Now I'm Singing Quiet, Now I'm Singing Loud

Today's selection featuring Elliott Smith was planned for last week, a victim to a sluggish computer and an equally sluggish operator.

I should probably have held out to Thursday 6th, which would mark Elliott's 57th birthday. Sadly, we're approaching 23 years since Elliott passed. Why wait to celebrate and reflect on a supremely talented songwriter, gone far too soon?

In October 2021, I posted a brief, 10 song, 33 minute selection drawn from the limited number of albums and compilations in my collection, the majority courtesy of my friend John.

In the five years since, I've expanded this considerably, taking in studio albums as well as unreleased outtakes, demos and versions that have subsequently surfaced online. 

There's still more out there, but here's a C90 friendly 12 song, 45 minute selection pulling together a few more of Elliott's songs. 

Sonically, they hold you gently and tenderly; lyrically, they whisper their truths about the fucked up world we live in, or the beauty all around us. Sometimes, it's possible to reconcile the two; sometimes, it can get too much. Hold on.

Side One 

1) True Love (2001)

2) Needle In The Hay (1995)

3) Coast To Coast (Early Version) (1996)

4) Abused (Fritz Michaud Mix) (1997)

5) All Cleaned Out (1997)

6) Angeles (Alternate Version) (1996)

Side Two

1) Condor Ave (Album Version) (1994)

2) Fear City (Larry Crane Mix) (1996)

3) Some Song (Single Version) (1995)

4) Dancing On The Highway (2000)

5) Speed Trials (Single Version) (1996)

6) Punch And Judy (1997)

7) The Last Hour (Fritz Michaud Mix) (1996)

1994: Roman Candle: B1

1995: Elliott Smith: A2

1995: Needle In The Hay EP: B3

1996: Speed Trials EP: B5

1997: Either/Or: B6

2016: Heaven Adores You Soundtrack: A1, A3

2007: New Moon: A5, B2

2012: Alternate Versions From Either/Or EP: A6

2019: Dancing On The Highway (bootleg): B4

2021: Fritz Michaud's New Moon: A4, B7

Side One (22:52) (GD) (M)

Side Two (22:20) (GD) (M)

You might also like to listen to my previous Elliott Smith selection, What I Used To Be Will Pass Away

I'm The Wrong Kind Of Person To Be Really Big And Famous

A day early, but Tuesday (21st) will mark 22 years since we lost Elliott Smith at the age of 34.

I've come across an interview and performance that he did for 2 Meter Sessions in the Netherlands on 29th November 1998. 

I've included links below so that you can skip straight to the songs; the alternative links are for the individual songs, with remastered sound and visuals, uploaded a couple of years ago.

02:03 Waltz #2 (XO) (alt link)

06:56 I Didn't Understand (alt link)

09:21 Miss Misery (alt link)

I'd recommend watching full session with interview though. It's a difficult watch, knowing that Elliott's life ended less than five years later, but his honesty and vulnerability leave a lasting impression.

The post title is a direct quote. Miss Misery was written for the 1997 film Good Will Hunting and was nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars the following year. 

In February 2021, in what was only my fourteenth post on this blog, I created and uploaded a 10-song Dubhed selection, which I called What I Used To Be Will Pass Away. Again, a line from an Elliott Smith song. 

Whilst that may be true in the distant future, long after you and I are gone, right here and now, Elliott Smith is very close to my heart.

What I Used To Be Will Pass Away

My friend John posted a mixtape to me in 1999/2000 and introduced me to Elliott Smith via XO and Either/Or. This is a random selection of songs, including a couple of personal favourites.  

 

Side One (16:12)

1) Waltz #2 (XO) (1998)

2) Miss Misery (Early Version) (1997)

3) Ballad Of Big Nothing (1997)

4) Pretty Mary K (Other Version) (1996)

5) Memory Lane (2004)

Side Two (17:27)

1) Baby Britain (1998)

2) Pictures Of Me (1997)

3) Amity (1998)

4) A Fond Farewell (2004)

5) Happiness (2000)

1997: Either/Or: A3, B2

1998: XO: A1, B1, B3

2000: Figure 8: B5

2004: From A Basement On The Hill: A5, B4

2007: New Moon: A2, A4

Side One (16:12) (GD) (M)

Side Two (17:27) (GD) (M)