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The Pitchfork Review

Elliott Smith Like You’ve Never Heard Him Before

Jul 6, 2023
Elliott Smith, singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics and acoustic guitar-driven melodies, is featured in this podcast. They discuss six unearthed albums he made with high school friends, his musical progression, and the impact of his high school recordings. They also explore his early collaborations, misconceptions about his solo work, and the disdainful song 'Junk Bond Trader'. Personal memories of Smith's music and the podcast show are shared.
33:33

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Unearthed high school recordings reveal surprising connections to Elliott Smith's later solo albums, challenging the perception of him as simply a melancholic figure.
  • Elliot Smith's music showcased his experimentation with intricate arrangements and production techniques, highlighting his ability to transcend the acoustic singer-songwriter label and reflect his artistic growth.

Deep dives

Elliot Smith: The Musical Excavation

Elliot Smith, the beloved singer-songwriter known for his intimate lyrics, has garnered a cult following even after his early death in 2003. Recently, a trove of his music recorded during his high school and early career has been discovered, shedding new light on his musical journey. Smith's music, characterized by its soft and confessional nature, resonated deeply with listeners who found solace and relatability in his emotionally charged songs. The unearthed recordings reveal surprising connections to his later solo albums, such as song melodies and lyrics. This discovery challenges the perception of Smith as simply a melancholic figure and expands our understanding of his multifaceted genius and the collaborative nature of his art.

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