Elliott Smith: Wish You Were Here
October 21st, 2010
John In The Morning always keeps me in the loop on musician birthdays and anniversary deaths (see: David Bowie), and today was no different. Seven years ago today (10/21), the great Elliott Smith took his own life (or so the story goes). He’s considered to be one of the great solo songwriters of our generation. What—you didn’t know that?
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I had only casual knowledge of Smith and his music back in the 90s. I wasn’t cognizant of his sound and style until he received an Oscar nomination in 1998 (how embarrassing!) for “Miss Misery” on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack. It was an excellent song choice for an excellent movie. Earlier this year, I noticed my CD shelf was severely lacking in Elliott Smith titles and ended up bolstering my collection with Roman Candle, Elliott Smith, Either/Or and the posthumously released From A Basement On A Hill (disclosure: Kill Rock Stars had a sale; so sue me). As I’ve never been one who veered towards quote/unquote singer-songwriters—I often prefer a good band and its instrument interplay—Smith holds a special place in my heart as one who easily transcended that personal bias.
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As such, I find his full-fledged, full-fleshed songs more appealing than most die hard fans. To each his own, right? The flawless Either/Or fits this mold and is the album of his I hold in the highest regard (they’re all good, of course). With songs like “Ballad of Big Nothing”, “Pictures of Me”, “Rose Parade” and “Cupid’s Trick”, he actually manages to sound upbeat. The Beatles meets Neil Young, I saw someone write, which is kind of a lazy comparison but it works. I know many of his fans relate to his music on a despondent or tragic level, but I’m different. I love his rollicking, carefree moments. There’s also his voice, though; that perfect voice that sounds like a peaceful wraith in constant agony. And maybe that’s what made him so beloved: that unique talent to touch his fans’ hearts in a variety of ways.
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Wish you were here, Steven “Elliott” Smith.
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