] In 1998, Smith recorded and contributed a cover of the Beatles song "Because" to the American Beauty soundtrack, which can be heard during the closing credits of the film. In Popular music, a cover version, or simply cover, is a new rendition ( Performance or Recording) of a previously recorded commercially released " Because " is a ballad written by John Lennon (credited to Lennon/McCartney) and performed by The Beatles. American Beauty is a 1999 Drama film set in modern American Suburbia. Although this was the only Beatles song that Smith ever officially released, he is known to have recorded at least one other ("Revolution", during the sessions for XO), and played many songs by both the band and the members' solo projects at live concerts. " Revolution " is a song by The Beatles, written by John Lennon and attributed to Lennon/McCartney. ^[85] Smith was also rumored to have recorded a version of "Hey Jude" for the 2001 Wes Anderson film The Royal Tenenbaums to be played during the opening scenes, but the song never materialized. " Hey Jude " is a song by the English rock band The Beatles that was recorded in 1968 Wesley Wales Anderson (born May 1, 1969) is an American director, writer, Actor, and producer of features The Royal Tenenbaums is a 2001 dramatic Dark comedy directed by Wes Anderson about three Gifted siblings who experience In a December 2004 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Anderson said that although Smith was lined up to record the song, he "was in a bad state and just wasn't able to. December 2004: ← - January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September Entertainment Weekly (sometimes abbreviated as EW) is a Magazine published by Time Inc "^[86] The Royal Tenenbaums did include Smith's song "Needle in the Hay", which played during a scene in which one of the principal characters attempts suicide.

Regarding his songwriting, Smith said:^[87]

Smith said that transitions were his favorite part of songs and that he preferred to write broader, more impressionistic music closer to pop rather than folk music. Impressionism was a 19th-century Art movement that began as a loose association of Paris -based Artists exhibiting their art publicly in the 1860s Pop music as a genre features a noticeable rhythmic element catchy melodies and hooks, a mainstream style and conventional structure ^[10] Smith compared his songs to stories or dreams, not purely confessional pieces that people could relate to. ^[28] When asked about the dark nature of his songwriting and the cult following he was gaining, Smith said he felt it was merely a product of him writing songs that were strongly meaningful to him rather than anything contrived. ^[28]

Selected discography

References

• Nugent, Benjamin (2004). Events 1223 - Louis VIII becomes King of France upon the death of his father Philip II of France. Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) Roman Candle was Elliott Smith 's debut album as a solo artist even though he was still a singer and guitarist for the band Heatmiser. Cavity Search Records is a Record label based in Portland Oregon formed in 1992 by Christopher Cooper and Denny Swofford Domino Recording Company, generally known as Domino Records, is an Independent record label based in London. Events 356 BC - Herostratus sets fire to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 Elliott Smith is the second album recorded by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Kill Rock Stars is an Independent record label founded in 1991 by Slim Moon and based in Olympia, Washington, United States and Events 138 - The Emperor Hadrian adopts Antoninus Pius, effectively making him his successor Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Either/Or is the name of the third album recorded by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Events 1248 - The Dutch city of Ommen receives city rights and fortification rights from Otto III the Year 1998 ( MCMXCVIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1998 Gregorian calendar) XO is the name of the fourth album recorded by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. DreamWorks Records was an American Record label. Founded in 1996 by David Geffen, Steven Spielberg and Jeffrey Katzenberg as a subsidiary Events 1025 - Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland. 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. Figure 8 is the fifth Studio album by American Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Events 202 BCE - The Battle of Zama results in the defeat of Carthage and Hannibal. "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " From a Basement on the Hill is the sixth Studio album by the late Singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. ANTI- is an American Record label founded in 1999 as a sister label of Epitaph Records. Events 589 - Reccared summons the Third Council of Toledo 1450 - Jack Cade's Rebellion: Kentishmen Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. New Moon is a 2- CD /2- LP posthumous Compilation album by Elliott Smith, released on May 8, 2007 by Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing. Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing is a Biography of musician Elliott Smith by Benjamin Nugent. Da Capo Press. Da Capo Press, a Publishing company with offices in New York City, Cambridge Massachusetts, Philadelphia and Emeryville California ISBN 0-306-81393-9.  
• Shutt, S. R. (2002). The Time It Took a Cigarette to Burn. Scenes from the Life and Art of Elliott Smith. Retrieved on 2007-02-01. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen

Notes

External links

Official

• SweetAdeline.net - Official Elliott Smith website
• SweetAddy.com - Official discussion forums
• Cavity Search Records
• Kill Rock Stars

Unofficial

• Elliott Smith at Allmusic
• Elliott Smith discography at MusicBrainz
• Elliott Smith at the Internet Movie Database
• BrainyQuote - Elliott Smith quotes
• BBC obituary

Media

• ElliottSmithBsides.com - Unreleased demos
• Archive.org - Extensive collection of full-length live recordings on the Internet Archive
• Trash Treasury - Download hub for live recordings and discussion forum
• BlamoNet - Image gallery