Elliott Smith by Elliott Smith (1995)

I'm positive everyone reading this has heard of Elliott Smith and has heard this album, so I'm just going to review it briefly and post it here fo free.

This is the second album recorded by Mr. Elliott Smith. I've posted some other entries about him as well. The self-titled album is a very dark and depressing one. It starts off with "Needle in the Hay". You may have heard this before as it was featured in the Wes Anderson-directed movie, The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) in this scene, in which the character Richie Tenenbaum KILLS HIMSELF (or does he)? This is one of the best movies of all-time by the way.



It is the first song I've heard by Smith. The song's somber tone and Elliott's soft voice layered over the acoustic guitar make the song a truly special one.

The third song, "Clementine", has one of the best melodies on the album. Smith's voice in the song is soft, almost whispering, which is not surprising because it is how he sings on the entire album.

"Southern Belle", the fourth song, is also dark, but faster than NeedleHay (haha) and more forceful.

"Single File" is one of my favorite songs. He brings a distorted guitar into the song as well as his acoustic, and creates one of the best songs on the album.

"Satellite" stands apart from the rest of the songs. Smith compares lovers to satellites in a beautiful way.

"Alphabet Town" is another slow, grim song. It references Alphabet City in Manhattan. The song includes a harmonica which somehow makes it even more depressing.

Finally, my current favorite track on the album, "The Biggest Lie", has a foot tapping beat and makes me want to sing along with Elliott about the girl who broke is heart. It also has an almost-guitar solo in the middle that fits the song perfectly and hooks the listener right into Elliott's world.


Track Listing:

1. Needle in the Hay
2. Christian Brothers
3. Clementine
4. Southern Belle
5. Single File
6. Coming Up Roses
7. Satellite
8. Alphabet Town
9. St. Ides Heaven
10. Good to Go
11. The White Lady Loves You More
12. The Biggest Lie

Click on the lyrics to get it! If you don't already have it.

So help yourself to this bitter pill
Or somebody else will