I hope most of you have heard of Elliott Smith. For those of you who haven’t, go watch Good Will Hunting. At almost every pivotal moment in the film, listen to the background music and you’ll hear Elliott Smith. His music has a hushed intimacy that’s hard to forget.
Sadly, Elliott Smith is no longer with us. He committed suicide in 2003, ending a deeply-troubled life that produced several albums of gorgeous, heartbreaking music. He has clearly influenced many of today’s artists – see Iron & Wine for the most striking similarities.
I’ve decided to post a very old song by Heatmiser, one of Elliott Smith’s previous bands. The song is a hidden track from the album Mic City Sons called “Half Right.” Just like Good Will Hunting, I love everything about it. Great melody, infectious acoustic riff, and excellent lyrics (“I was sticking up for my friend, when there’s nothing much to defend” and “Cuz when I talk to you on the phone, well it’s just like being alone”). It’s definitely one of my favorite Elliott Smith songs, which is saying a lot. If you like this, also try Either/Or and From a Basement On a Hill.
Eugene wrote:September 13, 2006
“hushed intimacy that’s hard to forget”
“gorgeous, heartbreaking music”
“infectious acoustic riff, and excellent lyrics”
Mike, the post is almost as poetic and pretty as the song is. Great choice, yet again. For me, the song and melody are more reminiscent of a contemporary Nick Drake moreso than Iron & Wine, but beautiful nonetheless. Now that I think about it, the Nick Drake comparison seems sadder, given both of their backgrounds.
Like I said, great choice man, keep it up.
MWM wrote:September 14, 2006
You are definitely right about the Nick Drake comparisons. So in chronological order: Nick Drake, Elliott Smith, then Iron & Wine.
All great musicians. And yes, both Nick Drake and Elliott Smith died much too early. Why does depression inspire such beautiful music?