I’m going to go out on a limb here and say, like most people, the first time I was exposed to Elliot Smith’s work was during the very intense and dramatic scene in the Royal Tenebaums where Luke Wilson’s character is attempting to commit suicide. The music dramatically coincided with what was happening on the screen. It became a cult phenomenon and helped spur Smith’s into stardom.
But, why was I hearing about Smith so late in the game? Well, I suppose it was due to the fact that in 1995, when his self-titled album was released. It was the pinnacle of Grunge. Distorted electric guitars with heavy riffs, scratchy guttural screams, and peddling teen angst were all the rage. But in 1995 I was already past my grunge need, maybe I was on a sabbatical at that point from secular music for higher and heavenlier callings. Nonetheless, Elliot Smith was not set up to compete with the Nirvanas, Mudhoneys, and Pearl Jams of the music world. His music was and is quiet the antithesis of the Grunge sound. He was often finger picking or strumming an acoustic guitar while sing dark melodies mostly in a soft monotone voice.
Everything I’ve read seems to suggest that Elliot Smith was drinking heavily and abusing pain medication, leading the songwriter to delve into issues of drug abuse, death, and God. Most of the songs on the dark, acoustic and Smith sings in his signature soft voice. It seems like even when he is screaming it's in a muted whisper.
Songs to Listen For:
Needle in the Hay
Clementine
Southern Belle
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