Either Or

Solid Indie-Folk-Rock-album. Unfortunately not even a single song stands out and stood in my head. 2.5

Haunting and absolutely beautiful

Repetitive, uninspired, insipid, there is absolutely nothing to enjoy about this low-energy emo rubbish unless you need something to make guests leave your party when it's getting late.

First few songs on my first listen and I wasn’t too sure. The album got better as the album continued. 2nd time listening and it’s a solid album. Points of songs remind of Death Cab For Cutie and/or Reliant K. 3.5

Trök

there was some poetry here at least could i write poetry to this? n

Clever wordplay. Catchy vocal melodies, many of which have been rolling around in my head for years.

I was asleep on the plane but when I came too it sounded great. It sounded way ahead of its time and I’m adding it to the rotation

Good, sad, a little simple, I like his following albums more

It’s hard not to listen to this without thinking about how hard Elliott Smiths life was, especially the way he died. However apart from a handful of songs, ‘Pictures Of Me’, ‘Rose Parade’ and ‘Cupid’s Trick’ which is far and away the best song here, not only is ‘Either/Or’ a depressing album, it’s also dull arrangements for large parts.

More like a -3, but ok

Didn't quite do it for me.

Haunting and beautiful

Mm okay ja niet mijn ding.

Haunting tone to his voice. Can almost really like it.

Feels like the Monkeys got sad and inspired Elliot to share his sadness with all of us.

# Playlist track - Pictures Of Me # Notes - My first time listening to Elliot Smith and reading up on his story. - Great album! It's sad, yes, but not in an annoying whiny way. More like "Sea Change" sad. - Definitely listening again.

Somber and mellow, good for a rainy day and a blanket and coffee. RIP Elliot. I respect him but the constant need to double vocals on every track feels like hiding weak singing. The album is fine.

Loved his production and good melodies

Depression never sounded so blissful. Smith’s ditties are outstanding, candid, and punchy. Every song on this album is so good. It weaves in and out of slower and fast as well, keeping the listener engaged and enthralled. A classic album from a tragic soul.

This is perfectly pleasant, if not very exciting, and does feel like an incredibly long 36 minutes. Having said that it is certainly not worth stabbing myself twice in the chest over.

Again, it is mostly fine. I really enjoyed the last song, Say Yes, but not enough of anything else to pull this above the middle of the road three stars.

I never really connected with Smith's records. I realize there is something there for me, but i never quite catch it.

Had not heard this album or artist before. Nice album.

Very nice album!

An all time favorite for me. Alameda hit this time for me.

Elliott Smith's "Either Or" seems to answer the question, "what is the sound of one Beatle clapping?" Musically, nearly every song sounds like a remix of the other; same key, same -- I'm not sure what to call it, diminished modulation? -- chord progression trick, same vocals delivered through a string and tin can. Lyrically, I couldn't get into it at all. Look, it's not bad, and I can see how this would really be people's thing, but it's not for me.

Excellent. Not sure why I didn’t know him

Yes yes

Amazing album

It was fine, I could even see maybe liking it if I listened to it a few more times, but there wasn’t enough there to make me want to.

Enjoyable album, very calm and relaxing.

Nice indie rock arrangements that became the template for the 00s. Not really vining with the melody though which I thought was forgettable.

Ganske kjedelig

Elliot Smith might suffer from being too influential to the soundscape, because listening to this album it doesn't particularly stand out. Still great sadboi vibes.

Beautiful and depressing. A massage for the ears but dont obsess over them lurics

good, but not my cup of tea.

A lot of songs sound the same.

Despite never hearing of this dude, this album sounds familiar in a good way. Quite a few bangers. Looking forward to more listens as I feel it may move up.

nice mix of songs

Better than the last one, but only by a little

original depresso meneer ken vooral between the bars van rick&morty heb niet helemaal naar geluisterd

Good album.

Pretty good!

Literally listened to this like earlier in the week cuz I'm always listening to it and don't need an excuse to listen to it but will gladly accept one. Here we go again.

Good songwriter, good music.

Nr. 119/1001 Speed Trials 4/5 Alameda 4/5 Ballad of Big Nothing 4/5 Between The Bars 5/5 Pictures Of Me 3/5 No Name No. 5 3/5 Rose Parade 4/5 Punch And Judy 3/5 Angeles 4/5 Cupid's Trick 4/5 2:45 AM 4/5 Say Yes 4/5 Average: 3,83 Unusual vocal style. Liked this very, very much. One of my favorite discoveries so far.

It's Elliott Smith

BORING

Speed Trials - 9/10 Alameda - 9/10 Ballad of Big Nothing - 10/10 Between the Bars - 10/10 Pictures of Me - 9/10 No Name No5 - 9/10 Rose Parade - 9/10 Punch and Judy - 8.5/10 Angeles - 9/10 Cupids Trick - 9/10 2:45 am - 8.5/10 Say Yes - 10/10 TOTAL - 110/120

Not my type of music.

A couple decent songs

Nothing flashy. Just good melodies and song crafting. This hits the mellow vibe just right for me.

Elliot Smith was christened an indie saint upon his death years ago, and I’ve spent that time trying to hear and understand the greatness, but I don’t. His delivery is so droll and completely uninteresting to me. His songs put me to sleep. He’s been compared to other artists I adore, and I’m just left scratching my head, trying to figure out if we’re all listening to the same thing. Maybe someday it will click, but for now I’ll pass.

The lyrics are melancholy, but the end product is a warm, pleasant listen. Elliott died from an apparent self-inflicted stab wound to the heart (WHAT?!) at 34, after an argument with his girlfriend, so he clearly dealt with a lot of demons. There’s also speculation he was murdered so who knows for sure I guess. Sounds like he talked about (and attempted) suicide a lot, and also had addiction issues. RIP to this tortured soul I’m just now hearing of. Thanks for the tunes.

I would have loved this if I were a teen/20 something. The chord changes and arrangements are very emotive, plus the breathy singing with lots of reverb. It's an intimate feeling. However, it doesn't speak to me like it might have earlier in my life. I can see why it was popular though, with kids listening with headphones after going to bed and dreaming of their future.

A- 5/5 I enjoyed it D- 3/5 nothing spectacular. Good tho

Pretty good. This listen reminded me of living in Iowa City in the late ‘90s.

Elliott Smith is apparently one of those guys who will get at least 4 stars from me. I have very little to say about this except that I liked it a lot. I knew it pretty much already and I have had a certain number of beers so I’m going to end here.

Another solid showing from Eliot Smith.

Favorite track: Say Yes

Easy to like and definitely preferred over Figure 8.

All songs sound the same. A whispering singer, with lots to say.

Weezer se fosse bom Fav tracks: Alameda, Ballad Of Big Nothing, Between The Bars, Pictures Of Me, Rose Parade, Angeles, Say Yes Least fav track: Speed Trials

I like Elliott Smith’s music, but I can’t seem to really get into it.

An slow-paced easy listen

Non-grunge 90's alternative; not too heavy, not too light. Really solid, talented singer/song-writer. A nice album to put on an listen to start to finish.

I'm usually Elliot Smith favourable, but I couldn't get into this one for some reason

Very interesting 90s Indie - I really liked it, but it got a bit repetitive toward the end, especially because it is such a long album.

VERY hard album to review. I listened to it passively hundreds of times in college. I really liked it back then, and it was just in the air. The people in college cooler than me were all telling me to listen. Now… I’m a little surprised that I’m much less into Elliot Smith and his voice and his writing than I used to be. The spell has definitely lifted. This is the one where he wrote hundreds of songs for, right? It sounds like… he wrote a hundred songs, and he released 12 demos. The songs just smack you upside the head, like, this is really good in a subversive, surprising way. Every once in a while he has a song that’s a unicorn song. One you would love to have written. But… the delivery! Is kind of lame! I’m not nearly as into it as I used to be. Seems lazy. I used to think something magical was going on. Now it just sounds lazy and a little hasty. First record was like… wow this isn’t nearly as good as I remembered it being, with those rose-tinted retrospective glasses. This might be my most unpopular opinion TODAY. For where music is today. It’s that this album is prettty okay with some phenomenal songs peppered in there that pretty mediocre in their delivery. I’m pretty over it. Could have gone for a 4 but will say a conflicted 3/5.

9/10

Smooth.

Good songwriting. Could have been early foo fighters if they went easy listening.

bland pablum, trite fluff, absolutely not worth the time, money or energy to record. I consider it an insult that you or anyone would present this to anyone to waste time listening.

Recently, I had the pleasure of listening to the first recordings Elliot Smith recorded back in high school with the band, Stranger than Fiction. What was revealed it that even at an early age Smith was a self-aware musician, singer-songwriter that matured with each recording that eventually led to his work with Heatmiser. By the time he released his first solo album in 1994, he was already a seasoned performer and his growth of a songwriter was obvious and is highlighted on Either Or, Smith's third album. The feeling at the time was that Smith could be "popular", but he didn't want to be. A solidly consistant record that didn't need "hits" or heavy production to get the message across. I enjoy most of Smith's albums for different reasons and Either Or, rightfully should be considered one of his finest.

Really love this album, reminds me of being a heartbroken teenager driving around town

Melancholic Radiohead / badly drawn boy influence Enjoyed

Good for a mellow listen

It’s been my favorite album since last year

Ya mean, Dad band can make a top 1001 album?!?! This sounds like it was recorded in a dorm room. Wasn't horrible though.

If you think ketchup is "a little spicy" and enjoy contributing to public radio, I've got an album for you.

Speak up son!

Not for me

Nice background music. I like his voice. Never heard of him until now.

90's emo. Even though this was time period, and seems like it is popular, don't remember ever listening to this before.

Solid. To listen again

This is fantastic sad music. It feels like he's right in the room with you, but not in a "let me play my guitar at you if you like it or not" way

4.5/5

Jack Johnson vibes

Not really my preferred style of music

Have to admit ... this one really grew one me. Felt indifferent about it at the beginning but by the end was very captivated by the melancholic nature of the lyrics and the structure of the songs. Worth a re-listen.

I hadn't heard Elliott Smith in a very long time, thanks for jogging my memory. This is powerful music, worth revisiting.

Indie-Alternative-Sound der 90er - damit bin ich aufgewachsen. War mir früher etwas zu "soft", aber jetzt gefällt es mir sehr gut! Tolle, intime Produktion und super Songs!

Nice pop album. Soft and humble vocals and acoustic guitar.

Beautiful, haunting sadness.

Enjoyable. I didn't really know this artist, but the music seemed familiar. Then realised some of it featured on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack - that's it!

nice listen but didn't really pull me in.

Will revisit

No one does what Elliott Smith did better than him.

First time listening to this album, and wow it is beautiful and painful at the same time, you really feel Elliott’s pain and emotions. I appreciated him before from songs I had heard but sitting listening to this now I feel I get it. This is his masterpiece. Such a talent. Five stars.

Listened to it twice and sad to say found it dull and lifeless. Appreciated the innate depth of feeling and melancholy in the songs and a few songs were pleasant but on the whole not a vibe for me.

I just can't seem to get into Elliott Smith, even after all these years. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ It's fine; maybe I just need the right mood/environment to appreciate it.

I probably need to listen to this album a few more times. I love XO, but Either Or sounds like I’m listening to the same song over and over again.

I’ve have between the bars on my repeat playlist and was looking forward to listening to this album. I think I like it, might need to listen to it over time for it to grow on me. But I love his musical style and wish other songs had hit me the way between the bars did. Maybe it will take awhile.

Meh

I got more into it as the album went on. I think I've heard Rose Parade before. I wanted to re-listen to some of the tracks. 3.4.

Hauntingly beautiful. Not a fan of it reminding me when I was a depressed 14 year old (lmao compared to currently a depressed 38 year old).

ANGELES!

Nothing hooked me or stood out. Quiet but not soothing to my ear.

It's ridiculous how obvious of an influence this album was on a generation of songwriters. Being able to connect Either/Or's legacy by threads of current indie rock is a treat of it's own. Smith tells personal stories of sadness, addiction and loss by blending metaphors and direct connections of the places Portland had to offer him ("Alameda", "Rose Parade", a line on "Punch and Judy" about driving around Division street). A balanced mix of songwriter with acoustic guitar ("Between the Bars", "No Name No. 5", "Angeles") and punchy indie rock indicative of the 90's ("Pictures of Me", "Cupid's Trick"). Final track "Say Yes" is a sweet, if not overly optimistic reminder, that there is always something to hope and strive for even after events of resounding sadness because throughout it all we'll still "be around the morning after."

What is with all these sad ass albums? It isn't objectively bad but I have a hard time connecting with an album like this. Every song sounds kind of the same to me with the acoustics and sing songy voice.

I enjoyed Figure 8 when it came up earlier and really thought this could be the time I get into Elliott Smith… alas It’s fine, the song writing is generally pretty strong, and I especially enjoyed Ballad of Big Nothing and the anthemic Pictures of Me. My main issue is the sound - I know it’s lo-fi but that’s not an excuse for the snare to sound as shocking as it does on some of these tracks, and any vocal parts that go into Smith’s higher register sound like he’s trying not to wake somebody up from next door

I'm ashamed I've never given this album a chance before.

Its all very pleasant for those who fear confrontation and conflict

Boring and all sounds the same.

This sounds like the stuff Jan from The Office would listen too. Pushing the definition of melancholic to its limits. Not bad, but I’ll never be revisiting it again.

I should never have listened to Say Yes before the rest of his stuff cos the rest of it's good but not in the same way and it took me way too long to appreciate it. That being said this album is gorgeous and the heavier moments come at perfect times and Say Yes as a closer is just stunning

Lekkere nummers, gewoon goed

5/5

Couldn't distinguish most words. Instruments overwhelmed vocals. Not for anyone clinically depressed even if they're on meds.

Kind of slow but worth another listen

A pleasant listen, if a bit dreary.

It's generally ok I guess, I like the guitar. However, I'm not into this sad kind of music atm and his voice is so monotonous. Angsty teenage me might've liked it more but present me is bored tbh

Die Lieder „Say Yes“ und „Between the Bars“ gefallen mir recht gut. Mit den andren Liedern kann ich weniger anfangen.

Feines Album, ruhig, aber nicht fad

Speed Trials: I have no idea what's going on but I like it. I really like his singing style. Alameda: I like this one. damn sad though. serious sad Ballad of Big Nothing: what a title Already. it's good too Between the Bars: I'm still not sure who he's singing to. sad but lowkey kind of romantic. Pictures of Me: I'm not sure about this one. I get it but also shut up. you know. No Name number 5: your name on my cast (*side eye*) this might cross into too much sad boi Rose Parade: This might my favorite so far altough I'm still not in love Punch and Judy: I gotta say the production on the whole thing has been really good and consistent too. Angeles: I think I might be too tired to understand this one Cupid's Trick: whut... 2:45 AM: okay nice ending I guess.

Not my type

Ooh, a late 90s singer/songwriter I haven’t heard of! ***three tracks later*** Oh, that’s why I haven’t heard of him…

Pretty good little album. I think I prefer it over the last Elliott Smith I had about two weeks ago.. the songs just seemed to make more of an impression on the first listen. On the second listen I think it grew on me with recognizing the melodies a little more. 7/10

Ganske kjedelig

Really feels like a bridge from the 90’s Britpop-influenced indie music to the modern indie sound. Not what I was expecting Elliott Smith to sound like, a very bright and full sound with generally powerful vocals. A few misses for me on the record, but I loved the songs I liked off it. Top tracks: Speed Trials, Alameda, Ballad Of Big Nothing, Rose Parade, Cupids Trick

Enjoyed it but wasnt head over heels, perhaps i wasnt in the sad girl headspace that i need to be in to enjoy

I liked it more than I thought. Gets better on repeated listens. I can tell a lot of modern bands were inspired by it, but the style doesn’t connect with me. Like I can tell it’s supposed to be sad, but doesn’t make me sad. Something is missing but I’m not sure what it’d need to bump up to a 5

Beautiful

It's not my taste but it's a band that makes music

I understand why this could be a great album. But at the moment I don’t feeling it :)

Nice

-i Have heard of elliott smith -but i have never heard this album specifically -this is very indie sad boy music which i do like -i like how soft and nice this is -his voice is distince but very soft -these songs feel very sweet and relaxing -90’s indie is truly the best and this is a good example of it -overall i actually really enjoyed this album! -i had heard say yes before and its probably my favorite on the album -easy solid four stars

This is Smith's third album, and contains some of his most famous songs. A few of these songs were in the film "Good Will Hunting," including the original "Miss Misery." That song received an Oscar nomination, and led to Smith's first few televised appearances. The success of the film propelled Smith's career. Smith's songs, with complex orchestrations and earnest, compelling lyrics worked well with the film's themes.

This is an easy 5 for me. Listening to this as a teenager when it first came out was formative for me.

Good stuff

Really enjoyed this, will listen to more Elliott Smith.

Some really nice songs in there and I would maybe come back again and listen. Got a bit tiresome at points but it was short and had some interesting chord progressions.

221223 16:30 4.5

NO

Love this album and this artist!

Easy music, 3.5 stars. It was pretty samey. Stand-out: Angeles

The older brother of depressing indie music. Can see how it has influenced so many other artists. Enjoyed it

Well, ain't this purty? The style of playing and singing fewls like its been copied countless times, to the point where as the album went on it was starting to feel a tad derivative, despite it being the origin point, and that did start to sour the album, even though it's quite short, but that doesn't stop that there are some really pretty chord progressions here, and the more stripped down nature reminds me of Nick Drake, but 90s-ified. Just something that's really chill and relaxed, while still having this uneasiness to me, like something else is wrong and you don't know what, and I really enioy those types of albums. Am I rambling? I'm rambling.

Next 5 songs played by my Spotify Algorithm: Dinosaur Jr. - Goin' Home Fugazi - I'm so Tired Guided by Voices - As we go Up, We go Down Nick Drake - Pink Moon Sebadoh - Soul and Fire

Wel oké maar erg saai,

Niet echt mijn stijl

Vind deze heel lauw.

awesome

I could wax poetic about Elliott Smith for days if anyone would listen. When I find someone that will, we usually get along. A lot has been said about how sad his music is, but I think it’s very overstated. His music to me is about the mundanity of life. It’s not a bad or sad thing. Yeah sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed, but that’s whats so relatable about it. More so than the love songs that are so overdone by almost everyone else. Mundanity can be just fine. His music is about everyday people. I find some of it empowering even, but I’ll write more about that when I get to XO. Either/Or grew on me over the years after I first became a fan. It’s not quite as ornate as XO, and it doesn’t rock as hard as Figure 8. What it does do is explore the stories of various people. I assume some of them are about himself in the third person. When I first moved to Portland, I listened to Either/Or again while it rained on my car. I literally walked down Alameda with my headphones on listening to it again. I didn’t move here because of my love for his music, but it gave the place a little extra familiarity that it wouldn’t have otherwise had. Easiest 5/5 rating so far.

Rating: 10/10 Classic indie-folk album. What a masterpiece from Elliot Smith, so melancholic and emotional, you really feel his pain throughout the entire album. The singing is fantastic, the lyrics are fantastic, and instrumentally it is incredible as well. There are many memorable melodies on here too, each song sounds special in its own way while keeping the same theme throughout. Favorite songs: Pretty much all of them. Least favorite songs: No Name No. 5, Punch and Judy.

It took me four songs to realise that it was a new song x

Great vibes

Sad and lovely album. I've listened more to his later stuff, was good to get into this one instead. He really set the scene for the earnest singer-songwriter wearing his heart on his sleeve. Tragic end of course, and he never seemed a settled soul. At least we have these albums to remember him by.

Конечно, слушать Эллита впервые - круче, это прям срывает башку но альбом великолепный

у него такой нежный голос что слышать слово fucking как-то даже неловко...

элиот смит король ночных автобусов

Would definitely want to listen again.

Indie-folk. Un rollazo de cuidado...

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

I've never heard of this band before but he's great! Listened through the entire album without a bad thought. I really like 2:45, angeles and between the bars. Really nice music with lots of great guitar. Might be one of my favorite albums here so far.

I really like the vibe on this album. Rose Parade is very pleasant. But then all the songs are pleasant. I think I've heard one or two of his songs before but I'm surprised I'm not more aware of Elliott Smith. I think a lot of indie bands have been trying to produce this sound lately. Elliott Smith was way ahead of the curve. And then he died :(

Was ok

hit and miss, not too bad. 3.5

Such an awesome find! So gripping and meaningful.

Ethereal, moody, dirge-y. Some good melodies and a very certain vibe. Could grow on me. Best song: Alameda

Oh man, I can smell damp shoes and wet hoodies. Portlanders don't wear raincoats or carry umbrellas! Perma wet cotton is where it is at for months on end. And dark. No sun. And this music reflects this. Like a quiet walk home after a house party, with a light drizzle. Just enough rain to make your glasses speckled but not enough to get you truly wet. I'm a bit surprised I hadn't listen to any Elliott Smith, really, till now.

I’ve enjoyed Elliott Smith for years but never have listened to his albums front to back. I really like this album, but there are definitely highs and lows on this album. There aren’t any “ugh! Skip” songs but some don’t grab my attention. Say Yes, Between Bars, Alameda and .05 are my faves.

Ugh, such a low energy affair, especially after yesterday’s Iron Maiden album. This is what I expect an Art Garfunkel solo album sounds like, with a few random F-bombs thrown for a cheap bit of excitement. No thank you. I’m putting Maiden back on.

Sadboy singer-songwriter just isnt for me

Hard to come up with the words to adequately praise this album. Whew. It's like a beautiful gut-punch. His vocals are so sonically pleasing and fit the music/lyrics perfectly. The production is surprisingly complex for such a stripped down sound. I've spent more time with XO but this one is just as good if not better. Credit to Tessa for tuning me into him back in the day. His death hit her & some of our friends harder than me, but spurred me to dive in and really fall in love with his music. 5 - All-time classic

I liked it better at 37 than I did when it came out. I know it was indie and probably somewhat DIY but if the production was a little better with more crisp vocals it would sound more clean.

I enjoy the simplicity of the album. It’s not over engineered, it’s not over instrumentalize, just good songs.

It's fine. The genesis of the sad bastard mopey indie that I really didn't like during the early aughts. Probably wouldn't go to any great lengths to acquire or listen to this again.

It's not unlistenable, which is better than other albums on this list but I just found it very samey. It didn't strike a chord with me. I found it a little boring if I'm totally honest.

Really liked it, will add it to my rotation

Sad vibe but I'm here for it. Less moody more verge of angst, but somewhere between the two. "Between the Bars" - this song has been haunting me for years!!!! Very Deathcab for Cutie - Could see Seth Cohen really enjoying this.

Look, dude's story is super tragic. Talented but tragic. But that's partially because dude was a total mess and nobody around him seemed to do anything to help. Well, that shows in this album. It's also a mess. Smart and compelling at points... but a mess. And nobody around him did anything to help dial it back. I'd say that was a symptom of the times but we're still letting talent and madness run rampant without caring enough about the person to help them. See: Kanye. Anyway, it's an alright album but it could have been and should have been better. Smith should have had the time to refine his work but the folks around him valued his work over his personhood. And that taints the thing for me.

There’s a reason why my eldest son is called Elliott

I was reminded how much I enjoy Elliot Smith. I will be revisiting this. It was great.

Never heard of this, or him, before. Needs more listening to rate but say 3 for the first listen

Covers of these songs would probably be more appealing.

Best I can say is, “it was ok”. No memorable tracks. Not bad not good.

I don’t listen to Elliot smith anymore

Good background music for a calm vibe but nothing really stands out. Kinda basic in the end.

If I had had a bedroom pop phase – I never did – but if I had – i don't know why I never had one – does discovering Radiohead count? – but if I had – and I could have had – and if I had heard Either/Or at the same time, I would have loved it. As it is, I like it, but the possibility for me to truly love it has already passed.

angeles tune uit good will hunting <3 verder beetje tranqi maar wel lekker, muziek past niet echt bij de cover. cupids trick ook best leuk

it wasn't as depressing as i thought it would be

Pop style that doesn’t align my preferences but good guitar and atmosphere

I just had "Pink Moon" a few days ago. Is this album generator trying to give me depression? I flip between preferring this album and "Figure 8" pretty often, but both are so incredible that it doesn't even really matter. Up there with "The Glow, Pt. 2" and "Illinois" as one of my favorite whiny indie rock albums for losers.

It wasn't anything exciting, but it was good. I can see why it was critically acclaimed; the writing is good. It didn't blow me away, but I appreciated it.

Bleh

Billie reccomeded this so I actually listened to this one. Will definitely be relistening - warm slow music. Vocals are billie eilish before she was even born - very chill, stripped back

Somehow reminds me of a 90s version of John Lennon's later Beatles songs. The ones i don't like, unfortunately.

Good album. I'd rate it higher except for the fact that Smith’s voice has a very limited range, and that leads to many songs sounding very much the same.

It wasn't anything exciting, but it was good. I can see why it was critically acclaimed; the writing is good. It didn't blow me away, but I appreciated it.

I've been meaning to check out this artist for a while now and I wasn't disappointed. It was like a delightful combination of Radiohead and Sufjan Stevens, two artists I really like. I loved the vocals and the chords, and pretty much every track on the album. Definitely will be listening to this one again.

Too emo for me.

Nearly a perfect album

<3

Quite good, if not as good as Figure 8, but definitely more typical of his sound.

1. zpeed trialz - 1 2. alameda - 1 3. ballad of big nothing - 1 4. betueen the barz - 1.5 5. picturez of me - 1 6. no name - 1.5 7. roze parade - 1 8. punchk and judy - 1 9. angelez - 1 10. cupidz trick - 1 11. 2.45 am - 1.5 12. zay yez - 1.5

Very distinct sound and voice either you like or you love. It’s cool but I couldn’t do an entire album

Nice tone to his voice.

A nice gentle album. It reminds me of Sufjan Stevens.

pretty sick. Was a vibe fr

Pretty good 3 4 It bores me a little but I think I'll like it in time

The songs were fine, but all sounded very similar so didn't catch my ear.

This album brought back memories from my teenage years. I have a specific memory listening “Say Yes” during a busride in early morning after a rough night of party with a heartbreak. And btw thanks for Orange County to first introduce me to Elliot Smith!

😴😴💤💤

Excellent album.

Very personal feel with the layering of his voice and the foward-ness of his vocals in the mix. Singer/Songwriter or indie folk is not my style, but this was not bad. Very depressing songs though.

Not a genre I'm interested in

Quiet, indie rock. Not for me. 1/5

Excellent collection from a guy who left way too soon. Between the Bars is a standout on this album-also really liked No Name No. 5 and Rose Parade.

Beautiful Melodies little replyabaility bar angeles and between the bars 3.6/5

Too whiney imo

Not bad, easy listen and melodic music

Not for me…

Music and vocals was hard to distinguish. Boring.

I like this album, but none of it sticks in the mind and to be honest I'm not fussed if I hear it again, but it'll be fine if I do. So 3 stars.

perfect in every aspect of the word

Jeg lyttede til det her album først da jeg var på arbejde og efterfølgende da jeg kom hjem og skulle læse. Jeg kendte ikke kunstneren, men havde godt hørt hand navn i et afsnit af Rick and Morty (Tiny Rick afsnittet). Jeg havde regnet med noget melankolsk akustisk guitar og hvad der nu hører til det, og det var også delvist rigtig. I sidste ende sagde albummet dog ikke mig det helt store.

rose parade <3

Nice ethereal background indie

It's no surprise that Elliott Smith wrote and performed some of the most gorgeous music in his lifetime. Either / Or is a standout demonstration of his work as a singer-songwriter.

Good but downer

absolute perfection. an album you genuinely need to hear before you die. the lyrics, vocals, guitars, all of it crafted with such care. such an incredible, beautiful, spine tingling album.

Possibly my favorite album yet, this is perfect top to bottom. I had listened to a bit of Elliott Smith before since I knew that he was a pretty big influence on Phoebe Bridgers, but for some reason I hadn't really given much thought to this album as a whole. That was a mistake, this is incredibly good. First, I get the Phoebe Bridgers connection. Part of why I like her so much is how she writes incredibly powerful lyrics that are about highly specific, often mundane parts of day to day life. Smith does this really effectively too, and I can totally see how this album influenced her later work. "You're sitting around at home now waiting for your brother to call. I saw him down in the alley having had enough of it all." He just captures these little specific life moments so well. The album is definitely sad. Spotify's artist description says that Smith has a "distinctively melancholic sound", and that's probably a pretty apt description. But it has these small moments throughout that bring in bits and pieces of beauty or optimism that makes this all come together. And then "Say Yes" just totally brings it home at the end. It's definitely not a "happy" song, but it's upbeat sounding and romantic and real. The guitar has this poppy sound. It's a distinctively Elliott Smith song, even though it sounds pretty different from the rest of the album. "I'm in love with the world through the eyes of a girl...I'm damaged bad at best, she'll decide what she wants, I'll probably be the last to know". The album is a bit short (37 minutes for 12 songs), and Smith consistently ends songs a little before where you might expect other artists to end them. It works, there's no extra fluff, he gets across what he needs to. Say Yes is a great example at the end, it finishes a bit abruptly but it's perfect. Truly great album, one that I knew of but never gave enough attention to before this. I'm glad I finally did. "You can do what you want to whenever you want to. You can do what you want to there's no one to stop you." Favorite song: Say Yes Other: Speed Trials, Alameda, Ballad of Big Nothing, Between The Bars, Pictures Of Me, No Name No. 5, Rose Parade, Punch And Judy, Angeles, Cupids Trick, 2:45 a.m.

Very calming and chill. It's kind of like Bon Iver meets the Beatles.

My only preconception about this one is the vague notion that Elliot Smith music is sad--probably because of that one Rick and Morty episode. First Impressions: If yesterdays album felt like fall, this one feels like the dead of winter. The first couple songs are slow and sad to the point of bleakness. Its not until a few tracks in that theres a more up-tempo song, and even that one is not exactly cheerful. "So sick and tired of all these pictures of me....Everybodys dying just to get this disease". And that was just a short breather--its right back to the sad n slow after that. Oh yeah, this is a sad breakup album for sure. Its all heartbreak and loneliness. Could probably use this to induce a cry if needed. Some of these songs I think would be nice to try and learn on the guitar, but I'll have to try and pick one that isn't too sad, cos damn, I don't want my friends to worry about me. Maybe "Say Yes" ? Objective score is 4/5 but personal enjoyment score is 2/5. I'm too tight wound for the slower pace to really resonate right now, and I don't want to feel sad like this. But it's probably worth returning to in a different mindset. I will give 3/5 to try and reflect that feeling, rather than as a sign of being just "okay"

Some songs are way too whiny. If he used his full voice on every song, it would have been way better.

Chilled and deep, probs would have meant a lot to me as a troubled young boy

If I could give this album 4.5 stars, I would, but I'm rounding up to 5 stars, because this album and Elliott Smith, in general, is one of my favorites ever. I just think that "Either/Or" lacks cohesion and flow through it. "Figure 8" is extremely cohesive and flows the entire way through it, from song to song, and feels like one complete piece. "Either/Or" feels more like just a group of random - but very good - songs. Still, songs like "Rose Parade" give me goosebumps nearly every time I listen to it/them.

Actually very solid even though it's folky

I think there’s a lot to like about this album, but I don’t feel a need to listen to it again. Luxuriating in sad music is for younger people.

An absolute all-timer for me. Fell in love the second Cynthia Mason put “Say Yes” on a mix tape for me my freshman year of high school - same year the album came out. What a great time to be a disaffected teenage mope. I know Smith can be polarizing. Count me firmly on the pro side of the spectrum with this album squarely at the top of his canon - though I’ll listen to X/O any time. Genuinely made soft acoustic a punk rock experience.

Teenage/young adult angst becomes musically incarnate. Unfortunately, unlike other angsty contemporaries, Smith forgot to make any of the music fun. Most of the songs sound like the same sad bastard music, nothing stands out. I would need to be in a very specific mental place to enjoy this, like in my parent's basement right after my girlfriend broke up with me and I got fired from my job at Burger King on the same day.

This is a classic, though I am biased and already a fan of Elliott Smith. Elliott and the quiet dynamics of his songwriting are on full display here. Overall, a moody and depressing (to me) feeling album. "Say Yes" is still one of my favorite songs and it brings me back to my freshman year of college every single time.

Overall, this album was fairly decent but not exactly my favorite genre. I recognized some of the songs from Good Will Hunting which is one of my favorite movies. I think this connection raises my appreciation of the album but I still find it too "whispery" for the most part.

Sounds like what people who listen to pop think indie sounds like. Just talking over a strummed guitar. Kinda 90s

Songs to seduce Millenial girls. I get the genre even if it's not really my speed. This album is good but not great. The hooks are catchy but the vocals are rough and emotionally the album is one note.

Coffee shop music

All the same

Meh

I enjoyed a few of these tracks and saved a few to a playlist!

nice, mjuk

Not my jam. Only song I liked was Angeles.

Really liked - anxty!!

Great lyrics. Super relatable to me.

The trick is to avoid this type of thought process. Even if it feels like a delusion to you. Good length.

Between the bars and say yes are fantastic songs.

not my cup of teae

Dit vind ik wel lekker. Meanderende, semi-acoustische zingliedjes van een persoon die de pech had dat 113 nog niet bestond. Af en toe doet het denken aan een soort unplugged variant van AFI (met name "Between the Bars"). Best eigenzinnig zonder dat het geforceerd CKV-erig overkomt. Het is niet dat ik hier de komende week nog van ga nagenieten, maar dit soort albums vind ik niet erg om te krijgen. Een 3,5 was perfect geweest.

Hugely personal record for me.

Whispy, eiery, intimate, reminds me of over the hedge john fruciante, i should listen more

wicked album. some bangers on there & can see the influence it had on loads of stuff after

pretty good overall, though a lot of the songs sound really similar. i ended up listening through the album four times just to try to differentiate between the songs and pick up on things i'd missed. great lyrics, moody guitar, and hushed vocals come together to make a solid album. i can see how this would have a huge impact on people who discovered it at the right time in their lives. i didn't have any knowledge of or nostalgia for elliott smith prior to yesterday but still enjoyed it. favorites: speed trials, Alameda, ballad of big nothing, between the bars, rose parade, angeles, say yes

i've heard of him and have being wanting to take a listen for a while now, i think the time has come then. such a different production on this album everything is either so close to you or on the next room. his lyrics have a cool sounding to them for whatever poetic reason, they also are really good, the refrains are kinda catchy, and the construction thowards them is bright. simple but great chord progressions too, with the major to the minor and stuff like that. very different playing of the acoustic guitar, i might search about it later, because it sounds so full and rich while mantaining a simple sound. even though sometimes i find his vocal exaggerated sometimes in the sense of trying too hard to express something and throwing too much air out in the process, i found this album great in general, not sure if its a 4 or 5, but since it will grow in me with time im going with a 5.

Enjoyable enough for what it is. Just not my type of music. A bit too soft and samey for me. 3/5

extremely beautiful and touching, his song lyrics and subjects impress me the most

I do enjoy a sad boy with a guitar. A 90’s album that seems like a direct precursor to some of my fav music of today but just doesn’t have the same personal nostalgia factor. favs of the bunch: speed trial, between the bars

Probably will grow on me with more listens but I preferred Figure 8 just after the first listen. Very good album no doubt, loved the singles, and the rest was enjoyable but didn't grab me right away. Still very solid.

Reminds me of someone but can't say who Shins maybe , very rainy day Kinda meh

couldn’t hear lol

Some albums just have an indescribable magic. Elliot smith doesn’t have a technically great voice, and the production is low fi but this is easily a 5/5 album. It should be studied by aspiring producers and bands. If the songs are good enough just keep it simple!

Love love love

Good album, but I don’t know at what time I should listen to it, after I got oder than 25 years old. Jk but it feels a lot like an album for people with the classical teenage angst. Nevertheless, really good album, just not exactly my cup of coffee (anymore).

Very LA, post-grunge, surfer-style, Eels adjacent. Not my kind of music generally but was not too unpleasant.

Sad boi folky music

Good album. Brings back memories of Good Will Hunting.

I really wanted to like this. Blech. I dislike the music so much I can’t bring myself to listen to the lyrics

Did not like at all. Too miserable and samey

not really for me, i can appreciate the influence the album/artist has though

I can understand the appeal. This recording is so raw and real. Just not for me.

Elliot Smith is a good listen when you're alone on a rainy summer/winter day. You can tell why this was so popular and edgy when I was in high school. Lots of friends became one man show acoustic emo guys after this stuff started coming out. It's good, but it has its place for sure.

So glad I got to rediscover this album & remembering my heartache teenage years. Very poetic, very heartfelt.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the vocals at first but then grew on me as I listened through the album. A lot of the songwriting was good and a little bit of it was great! I really liked the guitar and the bits where the intensity picked up. Overall, I liked this album.

Fun fact: I first discovered Elliott Smith through Rick and Morty. Go figure. Album #2. Despite how head over heels I was for Smith's music in ninth grade, I can't recall a time when I actually listened to one of his albums all the way through. So here we are! A definite all-timer, even if I think his later work carries the greater emotional punch with more interesting instrumentation to boot. (This opinion comes from not looking up the lyrics to this album, which I will continue my abstinence from. I can't be crushed today.) My preference for the more experimental portion of Smith's discography admittedly probably comes from the way I've traditionally discovered artists in high school: mixed in with playlists instead of through individual albums. So it makes sense why this collection doesn't have as tight of a grasp on my heart-- it really is reflective music to lose yourself in quiet, still rooms. I believe this album will find me then, and I'll ponder its true power. Until then...

Chill

Have already listened to

It was incredible. What a beautiful and vulnerable soul.

Beautiful

Blah

Slow, monotonous. Not for my taste.

Я не запомню ничего из этого альбома. Были какие-то прикольные моменты, но в остальном альбом прошел мимо меня.

Not typically my "type" of music but really enjoyed that. obviously a lot of passion and warm fuzzy feeling music. 4

Algumas músicas legais mas achei bem qualquer coisa

Elliott Smith manages to make a unique sound. Overall it's a somewhat quiet album, but enjoyable.

I used to own this album on cd back in the day. I'm not a huge fan of the lo-fi sparseness of a lot of the songs, and while I enjoy some of it, the album never really clicked with me...then and now. I prefer when he does a more full arrangement such as with Pictures of Me, but that sound only shows up on a couple tracks. Overall I don't hate the album but its not really my cup of tea.

Pretty good. Never heard and Elliott Smith Album before. Was expecting more.

This is something special

Ok

Heartfelt, meaningful. A couple really excellent songs.

This is the type of music that I really don’t like. Guitar was good, but the voice is weak and a bit whiny.