Either Or

Liked Figure8 a bit more. This has never been my goto genre. His songwriting is great but there isn't enough meat on the bone

Neil Young and George Harrison vibes. This album has it musical theme which makes tracks blend together, I am not sure in this case if I like it or not. This album will take a few listens. Overall solid Stand out tracks: - Between the bars - No name no 5 - Rose parade - Angeles - 2:45am - Say yes

First song weird strange whispering cringy voice 2 2nd song-more of the same cringy voice ,but not as bad. Musically better song 3 3rd song I could swear is the same song as #1. This guy's whiney voice isn't getting any better. Rolling Stone number 261 greatest albums of all time is a hoax. This guy must be a record exec's kid? 4th song, even lighter whispering...just can't relate to this whiney/serious vibe. Comes off as fake and not genuine. 2 5th song, opinion is not changing much, but at least it's a little more upbeat. 3 6th song more awful sad whiney fakeness 2

This album seems super sad. The vocals remind me of the whinier Jack Johnson songs. I didn’t love Either Or but didn’t hate it.

I couldn’t get excited about this one.

if this guy doesn't list nirvana as an influence, he's a liar. It's really heavy and emotionally heartbreaking stuff but the alternation between the heavy shoegaze-y sound with the subdued almost whispered singer songwriter stuff is beautiful.

I found this one quite relaxing and enjoyable, some tracks were a little slow but I found “Pictures of Me” to actually be quite exciting. Very nice instrumentals and clever lyrics.

Inconnu pour moi, pas désagréable. Cupids Trick+ Mais le reste sera vite oublié. 2/5

A quite-good indie album. I was “rounding up to 4” until the last three songs when I was tempted to round up to 5. Was it just my mood? In any case, don’t miss those… and enjoy. I’ll be returning to this one for sure.

Don't really know Elliott Smith, this seems like every romantic song in the late 90s in indie films, would happily listen again

This was incredi-dull, I have literally no memory of anything other than half of one chorus that stood out from the rest of the murk a tiny bit.

Easy decision to rate 3 stars or C. Nothing great but nothing bad just an okay set of songs.

I listened to this after hearing the Travis album 'The Man Who', and I was feeling jaded and cynical. But this album is everything that the Travis one isn't. It has edges. I really liked it. Favourite tracks: Cupid's Trick and Pictures of Me.

An almost perfect album, almost so melancholic it’s difficult to listen to.

A bit Badley Drawn Boyish. Pleasant.

Have it. Love it. Miss it.

Never heard of him....or didn't know he was the sound track to Good Will Hunting. Was good. Sounded like the Plain White T's.....chill folky acousticy backgroundy stuff.

I'm not really big on sad boy stuff. This does seem like the better of it though Will I listen to again: 25%

Ok, ça fait 4 jours que je l’ai écouté, messemble que c’était bon

Bad

Album de tono muy chill. Tranquilo, melodías de guitarra bonitas de escuchar, voz muy relajada y tranquila, por lo que para ponerse de fondo mientras haces otra cosa está genial. Por lo demás si bien es agradable, no es muy llamativo ni sobresale en nada en especial

Good mix of styles

Really lovely album, he had such a tender voice

Very nice introduction to an artist I’ve been aware of for a long time but never focused on individually. This album feels descended from Nick Drake and an uncle or cousin to Ben folds. I’m on board.

Can't believe I've never listened to Elliott Smith before. This album was incredible and is making me look into his entire catalogue.

Really good album, I'll definitely be checking out more of his stuff.

Can't say I'm familiar with Elliott Smith. Immediately noticeable was the very subdued and somber delivery, almost like a whisper. It certainly matches the album's common theme too. The short run time (sub 40 min) allows for easily repeatable listens, though, and that allowed me to appreciate the content a tad more. I can see how this album (and artist) inspired some of the current lo-fi indie artists and acts. Still a little too subdued for me to get really immersed in at the end of the day, but I'm at least curious enough to check out Smith's other singles and work. Apparently he was featured quite a bit in the 1997 box office hit "Good Will Hunting", a movie I'm quite fond of. Guess that warrants a rewatch!

Meh.

If this record didn't remind me so much of Good Will Hunting, I might view it differently. However, since it does, it's hard to separate the two and how much I truly love that movie. While bleak and melancholic, I still enjoyed this album.

Another melancholy entry for this guy. I'm not sure why he's on this list twice

Easy listening.

A decent, if largely unmemorable, experience.

I like this -- catchy songs, good lyrics. And although Smith's voice is high, it doesn't have that reedy tone that makes me want to pierce my own eardrums.

Not for me 2/5

Speed Trials // Ballad of Big Nothing // Angeles // 2:45am // 3.5-4/5

I don't get it. I guess he packs a lot of emotion and vulnerability into his lyrics, but the music is nowhere near interesting enough for me to capture anything he's singing about. It's the type of music where you forget you're listening to something because it's so blah.

Rating: 4.3

Singer-songwriter, indie folk. Acoustic and mellow, just oozing sombre vibes. I really liked it, I can get lost in it. I understand why some friends adore this album, it's fantastic. 4/5

Lots of classic tracks on this one. Feels like a good balance of his beautiful folk guitars with more rhythm/arrangements. I prefer his self title but this one has a lot of great tracks too. Say Yes is great, ballad of big nothing, rose parade, between the bars. As pretty as it is devastating.

Oh lord, he's one of them "misunderstood poets," isn't he? Most of Elliott Smith's songs — though unassuming and even romantic at first — carry a subtle manipulative undertone. "Drink up one more time And I'll make you mine Keep you apart Deep in my heart" C'mon! :/ Regardless, "Ballad Of Big Nothing" is beautiful and "Pictures Of Me" is full of zest. Overall, the album gave me an alluring, though icky feel: "Listen right now if you want to feel like crap and question all your life for the next two weeks!" Who needs Morrissey when we've got the original acoustic sad-boy™ right here, amiright? (I still like him.)

Wonderful (new to me) album - all the feels

Not for me

I really liked it. I listened more to the album XO when I was younger.

Not very exciting but fine

the first elliot smith song i listened to was “say yes” that closer for this album. hearing it in the context of the album fully enhances the experience. this is an extremely intimate album experience and i think it’s intentionally made that way. it seems like elliot’s vocals are mixed higher, so they’re right in your face when you listen. i adore it, we spend a half hour listening to elliot whisper his soul into us and it all ends with the morning after. one of the singer songwriter albums ever, and i wish he got the help he deserved.

Either the best or second best Elliot Smith album

An amazing listen front to back. The only other artist I can think of who can pull off these whispery, but impactful vocals is Billie Eilish, but given the different genres of these artists, the effect of the vocals is different for each artist. Elliott's guitar playing is really dynamic between songs, he's just as skillful in the softer songs like "Between the Bars" and "Angeles" as he is in the more active songs like "Rose Parade" and "Pictures of Me". I think it goes without saying that his lyrical ability is very impressive; for me, this is an uncommon occurrence of me really tuning into and listening to the lyrics in music. I thoroughly enjoy this whole album, and the middle section in particular ("Between the Bar" to "Angeles") to be absolute top-notch songwriting.

Great album I discovered years ago and watching Good Will Hunting. Very chill

I can’t help but love our resident sad boy. He’s just so poetic and angsty, speaking to my teenage heart.

Nice chilled out album need to listen to again as I was in the gym. Not the right album for that but at the same time I didn't want to turn it off

own

I thought I was going to get tired of the slower minor key singing but the music carried so well with it. I had some specific thoughts about songs on here, so I should definitely start keeping per-song notes going forward if I've got them. I'll listen to this again some day for sure.

This album also sounded kinda quiet? The whole subdued voice+guitar/barely audible thing just never slaps. It was ok, not sure why it's on here, nothing outstanding. 2*

Heatmiester was an unremarkable band. Not sure if Elliot Smith discovered Nick Drake or what happened but he was definitly much better as a singer songwriter. Unfortunatly this made every guy in every aggro 80/90s band think they could do it too.

Mediocre

Kinda slow and sad... It's okay, but probably wouldn't listen again. Fave song "Say Yes" 3/5

Nothing remarkable here.

Pleasant but not memorable.

Weird vocals, sounded like they were recorded under water.

Sad boy

It's great. Pure folk music from the heart.

Man, that was a long-ass 37 minutes.

I’m sure this was sort of novel at the time but not really all that special. Not bad though

A talented artist who left us way to soon. Enjoyed the listen

Not the best.

A little boring

Dull and well dull.

Sooooo dull

Hübsch, aber wiederholt sich sehr stark …

I'm a big Elliot Smith fan, so I was quite delighted to have an excuse to throw this record back on the turntable. This is easily his most popular album, coming out shortly after his big break on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack's Miss Misery, which was nominated for an Oscar. This was his final release on the Kill Rock Stars label before signing with Dreamworks. I feel like it's also had a resurgence recently due to Between the Bars being featured on the show Rick and Morty. It is probably his most consistent album, with every song being pretty spectacular. Rose Parade is probably my favorite song on the album due to sentimental attachment. The fact that this album came up for me on the day of the Grand Floral Parade here in Portland couldn't be more fitting, and is a super odd coincidence.

01) Speed Trials - 8,0 02) Alameda - 7,0 03) Ballad of Big Nothing - 7,5 04) Between the Bars - 7,5 05) Pictures of Me - 7,0 06) No Name No. 5 - 7,0 07) Rose Parade - 7,5 08) Punch and Judy - 7,0 09) Angeles - 7,0 10) Cupid's Trick - 7,0 11) 2:45 AM - 7,0 12) Say Yes - 7,0 TOTAL: 7,21 (72/100) To me, this sounds like more or less the same song 12 times in a row. Nice song, but again, the same song...

Un poco rollo. Le doy un 3 porque me gusta la música de este estilo.

Interesting album. Sounds like post grunge.

I’m a sucker for a moody acoustic guitar.

Not really my cup of tea

Lot of slow stuff kinda on here. Emo grunge? Some is ok but still not the moods Im willing to tell someone to listen or listen myself most times.

Ein softes Indie-Rock Album das von einer an das „schluzige“ angrenzenden Stimme geprägt ist - ohne deswegen schlecht zu sein. Die Texte sind tiefgründig und mit „Between The Bars“ und „Pictures of Me“ gibt es auch schöne Stücke. Das gut auf sich abgestimmte Album gibt dem Hörer die Chance in 36 Minuten tief zu entspannen.

Un poco rollo. Le doy un 3 porque me gusta la música de este estilo.

Listened Before? N Mellow and laid-back. Probably before it's time as a lo-fi hipsterish album before those things became cool. A hipster to out hipster the hipsters. I enjoyed it, but nothing really stood out. I'll repeat what I said about "Super 8": Sounds like the soundtrack to an indie movie. I'll listen a second time and see how I feel but for now, a solid 3. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Angeles

Not a fan of anyone who offs themself, especially in such a brutal manner as this guy. Forced myself to listen to the whole album.

Elliot Smith could've been a pop star, he just never wanted to be. There's a lot of power and subtlety in his writing that pulls you in and makes you feel what he's feeling. It's a good blend of his two main styles and again, is massively influential

Not my cup of tea really.

Schönes, angenehmes Album, dass mich aber nicht vom Hocker Haut. Hinterließ keinen bleibenden Eindruck.

Sad but pretty good

I liked this, but I think spring was the wrong season to listen to this. To me, it sounds like it would be perfect to listen to in the fall. If I imagine it's fall when I'm listening then I like it more lol

Very nice

I really enjoyed this, but it's a very slow burn. Reminds me a lot of Olivia Tremor Control as he sounds like that singer and the slightly off tune sounding guitar is sort of their trademark. A highlight for me is Cupid's Trick. A 3.5 now, but rating 4 as I think it is a grower.

Many of the songs on the album are good, but they’re not great. And the songwriting quality falls a little by the end. I guess I’ll revisit the album in the winter, cause there is something good going on here, but I’m not quite in the mood for it

Detta ska bli mumma. Hört några låtar tidigare de är svinbra (hans "Needle in the hay är en solklar 5a - inte med på detta album dock)! Håll i hatten, nu kör vi! Är väldigt svag för denna typ av musik. Angeles har jag på min playlist sen evigheter. Det är en femma! Underbar låt. De flesta andra är mycket bra. Men oklart om det nåt hela vägen till fem. Känns som de bästa låtarna inte är med på denna och endast Angeles är top notch.

Kände inte till honom sen tidigare och när jag läste om hans spektakulära död så ville man ju gilla detta. Även om det är bra så lyfter det tyvärr dock aldrig riktigt för mig. Hans röst fångar inte mig och det blir lite mellanmjölkigt hela vägen. Klar trea dock.

the first track was so diappointing i was like. is this what all the hype's been about?? and then it hit me.

Love his voice and sad music, really puts you in a mood but still insanely catchy.

Amazing album

It's fine.

No lo pude ni terminaer no m lo banco

Tem uma atmosfera de tristeza e contemplação com a cara dos anos 90. O tipo de música que adoraria ter conhecido antes.

Good album. The last 4 I’ve listened to have had a similar sound. I hope that once I click the vote button the next album allows me to bob my head to the beat rather than falling asleep.

Very pretty and chill

It is a really great album but I'm just not engaged enough by his voice to place it on the pedestal that some do

Good album, I understand the appeal Elliott Smith has and do enjoy some of his best known songs, but I don't particularly click with his music.

Moody and melancholic: two big ticks for me. I’d never listened to Elliott Smith before but he’s often been recommended in the past. Kinda avoided him as for some reason I assumed he’d sound like Into it Over it, American Football, etc., and as much as I love them bands and that style, I just never fancied adding more to the list. Gotta be in the mood. This is different to what I expected though. Sounds raw, not sure if that was a purposeful recording technique, but it works. Comes across quite lofi anyway which is another tick for me. I’ll definitely be back and reckon this could be a grower

Except for Buckley this is the best singer songwriter album we've had so far. First few songs were nice enough, very Beatlesy, but as it went on it deviated from this formula and stayed interesting. One complaint would be that his voice is a bit subdued and monotone, I like it when a singer can do loud as well as quiet. That said it does work on these songs. Will be coming back, 4.5.

Favourite tracks were Speed Trials, Alameda, Ballad of Big Nothing, Pictures of Me, and 2:45am. Really solid album this - well put together and varied. Been a couple of years since the first one on the list, and I enjoyed that one too. Lots of time for a melancholy singer-songwriter.

Elliott Smith is probably the artist I've discovered on this list that I've gone back and listened to the most..... I think I've heard most of this already due to this. I think the figure 8 album we had is technically better than this, but this is still very good. Different though, this is far more melancholy and emo. Would've been very appealing to me as a teenager. It kinda reminds me of dashboard confessional, like somehow it would really appeal to girls.... At times it strays too far into the woe is me angst stuff, but when it's good it's really good. Highlights: Alameda Between the bars Angeles Say yes 4.5....... I would give figure 8 a 5 if I could go back

2.41

Subdued, gentle, sad... beautiful

It was fine -- about what I'd expect from an Elliott Smith album.

Indie, and country rock, remind me of Beetles. There is no big surprise in the album; it will not blow your mind, yet it is perfect to be the BGM of a chilling Saturday night. It is a nice album, that I am willing to listen to again.

Easy listening, but a bit... Boring. Apologies to the fans, I know lots of people hold him in very high regard indeed.

I really enjoyed this album. I’m surprised I didn’t know more about it considering it’s been out for so long.

Good, but why he whispering all the time?

:')

"Do you like apples? Well, I gotta number. How do you like them apples?" I came to Elliott Smith like most people — through "Good Will Hunting." Anybody who tells you they were onto the guy before "Between the Bars," "Angeles" and "Say Yes" — as well as "Miss Misery" — soundtracked a defining movie for Gen Xers and millennials, well, they're probably lying. Can you imagine "Good Will Hunting" without these songs? They're as important to the movie as Robin Williams' soliloquy on that park bench. "Needle in the Hay" in "The Royal Tenenbaums" is, in my opinion, one of the best uses of original music in film ever realized. That it foreshadowed Mr. Misery's own mysterious death is, well, disturbing, but maybe not surprising.

Pleasant, a few better tracks - could use some edge - mostly 'meh.

Very good and simple album with mostly just guitar and singing. Quite short where all the songs are concise and there isn't any filler.

Some sweet sweet bummer rock, I enjoyed it, but it’s not a complete banger.

Like other one in 1001 list. did not hate it, did not love is, just another album of the 1.000.000.000 on this earth. In a good mood, so 3 stars

Figure 8 is still my favorite, but still one of my favorite artists

Un poco rollo. Le doy un 3 porque me gusta la música de este estilo.

There was a time when I really enjoyed his first album; never heard this one before but I really can't cope with his singing style anymore.

chill

Beatles but meh?

Tired Friday morning and it's finally started raining. Considering that, it's a very fitting album. Nothing much to do today and this is hardly motivating me haha, it's chill and 'melancholic' as spotify says. I think the lyrics are interesting but it's hard to make them out without reading them so uhhh does it count? Sounds like something my dad would have in the car

Say yes

Folksy

It was fine

Not my favorite but good enough to finish the whole album

Such a good album and I'm finding myself wondering why I've NEVER listened to any of Elliott Smiths music before! This album kept my attention and kept me wanting more! 4.4/5 Best tracks: Say Yes Alameda

Possibly peak Elliott. Absolutely love this album, such a gem.

Amazing album. This is the first time I'm giving a 5 to an album I previously didn't know at all. I think I might have heard the name "Elliott Smith" before, but I never heard any of the tracks, not even "Between The Bars" (which has 186M plays on Spotify). This is one of my favorite "finds" so far in this 1001 project.

I'm in a crappy mood today, and I don't feel like this is what I needed to hear to get out of it. So wanted to give it a 3. But, I'm sure it would be an easy 4 on a normal day.

I was bracing myself for bummer town (my favorites of his are Between the Bars & Needle in the Hay) - but was pleasantly surprised by the energy of a lot of many songs - and reminded what a great song writer he was.

I actually had to turn this off. One of the handfuls of types of voices I can’t stand-whiny but monotone. Listen again: no Purchase for my collection: no Favourite Song: none

Meh. Nothing moving. Wispy gentle emo solo

Found a new artist to get into. I can't describe why this clicks for me but the whisper vocals and psych era of Beatles do it for me.

Pleasant surprise, will listen to more of him.

Nice.

In general this was a pretty decent album.

Wasn't sure how to feel about this album starting out, but it has grown on me. I dig it.

Inspired a generation. Great artist and great album.

Just a fantastically sad singer-songwriter record. Packed front-to-back with songs that on their face, are simple and memorable but are secretly more harmonically astute, more lyrically sly, and as many guitarists have discovered - way more difficult to play than they sound. My personal favorite Elliott Smith record and his most essential entry - at the apex of his self-recorded mastery.

Relatable to a low feeling most have felt before.

Passabler Indie Rock.

Einfach es perfekte Singer/Songwriter album

It’s fine, but not as profound as I think it is for others.

It's fine I guess

One thing I've learned about myself in doing this project is I have a lot of respect for artists whose music is reflective of the time period while also being unique to the artist. It's a fine balance, and this album is a great example. It's so uniquely 90's alternative, but in a distinctive way. There is a lot of pain and apathy in this album, and it pulls me into the emotions and life of Elliott Smith. He had an untimely death not long after this album was released, so it's an even more poinient snapshot in time of a troubled life.

Amazing album with fragile singer-songwriter songs with beautiful melodies and somewhat depressing lyrics,

Sad man

Ok

Not as good as I remember it but still pretty darn solid. A nice album to sit and ponder listening to. It does blend together, but that's not too bad because the base is really quite good Fav songs: - Ballad of Big Nothing - Between the Bars - Angeles - Cupids Trick

Out of the gate, I'm getting some lo-fi Alex G shoegazey vibes. I get the sadboi aesthetic of the whole project and enjoy the atmosphere for the most part. There aren't a ton of songs that stick with me after a single play through. Cupids Trick is a more pop-forward song that works really well. I like the minorness of the progression that gives it an off-balance, almost grungy feel. Listened back through and while there isn't a ton that overtly stands out to me, I enjoy the overall vibe at work and feel like a lot of the songs are subtly interesting. Soft 4 or strong 3, depending on my mood.

Boring complaining album. So damn quiet. Painful to get through. soft 2 stars

Perfectly fine album, nice and short. Made me a bit sleepy.

First impression of the album cover is that he looks like a young Alex Ovechkin. This was alright easy indie listening, but not my jaunt.

Oh man is this about to be sad af? Love needle in the hay by him but I'm not ready for sad music on a beautiful day like today. Really digging Alameda. Some of the guitar picking in it is top notch. The rest is kinda background as I was working. Some beautiful stuff in here no doubt but nothing that's crazy good to me.

I just don't listen to lyrics enough to enjoy Elliot Smith

Elliott Smith is an indie rock singer-songwriter. While the album "Either/Or" did not chart well, it received critical acclaim. "Say Yes" and "Between the Bars" were featured in "Good Will Hunting," and both of these songs have small legacies in pop culture. Overall, the album is fairly humdrum and very forgettable.

This music feels so delicate if I listen to it wrong, it's going to break. The lyrics give weight to the music, so it's kind of top heavy. Didn't think I'd dig it, but it's pretty good.

Not bad, had a good vibe. I could listen again, but would need to be in the mood.

Seeing this cover pop up reminded me of when I saw it for the first time in 1997. I was doing DJ slots at odd hours on our college radio station and there was a big bin of new CDs we were supposed to choose from for some required proportion of our shows. One of the jobs of the volunteers was to review these albums and put brief notes on the cover so the DJs would have an idea of what to check out. This one said basically don’t be fooled, I’m a sensitive singer songwriter. I can’t remember what songs I played at the time but I do remember thinking that was spot on and I happily played this record every show until it dropped out of the new music bin. The next memory I have of this is listening to it more and more after graduation, driving around LA. I played it for my younger brother and said to him I love this guy, he’s kind of folky but his music really rocks. As I played it for him I kept saying OK I think this next one is a loud one. I just had the impression that these were dynamic songs with some kind of strong life force. This was before these songs became famous for being used in movie scenes to telegraph melancholy. Although they’re sometimes dark, I didn’t think of them as being just that. They’re expertly constructed, layered, and dynamic, musically and lyrically. There is anger here, frustration, alienation and loss, but also joy and hope. I’ve listened to this album hundreds of times. Sometimes I play it as background music because I know it so well, it doesn’t even engage my brain enough to distract from whatever I’m trying to do. I can literally sing along while reading something else. Other times I play it to get into the headspace of driving around LA, feeling the unique atmosphere of the city. Sometimes I listen close in headphones and try to pick out something different—one of the layers of guitars or vocals, an odd shift in timing, an unexpected chord change. It’s always rewarding. I guess what I’m saying is, this is not a one-note artist or record. Try listening to this record when you’re happy. Last time I heard it was riding the train down the pacific coast to San Diego. It was equally amazing as a soundtrack to bleak downtowns and glorious beaches.

3/5 Heard many times, just don't get into it too much. Couple good songs....

Schön zum nebenbei hören.

The master of indie folk weaves acoustic melodies with lyrical craft that pains and amazes.

I'll be honest, I've always sort of slept on Elliott Smith. Wait, no, that's not right. I meant to say Elliott Smith puts me to sleep. I'm kidding I'm kidding. Smith was a once in a lifetime songwriter who, in my opinion, never got the chance to achieve what would've been legendary status. If you as the listener are open to it, his music will transport you to a place you've always missed, but never been to. But if I'm not ready for that, I'm not receptive to Smith's music. In short, this album is pretty amazing, but I was in too good a mood this weekend to treat it the way it should be treated.

Appreciated/Endured

Yeah that's pretty good, a bit too Pixies-y at times but good 👍

Another album where the artist was new to me and another case where they died tragically young. This is very much in the vein of 60s singer/songwriters but some of the lyrics are definitely something that wouldn’t have appeared in those days. By all accounts this was more of a hit after Smith’s passing, making some of these songs sound very poignant.

Once again I knew the name and perhaps one or two songs but never listen to a whole album from him. This is a very good indie, lo-fi, guitar/voice album. All songs are carefuly carved, it feels like he's playing on the couch close to you. No fuss, nothing to fancy, but it works well. Sad and sometimes insanely beautiful.

New discovery for me. I like the voice, and the music is for sure not bad, but all in all a bit monotonous.

A favorite for the last 20+ years. It still sucks that he's gone.

A beautiful album that might have been *too* good in retrospect. The start of the Elliott Smith downfall can be traced here, bigger acclaim and bigger visibility leading to a bigger record deal and bigger expectations that leads to bigger problems. But let's just accept it for what it is, a beautiful album.

I don't know if there has been a better song writer than Elliott Smith.

Day97 - discovering great albums like this is what i’m here for.

My college teacher always swore by this being her favourite of all time and although I wouldn't have rated it always this highly I must admit it has always been a go to for me. I wasn't always a fan of the way he sang but they have warmed on me and change through time. I also think the mix is great one of the most pleasing soft mixes I an think of it helps when you can hear it properly through headphones etc but something about it is nice and soft. I said it before with Jeff Buckley that this is a hard genre to pull off and I think this is great, it may not hit the heights for me as Jeff Buckley does but it is up there. A strong 4/5. Stand Out Songs; Between the Bars Cupid's Trick Ballad of Big Nothing

Either/Or (Elliot Smith) 1. Between the Bars 2. Ballad of Big Nothing 3. Say Yes 4. Angeles 5. 2:45 Am 6. Pictures of Me 7. Alameda 8. Punch and Judy 9. Cupids Trick 10. No Name No. 5 11. Rose Parade 12. Speed Trials

I know Elliott Smoth from Good Will Hunting soundtrack and knew 2 of the songs on this album. It is a good album but all the songs have a very similar vibe and sound to them.

This is what I'm talking about. It was refreshing to listen to this album again so soon after 'Figure 8.' (Well, a little over a week.) It's still Beatles-influenced, but also actually sounds like Elliott Smith. It's a beautiful record: the arrangements, the writing, the performances. I feel fully immersed in it when I'm listening, like being underwater. I've heard this acclaimed as Smith's best work, and I can't really argue the contrary. Highlights: Speed Trials, Alameda, Ballad Of Big Nothing, Between the Bars, Angeles, Cupids Trick, Say Yes

Angenehm zu höhren. erinnert mich manchmal ein wenig an die Beatles.

beautiful words and hushed whispers and guitar melodies

Man, this album brings me BACK to my freshman and sophomore years of college. This is when I was first introduced to Elliott Smith and his music, and I remember being captivated by his incredibly distinct voice. Especially when listening through headphones. It's like ASMR for me on his softer songs where the main instrument is his voice. Smith's ability to master layering harmonies using his own vocals--often vulnerable or seething, sometimes switching effortlessly between both in the same song--is very much on display throughout Either/Or. "Ballad of Big Nothing?" "Between the Bars?" "Pictures of Me?" All bangers (and no, songs don't have to be loud to be 'bangers,' although "Cupids Trick" has louder moments comparatively). "Rose Parade's" awesomely descriptive lyrical content makes you feel like you're watching it streetside alongside Smith himself--he remains one of my favorite lyricists, and this track reminds me of that. The story behind how his songs made it onto the Good Will Hunting soundtrack is also quite interesting, and the fact that this (I think, still?) remains Smith's best-selling album while never charting is a testament to how his brand of earnest indie folk-rock resonated with a lot of people, including me. Given all of this, I'm giving Either/Or a full 5 stars. I hadn't actually listened to Elliott Smith much over the last few years, and hearing this album again is a great reminder for me that this 1,001 albums project is worth the long journey. Either/Or is a brilliant album and representation of an artist we lost far too soon. Interesting Factoids from Wikipedia: *The album's style has been described as "a bridge between the lo-fi darkness of Roman Candle and Elliott Smith and the studio sheen of XO and Figure 8." *The album inspired (film director) Gus Van Sant to invite Smith to contribute to the soundtrack of his film Good Will Hunting. Three Either/Or tracks were incorporated into the soundtrack, as well as a new song, "Miss Misery." *Smith would briefly be cast into the international spotlight early the following year when he performed his song, the 1997 standalone single "Miss Misery", at the 1998 Academy Awards ceremony, following the song's appearance in the major motion picture Good Will Hunting and its subsequent Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. Following this appearance, Smith was signed to major label DreamWorks and started work on his fourth studio album, XO. Interesting Factoids from SongFacts.com: *Smith describes [the song "Say Yes"] as being "insanely optimistic." It was written when he had just broken up with his girlfriend, Joanna Bolme, and realized how much he wanted her back. Elliott said that it took him five minutes to write the lyrics and the music. Standout Tracks: Speed Trials, Ballad of Big Nothing, Between the Bars, Pictures of Me, Rose Parade, Angeles, Say Yes

A little slow and sad for my tastes

C'est tellement pas mon delire.

Had to give a couple of listens to really get it and, yeah, these sad songs sure are moving. What a talent, gone too soon. Maybe this album will provide others with the solace and catharsis Smith could not find for himself. RIP.

Not really for me. I actually listened to this album 2.5 times. First time was mostly me skipping through the songs half way. Then I went and read up on the artist and how critically acclaimed and popular he is. I don't see it. Mostly sad Boi acoustic alt rock for sad bois. 2/5 because there was at least one song that was pretty good There were a couple of songs that connected like Between The Bars but overall just didn't hit my heart.

I've heard of Elliott Smith before as an influential singer-songwriter, and that talent is showcased on this album. This is an easy-listening indie folk album that doesn't stretch itself too thin, complete with Elliott's whispery singing over some nice acoustic melodies. There are standout tracks like "Ballad of Big Nothing", "Angeles" and "Cupid Trick", though some tracks in the middle of the album admittedly run together and sound similar. Still overall, a pleasant experience from start to finish.

Somber, melancholic and calm. Very subdued singing and music that makes for a sometimes eerie effect. Beautiful compositions and melodies.

Interesting vocal doubles and acoustic guitar parts. Not my favorite genre, and the vocals are a bit apathetic which I know is part of the style but didn't work for me.

A new discovery that's going to make it firmly into more regular listening

As soon as I read "an acclaimed singer/songwriter with a distinctively melancholic sound" I had a feeling this wasn't for me. And it wasn't.

Well he's a cheery fucker. There's some decent melodies to lighten the mood. But it's not an album I'm going to turn to on a Friday night. It felt like a throwback to the mid 70's. It felt like the reason why punk had to happen.

Balladen, teilw. ok

RIP

I like Elliott Smith but had never listened to this album and assumed I would like it fine. But it was so much better than that. The songs were lovely and sad without being too angst-ridden, although it’s hard not to hear the absolute despair in the lyrics. And I hope you’re not waiting Waiting ‘round for me Cause I’m not going anywhere, obviously Got a broken heart and your name on my cast And everybody’s gone at last Everybody’s gone at last

Either Or really is an album that will soothe the soul. Everything about it just feels so relaxing from the simple guitar riffs that kick up only on specific tracks as well as Elliott's voice which almost sounds as if he's trying not to wake his parents up in the next room. The album also isn't too long so that is a plus. I really did like this album, it was so relaxing and it is sure to soothe anyone's soul Best Song: Cupid's Trick Worst Song: Ballad Of Big Nothing

Dreamy indie rock, quite pleasant indeed

did not complete, failed out at track 6 (no name no. 5) -- boring

Some of this sounded familiar, and after reading the wiki info about some songs being featured on the “Good Will Hunting” soundtrack, I understand why. It also has a similar feel to some of the Shins music on the “Garden State” soundtrack. It was a relaxing listen, but the second half kind of seemed one note to me. I enjoyed Figure 8 better. 2.75/5 rounding up.

It’s nice to hear how much this album still has staying power today 25 yrs later. Many artists today can take a page from Smith when it comes to making records with a minimalistic approach. The production here is interesting and many times uses empty space itself as an instrument. Even more impressive that Smith plays all instruments on it. Remains my favorite album by him.

I’ve got a soft spot for Elliott and this album has a few of his best songs on it. I wasn’t cool enough to know about Elliott before Good Will Hunting, but have long been a fan.

Nice listen. I think I liked this better than figure 8. Will save this one for next time I need a good cry with some sad music in the background.

Pretty good and I thought I was going to revisit over the weekend. I didn’t. And didn’t really feel compelled to do so. Maybe I just don’t get his genius. [shrug emoji] 3.25/5

Have heard about 5 songs from the album, never listened in full. Favorite Songs: Rose Parade Speed Trials Ballad of Big Nothing 2:45 AM Say Yes

- Some of the most interesting indie singer/songwriter work I have encountered. Smith's whispered delivery is beautiful, hypnotizing, and haunting. - A few tracks do not engage me as much in the middle, so the album does suffer a slight dip, but the first four tracks and the final two are fantastic. - Loving "Alameda," "Between the Bars," "2:45 AM," and "Say Yes."

The sound that spawned so many twee soundtracks.

Обаятельный Depression lo-fi но не выдающийся к сожалению. На данный момент неплохой середняк

1st half was better. Emo solo dude with some british pop/indie rock sounds Least faves: Cupids trick, Angeles Fave: Ballad of Big Nothing (i’d heard this before)

Mood music for a mood I wasn't in

This has been a favorite for many years

Gentle. Reflective. Enjoyable.

I want to start this review by bringing up a weird pattern I've had with albums lately. You see, 9 days ago, I got my second Jimi Hendrix album, which I gave a 5. After 1 album from a new artist, I then got my second Bob Dylan album, which was also a 5. This was followed by 2 new artists and then my second Queen album, also a 5. Finally (at least for now), I got 3 new artists, and my second Elliott Smith album. You notice the "1, 2, 3" going on there? That's just funny. But does the 5/5 part continue? Yeah, of course it does. I really have no complaints about Either/Or. Everything I said about Figure 8 applies here. The sound is still great, which is impressive considering it all comes from one guy. The singing compliments the tone of the album very well. The songwriting and storytelling is still top-notch. It's a very cohesive experience that feels very personal. There's variety in everything. This is just an amazing album. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you see it), I'm not sure I'm in the right headspace for the album right now, but I can tell just how good it is anyways. What can I say? This is a masterpiece. 5/5.

Accomplished songwriting, just not quite my cup of tea.

Enjoyed this, not as melancholy as I was hoping for.

A few standouts, but overall nothing special.

I enjoy Smith's voice and the multi players vocals throughout which, along with the acoustic guitar and occasional drums, give the album an ephemeral feeling. Wish I could give it a 3.5, but alas a 3 it is.

Nothing much grabbed me here, the music is dull and the vocals are to match without enough lyrical content to elevate the rest of the lacklusterness. Listened to: walking across the Golden Gate Bridge!!! Favorite tracks: Between the Bars, Cupids Trick

Either/Or by Elliott Smith is an album that effortlessly transports me back to the halcyon days of university, evoking a sense of nostalgia and comfort like no other. Each track serves as a sonic companion to late-night study sessions and introspective moments, making it the perfect soundtrack for those formative years. The warmth of Smith's voice and the gentle instrumentation create a soothing atmosphere, wrapping around me like a familiar blanket. Yet, amidst the comforting melodies, there's a rawness, a roughness around the edges that adds depth and authenticity to the album. It's this delicate balance between tenderness and vulnerability that makes Either/Or so captivating. Tracks like Between the Bars and Say Yes showcase Smith's lyrical prowess, delving into themes of love, longing, and existential introspection. The album's simplicity is its strength, allowing the sincerity of Smith's songwriting to shine through. Listening to Either/Or feels like revisiting an old friend, each song a cherished memory from days gone by. Overall, it's an album that not only reminds me of happy times at university but also offers solace and companionship whenever I need it most. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 10 STAND OUT TRACK - Ballad of Big Nothing

It's all a bit sad - I think I am not really in the mood to be honest. I am sleep and want some fun tunes. Kinda sad boi but all a bit samey? Not sure - just not feeling it I guess

Wow! Don’t know I have never heard this. Absolutely loved it!

Either this is lovely late night melancholia or it is indulgent sad boy guitar wankery. Probably both - all a bit samey, I'm generally too positive a person to love this stuff, but nor do I hate it

very beautiful voice in a shallow packaging.

Music in Good Will Hunting uh ...yeah - 9/10

I enjoyed this album a lot, seems like he really knew what he was doing

I listen to a lot of the songs on this album. really good.

This could really use a good remaster. The songs were ok, but between his low/warm timbre and super breathy voice I couldn’t hear most of the lyrics… they blended right in with the instrumentals except when he was singing up an octave. 4/10

6/10 - It was pretty good. The chill vibe was nice but nothing major stood out to me.

I enjoyed it, had a good vibe and sounded nice 8/10

This was crazy to get since I put an Elliott smith song on the music league like two days ago. He’s great, and this is a great album. 9.5/10

Acoustic folk rock, acoustic guitar and subtle drums to reveal whisperry, quiet vocals with his own vocal harmonies. Hints of Nirvana's unplugged session, and CSNY, and some Beatles vocal harmonies. Between the Bars reminds me of Zombie by the Cranberries.

Ugh it made me hate living more than usual

Ok album

Great voice and melodies

I think I'd heard the name Elliott Smith before, didn't really take the time to learn more about him but I thought this was decent and would probably be more into it if I regularly listened to this sort of music.

Ya know

Acoustic melancholic vibe

-it feels like an exact replica/product of its time. As if it captured that late 90s nostalgia perfectly, where they can’t exactly sing but also can’t not sing -there is a specific 90s film I would bet my life these are in cause it invokes the feel of watching -it feels intentionally peeled back and watered down/raw about it, it just feels very human -When Bon Jovi said “All I have is this guitar, these chords and my truth” he was reviewing this album

This must be what all those emo sad boys that fueled the early 2000s must have listened to in high school alone in their rooms as they cried alone at night. This album seems to be a perfect bridge between grunge and emo rock but still carves out a very haunting minimalist sound all its own. I dig it, but there are some limitations to the style of music and it can get old pretty fast. Still I can always appreciate another bleeding heart sad boi.

Sad and mid

A lo-fi master piece delivered in hushed tones by a tragic figure. Spider thin melodies belie the darkness within. Be careful as all is not as it seems. Best Tracks: Between The Bars; Pictures of Me; Say Yes

Not a bad album. The songs blend together and aren't super distinct but they have a nice, indie sound. I likely won't listen to it again but all in all not bad. 3/5.

This left me a bit underwhelmed on first listen. It would probably benefit from a bit of closer attention. Nick Drake came on immediately after and I was like aah that’s better. I want to give this 3.5

Sad boy hours but love em

beautiful, sorrowful and if we’re being honest often catchy!! obviously i love his lyricism, a lot of these songs feel like odes or elegies

Extremely beautiful. Very sad, not always the vibe, but when it is, it hits. Love between the bars

Ég hafði aldrei heyrt um Elliot Smith en hef eflaust heyrt í honum í einhverjum bíómyndum án þess að fatta það. Hann er bara skrambi góður og vel áhlustanlegur. Ég mun eflaust setja þessa plötu á fóninn aftur.

3.5 - sonically pleasant and pleasingly sad, woulda meant more to me if I had listened to it in my youth. Some absolutely stunning songs, sometimes gets a bit same-y.

Depressing

Actually listened to this twice as i was sure i missed something the first time around. turns out, it just did nothing for me

7/10 Elliot Smith is my kind of music. I like this whole album but couldn't name you one track that stands out 3-14-2024

Exceptionally breathtaking.

I already love it. I knew I would. Somehow I missed this album in my Elliot smith days. He absolutely influenced artists like sandy(alex g). Speed trails and 245am were my faves.

It’s a solid album and I can understand the influence on current similar songwriting music more than I did before after listening. I don’t know that I would return frequently to it but I enjoyed it.

This was chill but it was a bit too dead at times. It was nice as background music but nothing too exciting.

Some cool sounds on here but maybe not exactly enough to keep me engaged for the full 36 minute length. Not sure what else to say, pretty subdued melancholic record that probably requires my closer attention to lyrics.

Ok

There isn’t anything in current Indie music that wasn’t already present in Elliott Smith’s music—the whispered vocal melodies, the foundation of acoustic guitar, the stripped-down arrangements, the gathering darkness, the promise that will never be fully realized. Maybe “Ballad of Big Nothing” says it all: “You can do what you want to/There’s nothing to stop you.” If only that was still true for Smith, but we can live present tense in his legacy.

2/5 at work and 3/5 at home , kinda boring maybe it was revoluntary once now it sounds like a radio song I won’t change the station on but will never look up

Even when trying to listen to this as hard as I could, I still tuned it out.

Either/Or as in either skip it or don’t listen to it. A bit bland, lucky for us it’s only 36 minutes long. Either snooze through it or poker stick. (0.8*)

I think this album is pretty good, especially for coming out in the 90's. It stands out as different for its decade and definitely inspired Sufjan Stevens, Rilo Kiley, and The Shins to name a few. I like his whispery vocals and introspective lyrics. Very vulnerable and melancholy, also a little haunting given his life story. This album is for anyone trying to cope with something, especially a moody teen. It holds up well, very emotive and beautiful. I dig it.

The art of the joyful melancholic. At first I was not into this album but as it went on, the style stood out as something I hadn't heard before. Smith is able to make a sad song sound also happy. Simple and smart writing. Pretty good stuff.

This sounded like a low-rent worse version of every The Shins song I've heard. I feel like I could have heard this at a coffee house and wouldn't have noticed. It wasn't necessarily bad, but this album was completely forgettable. A few minutes after this ended I'm not sure I could name a single song or tell you anything about it. 1.6 stars

This is a really good album. sweet and emotional vocals and instrumentation, with catchy and heartfelt songs. could've been a bit longer, and had 1 or 2 slightly forgetable tracks, nearly a perfect album, but doesn't have that extra specialty to push it over the edge when compared to albums like TPAB, MBDTF or Dark Side Of the Moon

Not for me.

Love. I want to curl up in his voice and take a nap.

I think if I was more familiar with who he is as an artist I would have appreciated this more.

I'm not crying, you're crying! There's something about his music that strikes such a deep chord. This will always be one of my favorite records of all time.

he's like, the graham crackers of rock music. Nothing wrong with him but its not what i am jumping out for. Feels very soft.

A sad, depressing masterpiece. Love this album. RIP Elliot Smith.

3.5

Quite nice album. Reminds me of Sufjan Stevens.

If you like listening to Indie folk rock while wrapped in a blanket while in front of a fireplace on a gray winter day, this album is for you. Oh, and I forgot...the blanket is heavy and wet, the winter cold seeps in from cracks around the window frame, and the fire's gone out. Yep, it's musically and vocally competent but there's no sunshine here folks.

I got nothing out of this album. It felt very generic and while I'm sure that makes it easy listening... I just didn't vibe.

New one for me. Not as sad or tragic as his reputaion would have you believe.

pretty good

I listened to this about two years ago and liked some songs, but was mostly bored 😕 Going to give it another try... Reading the lyrics while listening definitely improves the experience. Just pure poetry... Gets a bit repetitive but solid overall.

musica leve, quase melancolica, gostosinha

Really not my thing.

Pleasantly surprised!

Cool

Amazing songs for when you're in a sad mood

Really great soft album, enjoyed say yes the most.

Nothing to write home about, but it's fine.

I seem to be in the minority here but I haven't heard of Elliot Smith and am a little put off by the album cover. My initial reaction to the opening track is "this is nice" but pretty soon it has faded sadly into the background. I realize I'm not listening, try to listen, but pretty soon my thoughts and attention have wandered again. Not a bad album by any stretch but I'm super not digging it. Third try I found a little more to like but mostly I'm alternately irritated and bored with the tone and content of this album.

Love this. Reminds me of my lonely, misunderstood uni years.

I'm already PMSing and feeling down in the dumps and now you throw an Elliott Smith album at me? I've always found him overrated and depressing and I can't see my mind changing anytime soon. Nope, it’s not changed.

I listened to this a couple times. I'm not sure why this album is included on the list. I think this one may be in the category of 'you had to be there'.

Not really my style -- a little whiny, but cool melodies and nice sparse arrangements.

Too many notes

Headbanging folk music from a whisper. Some tracks sound like acoustic versions of hardcore songs, which makes sense considering Smith used to be part of a hardcore band and produced for his girlfriend's punk band. Parallels with Cobain are obvious.

This one I just couldn’t get in to. I’m all for dark, slow, brooding music and artists but I found myself not listening and trailing off with my thoughts more than I heard the music. As always, respect to Elliot Smith but not my thing. Choice cut:2:45 am

Though I'd heard the name here and there, I'd somehow never listened to Elliott Smith before (though I recognise the sound from films). As soon as you put it on, you can hear that this is on another plane of songwriting. Loved it.

Bad 1/5

Folky guitar and some good lyrics, but nothing truely great. This album may never change the world, but it might just change your day.

it was fine but it was boring. Figure 8 album was yugely better

Didn’t get into the album

I know it's coming but that last line of Rose Parade kills me every time.

A perfect album.

Just the right amount of sad makes me happy. Rest in power, Elliott.

Half listened, went ok