Either Or

Lo-Fi indie centered around the acoustic guitar/vocal with clean tremelo+reverby electric guitar parts adding some color and a drum/bass to give the rockier songs a full band sound. His voice is hushed and breathy, constrained to whispering in a fairly high range. He has a fairly distinctive melodic sensibility that backs away from the big crescendo, building up to deflate and deflect away from the major resolution. The way its recorded sounds like demos or bedroom tapes, which, combined with the vocals and introspective lyrics gives the album an intimate almost parasocial feel. I've given this album a go so many times, but this time with good headphones, a lyric sheet, and close attention I get it much better - it just disappears as unobtusive kinda boring background music unless you zoom in. Still not the biggest fan of his voice, but this overcast afternoon I appreciated the autumnal moodiness of this much more than I have before. Favorites: Alameda, No Name No 5, Punch and Judy, Cupid's Love

Ganske mange rolige bængers

Nice singer songwriter

A bit too mellow but some really good tracks that stand out b the rest of it a bit more background, kind of washed over me rather than grabbing my attention

So lo fi but so tender and sweet

3.6

3/5. A very personal album that feels distant, like he's not making for this for anyone but himself, which isn't bad but it is hard to connect. The main issue is the lyrics are a little hard to understand when just listening and the music is simple but just enough without overbearing the thought to listen. I understand the vocals are a vibe, but they really detract from the messages in the songs. I want to enjoy this one but it's definitely got its flaws as a listener. It's not bad but it'll take at least 10 listens to really click with me.

elliott smith and i, i think, are cut from pretty similar cloth. a lot of his musical influences are things that i adore and so his music tends to be pretty compatible with me. i find that he was a great lyricist with a knack for a catchy melody, and overall sort of dour, sad boy type vibe. a bit lo-fi, which i always appreciate. an album that effortlessly balances the line between quiet and intimate & loud and intense. i think this is the sort of music that you have to have been a bit depressed to listen to and appreciate, and if you found elliott during those times, you have an affinity for his stuff. that goes for me as well. i've listened to some of his other stuff but never this album in full. i've been meaning to for a long time, but never got around to it and i am so glad i finally did. as i suspected, i really liked it. a great album to curl up and mope around to (and i mean that in the most positive sense) favorite tracks: ballad of big nothing between the bars say yes

Good

One of my favourite discoveries of the last few years is Christian Brothers by Elliott Smith. I listened to this album a few years back but wrote it off after one listen. Listening again a couple times now...I still don't really get it. It's not bad, but it's not particularly good either. Just straight average, but I know it's lauded. I feel like I'm missing something.

solid album. ideal for rainy days or coffee shops in oregon.

Very sweet and gentle.

this album was boring, but i know what to listen to next time i have insomnia. the only, and i mean only, song with any balls was cupid’s trick, and that was song 10. too little, too late. well, at least it was a short album.

This is another non-album. Nothing wrong with it, but utterly unmemorable. This is the soundtrack to a very particular kind of day, like laid back 90s California beach day.

This wasn’t too bad. Liked it more than I thought I would. Did get redundant, though.

This is a strong indie album, that predated that Sean Lennon sound. Standouts lie in Speed Trials, Alameda, Between The Bars, and Ballad Of Big Nothing.

This will either be my favorite album by list’s completion or my second favorite album. Either, or, it’s a good one.

I wish it wasn’t so whispery but I really liked all the songs. Favs were Alameda, Ballad of Big Nothing, and No Name No. 5.

It was alright. 90s alternative

I think if I were a moody teenager in the Pacific Northwest when this came out this album would mean a lot to me. I was not such a teenager when this album came out, as it were. It was just ok for me. Maybe two songs really got my attention.

Not my cup of tea

I just could not get into it. It’s definitely good, well produced and has a clean sound and finish but I’m not sure I’ll listen to it again

A lot of artists I really like were hugely influenced by Elliot smith but he just doesn’t really do it for me. The whisper singing works for sufjan and Phoebe Bridgers, but when he does it just doesn’t do much for me

Like, it's fine. Elliott Smith music is good enough, but it doesn't really excite me, his stuff has never really clicked with me as much as it has with so many.

Might be my favorite album of his. Such a great ear for melody.

Better than I expected

Nice music, guy's voice is a little too girly but its ok.

Could there be a Phoebe Bridgers without an Elliott Smith? One of the most notable in that subcategory of indie artists who sing depressing lyrics quietly, Smith is also one of the best. His heartbreakingly honest lyrics sometimes overshadow his melodies, but even those are fairly strong in their simplicity. Songs like "Between the Bars", "Say Yes" and "Angeles" are among his best and most hummable.

Good tunes! Liked hearing a couple of Portland references in there!

I liked the guitar work, vocals and lyrics OK, overall tracks OK, but just all very samey which became very boring, I didn't even finish the album, nothing grabbed my attention, and it's questionably indie. If it was already playing I'd listen to it, but wouldn't see.me.chosing to play it.

I like this one, only heard a few of his songs before. Some moody vibes, nice and chilled.

Like if guided by voices had copied and pasted all their songs and had no artistic depth, that’s unfair I liked bits and bobs but god damn was this very short album a chore last songs nice

Pretty good

I quite enjoyed this.

Reading the notes, Elliott recorded all parts himself. This is precisely the type of album I wish I could've written myself. Top marks well deserved.

It was ok but not my type of music. Some songs I really like, some I don’t need to listen to

The first album that got me into Elliot. This album is the perfect middle ground for his dark folk like sound to his Beatleseque pop that verged on noise rock nearer the end. Songs like Alameda and Big ballad of big nothing are grim pieces of folk rock while songs like Angeles and Between the bars are maybe the two best singer songwriter songs I’ve ever heard. Elliott is a genius especially on the guitar.

- Didn't like it as much as the last Elliott Smith album, but still fine - Got better in the second half - A little more lowkey than the other one

- really enjoy this - great vibes

Det virkede en smule monotont i starten og nok derfor, jeg aldrig er blevet vild med det før, men jo mere det spillede, jo mere kom det under huden, og jeg skal helt klart lytte mere til det!

overall rating: 9/10 favourite song: ballad of big nothing ( 9/10 ) runner up favourite: pictures of me ( 9/10 ) least favourite: between the bars ( 6/10 ) album cover: 7/10 vocals: 9/10 instrumentals: 9.5/10 would i recommend ? : a hundred percent , just mentioned elliot smith to a few of my friends other: indie is my thing so i know ill love this. 2 song in and i’m already in love. everything about this album sounds perfect ☆

Its alright, songwriting was decent. A bit soft for me and not much variance between songs.

Too much Elliott Smith on this here list. I'd feel this way even if this were the only album to appear.

Amazing, sublime album. I really love the acoustic guitar on this album, and his voice is really nice. Some of my favorites are ‘Speed Trials’, ‘Ballad Of Big Nothing’, and ‘Say Yes’, which I somehow recognized on the first listen (on the Rolling Stone 500, which appears to be a far inferior list, though unlike this it has the Neutral Milk Hotel album, so that’s a plus) despite having no real knowledge of Smith’s catalogue. Great album. Side note: for some reason he has one more album on the list and it’s Figure 8, even though I feel like most people would pick his self-titled or XO over that.

Wanna cry to the OG sad boi with me? An extremely influential artist for many of my favourite singer songwriters, it’s all melancholy with lyrics and unique guitar work to back it up. Angeles is the best track, one of the most beautiful and heart wrenching songs ever written.

Very sad, very good. His vocals annoy me on some tracks but apart from that great

It doesn't really surprise me that tracks from this album take up most of his popular songs slots on Spotify because this is elliott smith music meant even more specifically for breakups and melancholy than the songs from Figure 8 and I can see this album being a comfort album for depressed millennials. Regardless, I still like Figure 8 a bit more with its bigger production and higher intensity since this was more low-key and singer-songwriterish but it's more a matter of personal preference than objective quality. The lyricism is still top notch and the production is still interesting and well crafted.

I liked it! melancholic music

# 37 : SNORE slow and boring. A bit of plucky guitar licks and stretched out lyrics to make up 3 minute songs. Nothing special.

I never heard any of his albums. I really like his writing. I dig his voice too. I’ll have to give this a few more listens and check out his other stuff too.

Love this record and haven’t listened in a long time. The songwriting is really beautiful and he’s got such a unique sound with the double tracked vocals and thin whispery voice.

I’ve always thought that Elliot Smith is OG emo. Not just cause his shit is sad but the way he writes songs. Between the Bars is brilliant and I love that the album ends with Say Yes. Love this screwed up man.

Influential album, to be sure. Between the Bars and Say Yes are absolute hits. Alameda is pretty good too! No Name No. 5 is hitting pretty good too. Angeles is real nice, the fingerpicking intro with that whistle sound in the background. Great ambiance. I was not initially as impressed as I thought I'd be given the quality of the songs I already knew, but it's a slow burn. 4.5/5

One song in and this is smooth, well, maybe not smooth, but relaxing. There's a laid back vibe to this, while not being gutless. Smith's vocals are not lacking, not simplistic, despite how utterly quiet, for lack of a better word, that these songs are. And honestly, this sort of quiet fury was just the kind of thing I needed today.

ite soittana kaikki instrumentaaliet.. heh ei lisäpisteitä… Biisirakenteet ja melodiat mukailevat hieman 1960-luvun popsankareiden perintöä… Hankala tapa sanoa että kuullostaa radiohedilt….ä…

Boring

I found this more affecting than I had expected. Somehow it wormed its way into my brain.

This was enjoyable but not memorable

I don't get this. Maybe I'd like to hear Pictures of Me or Rose Parade in the future, but as for the whole album - nope. I find it drab.

Ballad of the Big Nothing Between the Bars Angeles

Soft, melancholy rock. Chill listen, pretty good

I ALREADY RATED THIS YOU IDIOTS

it was OK. 4 stars.

Honestly better than I remember him. Pretty good songwriter. But god damn I hate his breathy voice

Very laid-back indie rock (?), although the sameness of the vocals and guitar can get a bit repetitive, I don’t particularly mind it though

Ok but not amazing

Fine

nice

Ja ach, prima. Het zegt me niet zoveel

It's undeniably great song writing, just not fully my vibe. Fav track: No name Number 5 3.5

A seminal album for me, completely inseperable from my formative years and still incredibly significant to this day, so it's impossible to be objective. That said, there is a timeless, devastating beauty to Smiths songwriting that strikes me anew every time. The multi-track vocals feel at times so fragile that they might fade away entirely (No Name No.5); at other points they display a pained defiance, pushing futilely against devestation (the last verse of 2:45). Smith preserves the raw emotion through intimate unadorned production, the soft fuzz of room tone providing the atmospheric sensation that he plays directly to you. It's an affectation that can frustrate me when used by some artists, but Smith's deceptively sparse arrangements display an exacting control over that atmosphere, rather than bloke-in-a-bar simplicity. And above it all, Smith's lyrics are direct and poetic in equal measure, preserving the complete picture of event and affect. Coy illusions and abstractions will butt up against heartbreaking direct address, often from Smith to himself, speaking to deep shame, fear, pain, and brief glimpses of hope. While there's Smith songs I like more on other records, this is his most complete and coherent collection. It's a recognition of much that is too hard to be said directly, delivered by a confidant late at night in a dimly lit bedroom, when sleep won't come and thoughts spiral. Specific and universal. Fave track: 2:45 A.M.

Crushing, and painfully restrained - you can hear the influence this record has had on so many seminal indie albums in the decades since its release. A sometimes aching but beautiful listen. Four and a half. Fave track: Say Yes

A beautiful and haunting record from start to end.

Always a 5.

Oh yeah. I know this one already. He was already dead before I discovered him, so I didn't get the "loss" part of this firsthand, but listening to this makes me feel for him, a little sad for what he must have wrestled with. The production is so intimate and unique. Multitracking vocals, the mic is practically in his mouth. The snare drum feels like a millimeter from your eardrum, the guitar's next to you on the couch, but the cymbals are out in the backyard. You can hear how he's influenced Beck, PortugalThaMan, of course Ásgeir Trausti, even Olivia Rodrigo. If you dig this guy but hadn't heard of him before... keep listening to XO and self-titled. And don't miss Mic City Sons from his previous band, Heatmiser.

BL: I have listened to this album before - and consider it the best of Smith’s work from what I’ve listened to (though I’ve only listened to around half his discography) so it’ll be good to give this one a repeat. “Say Yes” is in my top 100 songs of all time AL: still like I remember it. It’s a very sweet and concise album. But to me “Say Yes” dwarves almost every other track on the album. As it is so good. The rest of the album is incredibly solid though FT: “Say Yes”, “Alameda” 3/5

I’ve never heard of this artist but I really liked the album.

Maybe I just don't get the 90's?

Uno de los mejores álbumes de los '90s. El talento casi infinito de Elliot Smith se filtra a través de cada una de las canciones, las cuales son narradas a través de letras introspectivas y poéticas en uno de los mejores álbumes del artista. Un disco impresionante que todo fanático de la música o del género folk debería escuchar.

Also, derartiges Songwriting hat man ja noch NIE gehört! Beim achten Song völlig gelangweilt ausgemacht.

It was good. There were a few songs that were enjoyable.

I can see how this album speaks to some people. For me it felt a bit like toned down Blink 182 or skate punk, but in a more serious way, and it just doesn't really work for me. Too many mellow songs and lullabies makes it quite boring to be honest. Feels like it would fit perfectly in some of the 90s or early 20s teenage drama series like O.C, One Tree Hill or similar, and that's just a bit past me.

I don't know why but i can just never get in to Elliot Smith. I've tried on multiple occasions and it sounds like the kind of stuff I should be into. I just found this a bit boring with some nice songs here and there. Maybe one they I'll get it.

I will always have a soft spot for his Kill Rock Star years and this is my favorite album he released on that label. I love the intimate, lo-fi (the drums on Speed Trials) vibe of this one. It's so beautiful, probably sad too I guess but the best kind of sad

Nick Drake for amphetamine users

A great heartfelt piece of slacker folk to listen to anywhere, anytime.

Kinda whiny

Un album très sympathique de la part d'Elliott Smith qui s'est fait connaître en étant écouté à l'avant du bus par Lomepal.

Libérez ltrapèze et robgruyères par pitié

It’s good songwriting, just gets a little one dimensional

I love Elliott's voice and sound, but other than "Between the Bars", this record is mediocre. Boring.

I've listened to this album a few times before. It's one that I know I will have to sit with for a long time to fully appreciate - it's good background music but it's probably even better when you fully pay attention to the songwriting and the lyrics. I could definitely see myself wholeheartedly loving this album someday, but I just don't right now. Still good though.

Cute

Favourite track of the album Ballad of Big Nothing.

L'influence des Beatles est manifeste. Agréable, mais parfois un peu anodin.

Elliott Smith had intangible qualities that make him stand out from other men with acoustic guitars. I dunno, there’s just something in those chords changes and double-tracked vocals that’s equal parts haunting and comforting. It’s lyrically vulnerable and musically delicate, usually, but that just makes the louder parts more impactful (see: Cupid’s Trick). I knew a few of the tracks on here but the more I listen to the rest, the more I like ‘em all. 4.5

"do what you want to whenever you want to" - Speed Trials Otherwise not really my vibe

I have heard stories of Elliott Smith music for a long time now, but I never got into it properly until this album popped up on the list. There is few lists on the Internet with titles along the lines of "The most depressing albums/bands of all time". Elliott Smith was on every one of them. The thing is, as much his backstory and lyrics are gloomy and sad, his music is very much non-existent. It's basically a guy with a guitar reciting his poems, sometimes adding some instruments in the background. Few songs that have an actual band behind him are pretty good, giving more energy into his effort of externalising his painful experience. I liked this album in some way, and I will give it a good rating, but probably this was my last attempt at Smith's music. I'm just not depressed enough to listen to it for more than 10 minutes.

Bit boring

It's a nice album. Quite chilled and soft. I like his style, but also feel like it tailed off in the second half a bit.

Absolutely not for me. Is it a toy drum on the first track? It makes lars' snare on st anger sound amazing. I feel sorry for the dude that he was so troubled with drugs, but I feel like I could do with some drugs after listening, if I'm ever to feel happy again.

Forgetable

meh. not bad, not good

Very low key. Took a while to adjust.

bland, boring... most albums on this list have had a "purpose" even if I maybe didn't like the genre or the type music. this is just devoid of anything...

I remember hearing Elliott Smith's music for the first time thanks to a few of these songs being part of the 'Good Will Hunting' soundtrack. I don't think I've listened to this album in full before so I'm glad this project gave me the chance to do so. It's quite good. Gets a little same-sounding after a while, but most albums do that, and because over the years I've migrated more towards playlist listening instead of album listening, I think when I actually listen to an album straight through, my ears aren't used to hearing the same artist for a dozen or so songs. Back to this album: it really is very good and he's a talented writer, composer, and performer.

between the bars

This wasn't what I expected Elliott Smith to be: I was think more aggressive rock almost male manipulator type music but I surprised. Coming from an artist I have heard so much about it wasn't the best, nothing I would fan girl over but at the same time was pleasant to listen to. A lot of the songs on this album gave vibes of Alex G, another artist with a cult following, and I have to say I somewhat enjoyed the album.

Sat by the back door while it's chucking it down as the storm breaks. Finally listening to Elliott Smith and see what the fuss is about.

Was an ok album

I quite enjoyed this one. Gave it a few playthroughs and will have to listen to more of his stuff.

I've been meaning to listen to album for awhile. Glad I finally get to listen to it cause it's a brilliant album, great acoustic music and quite sad (which I like)

Best album

te quiero mucho elliott smith 8/10

OK, didn't do much for me but solid enough album

Fantastic album

TIL: the name of an Elliott Smith album and that I like it

Weird energy for a Monday

I had good friend in high school who really loved Elliott Smith, and that lead me to eventually buy Figure 8, which I really enjoyed. I eventually bought Either/Or as well, which I didn't care for as much when I first listened to it. I hadn't listened to Either/Or since then, so I was excited to revisit it today. I had really high hopes that my feelings on it would have changed over time, but sadly they didn't. It's not that this is a bad album; Elliott's multitrack vocals are incredible, and he sings his songs with such conviction, but I think that his vocals on this album just don't do it for me. His guitar playing is beautifully melodic, but the instrumentation on this album only serves the vocals and the lyrics. And lyrically, there's just something here that feels so inaccessible to me. I have nothing against depressing music, but the lyrics here just don't land with me, and I think it's because his language is a little too figurative for me. I wanted to love this album, I truly did, but it's just a miss for me. Additional footnote: For what it's worth, I fired up a few tracks from Figure 8 just to make sure I wasn't out of my mind, and I can confirm that I still love that album, even though I probably haven't listened to it in well over a decade. Immediately, I realized that there really isn't much percussion on Either/Or, and maybe that's why I don't like it very much.

A hauntingly beautiful album by the late Elliott Smith.

Grandfather of emo.

Pleasant listening

The culmination of all the lo-fi dreams Smith could conjure up, a collection of songs at turns heartbreaking and funny. The opening/closing line of “Say Yes” deserves a spot in the pantheon of great lyrics. Listen, too, to Smith’s Beatles freak admiration for background harmonies and DI bass — you can sense the songs straining for the lush details that only a major label budget would provide him. Fair deal, in my opinion, and one that got us even grander power pop after.

Beautiful music. Love his voice and the whole vibe and sadness behind the lyrics. Only wish I'd tuned into him earlier.

This is likely the album I have re-listened to the most in a day as part of this project. For whatever reason I had never dove into Elliot Smith’s work but I really enjoyed this and ran thru it 5 times today. His delivery is so nice and effortless, excellent songwriting here and simple awesomely crafted tunes here. Love it, 5 stars

Beetje vlak. Vond er heel weinig aan

Hygglig platta utan låtar som sticker ut.

first time listening

Gave it a try, found out it wasn't my cup of tea. Might understand why it appeals to others though

Who? Pleasantly boring.

Figure 8 remains my (subjective) benchmark (in that whilst I was aware of Smith, it was the first album of his that I listened to 'properly'). I'm not going to slight this with faint praise (Cupid's Trick, for instance, is up there with his best), but I couldn't and still quite warm to this. The retrospective gaze always sets a high bar, I suppose

My first introduction to Elliott Smith...such a classic. Probably still my go-to singer/songwriter acoustic sounding album. 5/5

Took me back to high school. I remember hearing a couple of Elliott Smith tracks on a sampler CD from Journey's with Duncan Sheik and a few others and his tracks blew my mind. Then I heard one of his songs in Good Will Hunting and he was on the Oscar's performing and it feel so cool to know who Elliott Smith was when no one else at home did. I bought this album and one day my dad drove my truck...that night he gave me a lecture about the kind of music I was listening to because ES said fuck or something. Good times 😂

The focus is definitely on his songs, and the singer-songwriter thing isn't my thing

Love this album. Takes me back to college and memories of beloved friends

I don’t think I’d actively listened to Smith before, and this was more my speed than I expected. Gentle, enjoyable.

I loved the atmosphere and the tone. It's a little mournful for where I'm at in my listening right now, but I really liked it.

day 9. this is beautiful and I think deserving of my first 5 star rating. one I will definitely come back to when I want to feel something <3 4.5/5 rounded up to 5 faves: Angeles, Say Yes, Pictures of Me

Figure 8 oli parempi levy. Tää levy on enemmän pelkkää kitaraa ja laulua, mutta ei niin iskeviä kappaleita muutamaa lukuunottamatta

only in my top 5 albums of all time

it was rainy and cold yesterday, somehow it fit but also made me a bit melancholic

Smith’s delicate, wounded vocals match his musical ingenuity so well. Total vibe of a record. Angeles makes me feel unnameable things. One of the best songs ever written.

Torn. On the one hand these songs are harmless. On the other, it’s really quite dull in places. I can’t give this more than a 2

3.5

Either/Or is the third album by American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. This indie folk rock, Americana, lo-fi, and pop rock album was critically acclaimed at release, but did not chart in any country. It's been certified silver in the UK, and is Elliot Smith's best selling album. The movie Good Will Hunting used three of this album's tracks in its soundtrack and also contracted Elliot to write an original song called "Miss Misery". He would then perform this song at the 1998 Academy Awards where the song was nominated for Best Original Song. Overall, this is a wonderful album of Americana music using a wide variety of popular genres from the late 90's. It was a relaxing and inspiring vibe. Give Either Or a listen if you like folksy/pop/indie rock music.

Always puts me in such a chipper mood!

The Beatles influence is fairly apparent but unlike other artist he manages to make it sound original, unique and personal. Really great album.

Pretty damn near perfect. I like the double (more?) tracking and left/right separation. It’s like someone whispering directly in your ears. And this is what you want to hear.

Still as good as the first time I listened to it. Say Yes is so good and so clever.

This album is just excellent. The poetry of the lyrics paired with the stripped down guitar gives the album intimacy, like you're in the room with Smith as he's singing about the sad things in life. I really love this one.

very weak vocals, but good sound otherwise lyrics are good i would've loved this if the vocals weren't so offputting. i dont know how they can be that bad but they are especially on the first 3 songs songs are pretty samey and song topics are nothing intelligent or unique and yes the vocals are that bad 2 stars, maybe 2.5 on a good day

Impressive to make such a boring album!

This felt extremely flat and one dimensional to me. I'm sure the lyrics may mean something but the rhythm is lacking hard

I swear I had heard this before and wasn't so impressed but actually this is super amazing. Even so, it's not quite my genre, so sadlyl only a 3

Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: Yeah it was quite lovely Favourite song: Track 12 - …Say Yes

Sad music, but the kind of sad that comes on late at night when you dwell on every fucked up thing you’ve ever done to someone else. Worth it though.

Too mellow for my taste. Not a bad record though.

Soloalbuum van de singer-songwriter Elliot Smith. Tracklist bestaat uit veelal melancholische nummers. De kwaliteit is goed, maar verder is het album ietwat te somber. leukste nummer: Pictures Of Me De album viel in de smaak bij regisseur Gus Van Sant, waardoor het te horen was op de soundtrack van Good Will Hunting.

speed trial - 4☆ alameda - 4☆ ballad of big nothing - 5☆ (top 3) between the bars - 4☆ pictures of me - 5☆ no name no.5 - 5☆ (top 3) rose parade - 5☆ punch and judy - 3☆ angeles - 4☆ cupid's trick - 5☆ 2:45 A.M. - 4☆ say yes - 5☆ (top 3)

it was nice but i’m not sure i’ll listen to it again

It was just too soft. Not bad, just not for me. 2, no adds

What happens when you fail to outgrow your angsty teenager phase. 2 tear drops, but not for the reasons you think. 😢😢

Clearly good, just not my scene.

Another good singer/songwriter album - a bit more cheerful than the album of his we had last week, but not by a lot! Not quite as soulful though, and didn't grab me as much as the previous effort did. Feels harsh to only give it a 3, but there we are.

One of my favourites. We're on a good little run here.

It's nice but unremarkable

A discovery!

Fíla þetta. Þarf að hlusta meira á Elliott.

i wanted to like this more than I did.

Never heard of Smith, so this was an interesting pick that meant I had no idea what I’d be listening to during my 3 hour drive. This grew on me a bit, but ultimately seemed like a lost opportunity to either make a proper rock album or something properly folky. The drums seemed odd throughout - neither one thing or another (and a strong argument for employing session musicians btw). This is Ok. If something from it came up on a playlist I wouldn’t skip it, but I’m unlikely to go and seek it out.

A pure acoustic album that’s soft and melancholic. Don’t think there’s a single bad song on this album, and although the sounds and rhythm of the songs can be overly similar at times, it is still a wonderful album to listen to.

This is a really great album for anyone suffering from insomnia. What even is this? Just light singing with bland instrumentals. Sometimes I have no idea how some of these albums make it on to this 1001 list. 3/10.

Nice and sleepy

a classic. Haven’t listened to this in a few years, god knows why..

This is fine. Maybe not "top 1001" fine, but it's fine.

Definitely one to revisit. Late night quiet chilled out listening

1.5

Rating: 6/10 Best songs: Speed trials

Elliott Smith is still a favorite

This was actually enjoyable, some more upbeat songs with a band, nice indie vibes. However, it's Elliott Smith. You know what you're getting. I enjoyed the listen, but I don't see myself listening again unless I was in the mood.

I've hear of Elliott Smith before and maybe even listened to this album, but I don't remember much of it. This time, I put in some effort and really enjoyed it. Pros: short and to the point; beautiful and ear catching melodies; just a perfect production for this sort of album - you can almost feel like you're listening to the dude live in some small obscure venue or in a bedroom; poetic yet easy to understand lyrics.; cohesive as an album. Cons? Only one issue - the lyrics are so depressingly bleak and focus so particularly on alcohol abuse, it's hard to relate sometimes. Say Yes is just a perfect song though. 4.5/5

Qué voz! Qué melodías! Qué pena que ya no esté. Desde "Speed trials" a "Ballad of big nothing", "Between the bars", o "Angeles" que es el prototipo de guitarra y voz desdoblada de Elliot Smith.

Delicate and authentic and powerful due its vulnerability (which would become clearer later). One might have to be younger and more close to the desperate hope inherent to being young and artistic to get the full impact.

8/10 Elliott smith is pretty cool

6/10. Kinda zoned out while listening to it, but I'd give it the benefit of the doubt.

I like Elliott Smith well enough. Don’t know if I completely get it though. 7/10

More soy than a Burger King Impossible Whopper. Good voice, but nothing special. Soothing but boring.

Nice vibe, nice voice. Not much on the album really jumps out though. It's consistently 'alright'

Boring, dull, tedious

"Either/Or" is the third studio album by American singer/songwriter Elliott Smith and was his last solo album with indie label Kill Rock Stars before transitioning to a major label. His musical style is categorized as indie folk, indie rock, lo-fi and Americana and this album, in particular, was described as "a bridge between the lo-fi darkness of his first two albums and the studio sheen of his next two and final major label albums." That pretty much nails it when he goes acoustic and then also shows his strength as a pop song writer. The album title was derived from Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard and his book which contrasts the aesthetical/subjective and the ethical/objective being. Interesting and on point for a lot of these songs "Either/Or" was Smith's best selling album and producer Gus Van Sant also used four songs from these recordings in his movie "Good Will Hunting." The first song and single "Speed Trials" has Smith whispering with an acoustic guitar. Pounding soft drums. Nice vocal harmonization. Is it about the inability to confront oneself about happiness and completeness or drug use? Probably both. Smith flexing his pop-writing muscles on "The Ballad of Big Nothing." Beatles-esque with the backing vocals. "Do what you want to whenever you want to." I can't help thinking it's about drugs again. An interesting almost acoustic riff of Neil Young's "Cowgirl in the Sand" opens "Between the Bars." Another good song. The need to control someone. Hints of alcoholism and love. And for the third song in a row, Smith has me thinking of another band and this time it's The Monkees in "Pictures of Me." A nice pop song with harmonies and he's actually singing instead of whispering. Realizing when you see people doing something wrong, you can do it too. The album has a lot of references to Portland, OR where Smith had relocated. His previous band Heatmeiser and him had lived in LA and he writes and sings about that in "Angeles." Not such the love letter send off as there are forces (LA, drugs) that make you do things. Impressive finger picking by Elliott on his guitar. The most dramatic song on the album is "Cupid's Trick." Sort of evil sounding. Acoustic and electric guitar. The final song "Say Yes" has both lead and rhythm acoustic guitars. Dealing with the day after sleeping with someone. If you can conjure up The Beatles, Neil Young and The Monkees, you are either doing something very right in my eardrums or I might be taking the same drugs that you once were. Regardless, this is a fantastic album balancing Smith's talent of as a pop-song writer and him as lo-fi acoustic hipster. His best album for sure. His next album "XO" is great as well.

Searing and melodic. Progenitor of the Portland Bleat.

I like the sound of this one. Many songs started to sound too similar, but I did enjoy it. Relaxing.

midwest emos grandad

One of the greatest to ever do it and one of his best. Every song is a 10/10. RIP Elliott.

Strongly reminds me of Andy Shauf whom I love Calming but also emotional music Skillfully able to balance sadness with hopefulness 4.5/5

I wanted to like this. I like the genre and had heard about this album over the years. But I put it on while working, and when it was over, nothing had grabbed my attention. Nothing stood out. I listened to it two more times, with some focus on the "hits", and it still didn't click. It's not bad, but I don't see what's special about it either. If I could, I would give it 3 1/2 stars.

Quite a breathy delivery. I liked the idea of the album. I mostly liked the Nick Drake song that came after it, which really caught my attention. 🫠

A really pleasant album which reminded me of similar time-period offerings from Badly Drawn Boy and Sean Lennon. Was sad to read what happened to this artist not long after.

Regular

Me gusta la voz y las mezclas en general. Tiene buenas ideas. Es un 3.5 para mi, y lo unico que le juega en contra es la falta de variedad en la instrumentacion.

Singer/songwriter. Ballads. indie.

Listened Before? Yes (Between the Bars, Angeles) I’ve known his popular songs for years, but never sat down with a full album. A lot of excellent tracks here, but Cupids Trick is a standout this listen. Added to Library? Yes (12/12)

Elliot Smith.

Had only previously heard a few songs from it, but he’s one of my favorites.

Easy listening, easy to get caught in the lyrics but quite samey in a lot of the songs.

2nd Elliott Smith album and it's good. Still missing something for me, but I enjoyed it a lot. 4.5/5

Not in the mood today. Too slow and melancholy.

Really cool and unique artist. Solid songwriting with cool guitar parts. Elliot Smith was really clever with guitar chord voicings and throwing little surprises in. And he played all the instruments himself.

I ❤️ this album sm

The songs are good, but the album could have been a lot better if the singing wasn't as weak. It's too restrained. As if he didn't want to wake up his little baby in the next room. He sounds like he could have done a lot better if he tried. The songwriting reminds me very much of the Posies. Similar chords and melodies. Favorite song: Angeles.

Dunno why but I liked this a lot, even if it all is a bit slight. A great record.

After about a weeks hiatus, I'm back bitches. I quite enjoy this first tune, really like it actually. The vocal effect is layered and new to me... Interested whether it continues on all tracks. Ok somewhat similar, but enough difference so far (I will say the easier listening albums tend do slightly better because of the first listen nature and most at work...). Enjoyed, decent 4. Lots of good melody and meaningful sounding lyrics, but a bit lacking in variation.

Ootko kuunnellu Elliot Smithia? Noi top 5 biisiä on parhaimpia biisejä ikinä min kirjoissa😁 Mun* (Sluchaj, sluchaj, sluchaj mnie jeszcze) tämä albumi olisi paras albumi ikinä jos se olisi ainoa albumi ikinä between the bars

S'écoute bien, un bon son tranquille, deuxième album que j'écoute de lui, mais je m'attendais à être un peu plus wow overall avec la réputation du gars.

I’ve heard of Elliott Smith though never explored any of the music. I’m sure I know some of the tunes from Good Will Hunting.. Not exactly galvanising music. Pleasant enough to have in the background. It reminds me of candy floss, though – very sweet and then disappears to nothing. One hour later and I remember nothing… but it strikes me that this may be the kind of music that grows on you if you hear it a lot.

This is a gem of a record. Quiet and subtle, it begs to be listened to with full attention.

I'm calling BS. I like Elliott Smith just fine. XO is a really good album. How are TWO of his other albums on this list? I try not to go down this hole, but seriously. I could barely hear the vocals. I didn't enjoy this album. There a sweet sadness to everything he recorded, but that ain't enough to make this a must-listen. Sorry.

When I started listening to this today I wondered why I wasn't more of a fan of his when he was still alive. Most of my friends were big fans of his, but I don't know. Maybe I didn't want to get on the Elliott Smith bandwagon. So I was digging his melodies and the whole one-man-band thing, until about four or five songs in and it all started sounding the same to me, and that's when I remembered why I wasn't more of a fan. I can take him a song or two at a time, but as with so many bands/artists, a little goes a long way. But I really do enjoy him. In small doses.

Love him

Nu ner labai super bangeriu, bet visos gana nice, arciau to, ko klausausi, nesinori perjungti. Kazkas idomiau, geriau

A perfect record from the nineties. And one that aged extremely well, thanks to Smith's stellar songwriting, not to mention barebones production choices that were both unobtrusive and graceful, especially for the times. By the way, if you enjoyed this album, you must also listen to Elliott Smith's eponymous LP, it's basically a sibling to this one. And *XO* and *Figure 8* also had their moments too, that's true. But none can beat *Either/Or* when the time comes to play the perfect soundtrack for urban melancholy. Didn't I use the word *perfect* before for this review? What, only twice? Rest in peace, Elliott. Music history would have been a tiny bit more interesting than it is if you had stuck around just a little longer. Thank you for all those gems you still managed to leave us in such a short time, though. A lot of folks still cherish them, you know... Number of albums left to review: 650 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 176 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 84 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 96

Elliot Smith was the poet laureate of the quiet, pained, regret-filled epiphanies of a morning’s hangover. Even two decades after his death, he still is. This album revels - in wicked self-awareness - in its own self-destructiveness.

I really need Elliott to stop whispering. It’s a hurdle I just can’t get over and basically ruins his music for me. Still gets a 3 for songwriting.

Aburridisimo

I like this album. I'm not sure if I like the slower songs more or the faster ones, but either way the songs we're good. Honestly don't have too many thoughts about the album, good, but not too standout to me. 3.5/5 Favorite song: Ballad of Big Nothing Worst song: 2:45 AM

In Elliott Smith's best album, he offers a series of accessible power pop tunes with minimalist folk instrumentation supplementing the depressing tone and lyrics giving it a very rustic edge packed with emotional power. Vocals are reminiscent of Alex Chilton of Big Star. It's strong, coherent, and short, with plenty of standout tracks.

yooooo

Good album, Nice to listen to but also nothing too special

This was okay, kinda folk acoustic stuff, just feel that if I wanted to listen to this kind of music I likely wouldn't choose this artist or album

'Between the Bars' changed my life.

I like this. It’s depressing but good. 4/5 83/100

i listened to an elliott smith album a little while ago in my 1001 album journey and loved it. i ended up listening to this album because i liked the other one so much so this was the first album here that i had already listened to!!! it’s highs aren’t as high as figure 8 but i think it’s better overall

I’ve already listened and I’m in love 😻

This record was ok. Smith's song writing talent is unmistakable, but it's just a style that I am not super into, so I wouldn't likely listen to this again.

I've listened before, and it didn't do anything for me those times either. 2.49/5

👍🏽 B

God this man has such a heavenly voice. I feel like it's hard to evaluate other aspects of his music because I love how his voice sounds so much. The music is very simple and stripped down, and it complements his voice well. 4/5

Never done an ES deep dive, listening to a full album was great

Tried to like it but i cant 2/5

Superb album which I often overlook when playing XO on repeat. So bitter-sweet and tortured I can't even grasp what it was like inside the mind of Elliot Smith

devastating and also cute it’s amazing

sad, but cleansing.

man this guy is really sad work of art obviously. nick drake begets elliott smith begets bright eyes begets phoebe and all the masterful singer/songwriters we have today

Excellent record. Elliott Smith left far too soon.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE ALBUMS EVER LOVE IT SO MUCH

As someone who has been to Portland, OR one (1) time, I can say with certainty that Elliott's music matches up perfectly with the vibe there

Didn’t get a 5 just because it’s not 5/5 all the way through. but it’s an easy 4.49/5

Stunning

I’ve never been cool enough to ~get~ Elliott Smith

File under “all the songs sound the same” and “nothing special”.

Not bad - very mellow.

Boring. Even the one with 137M streams. Christ, I don't think I even listened to the last few songs.

Album is growing on me. Melancholy, but witty, enjoyed the 3 listens

This album stands out from an array of rock albums with some folk flare and breathy intimate vocals. Loved it.

Probably a 3.5 for this list. Good group of moody songs

Deadly dull - very disappointing. Apparently he is dearly beloved of Generation Z. They clearly haven't had the benefit of many superlative singer-songwriters (John Martyn, Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, Roy Harper, Judee Sill, Jackson Browne......)

amazing lyrically poetic songs

Oh Elliot why have I not listened to you before? Gorgeous voice and songs, very very sad.

The best ES album. XO can suck my dick

One of the greatest folk albums of all time in my opinion. Elliott Smith is hauntingly beautiful here.

This was alright until it wasn’t when it got monotonous and whiny. I wouldn’t seek the artist out. A mean 2*

Dreary.

6,5/10

Dull.

It’s fine, but I didn’t think the songwriting was as interesting as the other album I’ve heard from him. Also his voice annoyed me on quite a few tracks. I did like how some of the songs that started quiet picked up partway through and the drums came in Favorites were Pictures of Me and Say Yes

Thanks. Now I am bored and sad.

Not bad, but not great. 2.5

Hér er dæmi um tónlist sem var í bakgrunni hjá mér í gamla daga sem reynist svona líka flott þegar nánar er að gáð. Ég gæti hlustað meira.

Very nice, something I might listen to again if I am in the right mood.

I feel like I’m watching a Wes Anderson movie…

Was alright, nothing stood out, just seemed like sad boy music

Pretty bland on the whole. Favorite track: Pictures of Me

This is a very good album. I am not sure it would have made my list, but nonetheless it is very good. This is the last of the Elliott Smith home studio releases. Get past the limited production resources and there are beautiful, simple songs. The songs are dark, but in a haunting way. Post Oscar nomination gave him a major label, but not more beautiful music.

I think this is a good but not great album. Not sure why it/he is considered to be so influential. Definitely liked the update, "rockier" tracks more. My favorite is Cupid's Trick.

Fine but not particularly memorable. I can see how this influenced a lot of indie rock that came afterwards.

Kolejne pozytywne zaskoczenie z listy, tym razem w postaci ukrytego gema od pana Elliotta Smitha, Either/Or jest trzecim studyjnym krazkiem w jego dyskografii, ale nie jest to typowe studyjne granie, bo calosc byla nagrywana rzemieslniczno w roznorakich studiach, wiec prawdziwie lofikowo, dodac do tego rocznik albumu 97 i biorac pod uwage, ze jest to rokowe folkowanie jednej osoby 37 minut materialu sa prawdziwa uczta spokojnego bardzo moodowego grania, instrumentem ktory najbardziej slychac jest gitarka akustyczna, lecz zdarzaja sie takze traki opierajace sie bardziej na elektryku, do tego miejscowy basik i perkusjowe drumowanie, wszystko grane przez pana Smitha, rzecza nadajaca unikatowego charakteru temu nagraniu jest fakt, ze poszczegolne kawalki byly mixowane przez roznych producentow, wiec pomimo tego ze gra je jeden czlowiek, to jednak potrafia zaskoczyc tym jak brzmia, od strony lirycznej obok niebieskich lowe songow sporo jest tutaj autorefleksji i przemyslen mocno zyciowych, bo przeciez tytul plyty zobowiazuje, a referencje Kierkegaard przypadkowo nie chodza, nawet po zakamarkach indyjskich nagran, nie wiem czy dodawac na plejke polowe plyty, bo raczej jest to nagranie ktore warto sluchac w calosci, zwlaszcza biorac pod uwage, ze 37 minut zlecialo w mgnieniu oka, wiec calosc idzie na poleczke spotifajowa, bo jednak niezbyt czesto dostaje sie cos zupelnie nowego dla ucha, a jednoczesnie tak dobrego, trzeba bedzie sprawdzic reszte dyskografii tego pana, zwlaszcza ze byl jeszcze czescia bandy Heatmiser

Good album, I enjoyed listening to it.

Als je me naar Elliott smith ziet luisteren weet dan dat ik me depressief voel. Angeles prachtig nummer.

As with all these medium known artists I didn't hate it, but I don't see why I should particularly like it either. Nothing stand out.

Low key musically, but dense and often personal lyrically. Not enough pizazz for me.

Favorite album atm

Never heard of it

Woof. This is really a bit of a dog of an album.

The vibes are super chill. I enjoy the vibes. Though, whenever I listen to the lyrics, it sounds like people in a very crappy situation. There wasn't anything that reached out to grab my ear, but I enjoy just cruising along with the album. 6/10

I'm such an absolute sucker for slow sad stuff with acoustic guitar. It's not even funny. Sufjan Stevens vibes, but hints of angry angsty teen. I needed this today and I'm keeping it. Rose Parade is so simple and lovely and easy to bob my head to, love the three high notes that keep coming back. And I don't know how to describe it but Cupids Trick has the exact hollow frustrated sadness that I find most comforting when I'm in a bad mood, similar to Family Happiness by The Mountain Goats, but with more interesting chords.

I've wanted to listen to Elliott Smith's music for a while now, so I was excited when I got this album. I expected to like it, and I definitely did. I like the overall feeling and tone of this album. My favourite song was Between the Bars.

Elliott's vocals are gentle, pure and comforting. The perfect album to listen to when depressed. Between the bars is exceptionally good. Great, great album overall - I'd recommend to anyone!

He was pretty great. RIP

Pleasant chilled listening, I can see why his music is rated.

Pretty good. Had never heard anything by him before and it was enjoyable enough

Didn't really like his voice or the music sad face.

New to me but yeah, enjoyed it. Pretty chilled

Mystically forgettable. Like a really serious academic paper, I tried to focus on it, and my brain instantly wandered off on s shipping trip, I must but some tubs from the hardware store, and I'll grab a coffee. In the coffee shop they're probably playing Elliott Smith, but I can't be sure because it sounds so benign and when I try to listen above the coffee cups and subdued chatter my mind wanders off and I'm listening to the "greatest"albums. I wander what the next over is. What was I doing again?

My only prior knowledge of Elliott Smith was his Figure 8 album which came out a couple of years before his death. Either Or is good, but not something I'd actively listen to.

good album. respect the artist, just not my favorite genre.

There was an earlier Elliott Smith record on this list that I said wasn't what I expected of Elliott Smith. This is more what I expected, and I like it much more than I thought. It's filled with great songs, with such a raw feel to them. No matter how sparse his instrumentation, Smith manages to make them sound full. I'll be listening to this a lot.

There are artists as you go through life you do not always give your due, this is one of them for me...Rose Parade and Between Bars were both added to the playlist off this one. I didn't love the whole album but there was nothing off kilter or bad here either...solid listen throughout.

Elliott could sound sweet and lyrical or morbid and sad, love the former, less certain about the latter. Sad stuff is good if you want a good old wallow.

Depressing

I mean, I’ll be honest, its merit lies in its lyrics. That’s where the album shines.