Elliott Smith : Somebody That I Used To Know

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Five Years Gone And Still An Ache

Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of the death of Elliott Smith, one of the most beloved yet seemingly tortured song writer's of the last 25 years. My friend and music writer Corey Dubrowa sent me a link to a commemorative NPR show  that he participated in yesterday in Portland, Oregon where both he and Smith are from.

Listening to the show, I was struck by something I hadn't given much thought to, that Smith was instrumental in moving the predominant sound of the Northwest music scene from the grunge of the early 90's (Nirvana, Soundgarden) to the melodic, pop sound of today (The Shins, Fleet Foxes, Death Cab For Cutie) and that these bands might not even exist if not for Elliott Smith. He made melodic, poetic song writing (and the emotion that accompanies it) cool again.

That's quite a legacy to leave. As I listen to some of my favorite Smith tracks, I can only wonder what perspective we might have on his genius 5 years from now.

This track is from the first Elliott Smith album I owned, Figure 8, given to me in 2000 by my sister in law, Robin, who hailed from Portland as well. It showcases Smith's nuanced song writing and love of all things Beatles and remains one of my favorites.

You can listen to yesterday's radio show Here as well as read a wonderful tribute to Smith that Corey wrote for Magnet magazine just after his death: The Moon Is A Lightbulb Breaking.

by Elliott Smith from Figure 8

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