Either Or

Not my favourite Elliot Smith album. His guitar playing is still so good

found me at the right time i guess, very much into accoustic guitar atm and wow this man knew how to play the guitar. read up on his wikipedia and apparently playing around w guitar chords was one of his fav things about making music and well, you can tell! so many beautiful progressions!

Pretty good album, chilled and melodic for sure just as Spotify describes E.S. Straight away the album gave me Eels vibes, if they had gone for a more unplugged, acoustic, sound. Fave songs: Ballad of Big Nothing; Pictures of Me; Angeles; Cupid's Tricks; and 2:45 A.M.

God I love this sad bastard. I can only imagine what he was grappling with throughout his lifetime. This album is so intimate and raw and beautiful and I love it so much

i love this album i’ve always loved this album his voice is so unique and mmhmm and the guitar shivers my timbers and yum. i hadn’t fully appreciated rose parade before. no skips.

The second best thing to come out on the day I was born

4.5 stars

Didn't realise there was an elliott smith record in the list, but I'm very pleased that there is. A tortured soul who channeled his despair. Makes me sad, but sometimes that's welcome.

Broody but I like it

I feel that I’m not at all qualified to review this album. The first and only I’ve ever heard of Elliot Smith was from a guy I know who’s been obsessed with him. And so I was certainly intrigued when his name popped up yesterday. Anyways, I have to talk about the writing for a second—this is that Bob Dylan, Kurt Cobain shit that you know is poetic godsend but can’t muster the hundreds of hours deciphering what everything means. I can tell Smith put a lot of effort into his writing, and I apologize if/when I don’t understand. I’m just not smart enough. But for what I do know, the figurative telling of addiction on Between the Bars, trauma on No Name No. 5, loneliness on Rose Parade, etc. are all lended in a mature manner that proves Smith was too wise beyond his years. And if only he had more of them. But yeah, Smiths writing is for the poets and scholars, definitely not me. I can talk about the actual music, though. You truly get a bit of everything from this genre that Smith pioneered. The first few tracks and their solemn, acoustic feel placed me next to a campfire with the fire burning bright and the friends sharing stories. I began thinking about Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus and all those other singer songwriters with a similar vibe, and then it hit me; they were all created by Smith. Not literally of course, but Elliot Smith was able to popularize this new way of music that would be replicated for decades to come. So while it doesn’t sound so original now, any artists inspired by him could tell you he was game changer. He invented this sort of simple instrumentally yet dense lyrically style of music that so many adore. Of course he had his influences. You can definitely hear the Beatles in Alameda (the harmonies that kick in later in the song are beautiful), the acoustic sound of a Kurt Cobain outtake in Speed Trials, the Radiohead (Bends) on Cupids Trick. You can tell Smith is taking the best acoustic, slow vibes he can find from all these amazing artists of the time to create something both inspired and inspiring. I really enjoy Pictures of Me, a nice track in the middle to spice things up a bit throughout the slow, melancholy. It seems more playful and mood-shifting, yet with the same deep lyricism interweaved within. All together, I do wish to learn more about Elliot Smith and his wonderful passion for poeticizing the mundane. Maybe one day when I’m deep in my sorrows from a heartbreak, I can truly enjoy this record. But alas, today is not that day. Solid 9/10.

Perfect sad bastard music. I was delighted by some of the interesting chord progressions. I can't give it 5 stars because I need to be in a certain mood that I'm not often feeling to listen all the way through, but it is truly beautiful.

pretty good. my kind of mellow 4/5

I really enjoyed this all around. I don't think I did just as much as I thought I would but it's still a 4* might grow on future listens

Album muy muy guay. Super original y relajante. Es como ASMR con una acústica en drop de fondo. Poco variado tho pero me suda toda la polla. 8.3/10—>4/10

Este album ya lo escuché cuando descubrí la app, antes d q las personas d el grupo este la descubriesen (de nada) y recuerdo q me había encantado, es muy relajante y me recuerda un poco a Álex g pero si afinase

Beautifully composed

beautiful

Typically not a fan of hushed singer songwriters, this record breaks the mold. The lyrics are brutal, chord progression fantastic, mood depressing, production a perfect reflection of reality. Elliot is a legend in this space and influenced many musician friends I grew up with and almost anyone in the indie rock or grunge genre. It’s not an everyday listen but if you’re feeling sad, plug in.

Gothic. Moody. Gilmore Girls. Charmed. Addressing. When the socket's not a shock enough - wow. Running repeated. The path - reminds me of Lorde's The Path. Melancholic. Again, we are addressing another person - You walk down Alameda. Shuffling your deck of trick cards - witty. Solitude. A constant state of suspense. Is Smith talking about himself in the second person? - For one or two minutes she liked you. Nirvana influence? Inspiration for 2000s rock bands? If you're alone it must be / you that wants to be apart - INTERESTING. Said you can do what you / want to whenever you want to - Rebellion. The parade - foreshadowing the Rose Parade? The use of the second person is prevalent. Two parties. Escapism. People you've been before / that you don't want around anymore - Identity. Drink up baby - Alcoholism, Addiction? between the bars? Is there something coming in between them? Sibilance - sinister? the coin-op TV, frozen in fear. Nothing wrong - Big nothing. Everybody's dying / just to get the disease. Guitar break - words cannot do the pain justice? So sick and tired of all / these pictures of me - Identity crisis? Got bitten fingernails / and a head full of the past - excellent. Brooding. Drifting. A sweet, sweet smile - reminds of the candy in another song. 'cause everybody's gone at last - because of the disease? Several instances of negation. Got a broken heart and / your name on my cast. Raw, vulnerable, small, hopeless. Giving Weezer. Duracell bunny simile. Cavalcade? Throwing out candy metaphor again. What is the Rose parade? Loads of repetition. References to drinking and smoking. When they clean the street / I'll be the only shit that's left behind - negative self-image. They vs. I. I think I'm gonna make / the same mistake twice. We had a song about Alameda. Now, Smith is addressing Angeles: the city or a person? Gamble, trade, cards. And sign up with evil, Angeles? And be forever with my poison arms - disease, infectious. Has he found someone on his wavelength? Or is it the city? I'm absent and numb from shock / reference to shock. Sugar lie / Lick me up, it's my lie - as the music picks up. There are several references to candy. Candy is alluring, yet it is not good for one's health, addictive. Sugar, lick me up, it's my lie. I'm going out sleepwalking / Where mute memories start talking - subconscious. A naive, unsatisfiable baby - no saving, victimisation. With hidden cracks - reminiscent of the boardwalk earlier. But I'm gonna split us back in two - inability to connect. Memory. Looking for somebody's arms to / Wave away past harms - to heal his poison arms? Fade to black - hopelessness? Storytelling. Breakup. Ballad? A happy day and then you pay - Karma.

A few songs already in my regular rotation, really enjoyed listening to the album all together.

Intimate, and surprisingly melodic. Can't believe this was my first time hearing it.

He’s got a pretty distinct sound that seems to be emulated throughout the indie artists following him 10 years later. Sad story he's got, though.

83/100. Either/Or by Elliott Smith is a beautifully produced album. It’s one of the most emotional, haunting, and bittersweet records out there. Somehow, it feels both deeply depressing and strangely uplifting at the same time.

sad lad indie banger

Very, very good!

downloaded 4,6,7,8,11,12

This album really surprised me. Really strong songwriting and pleasant guitar work throughout.

Música muy tranquila y depresiva. Muy agradable para escuchar de fondo, nos ha gustado mucho. 3,7. Canción fav. Paula: Ballad of Big Nothing Canción fav. Claudia: Speed Trials

I liked everything on here, no real complaints, just not something that I think I’ll return to. I feel like I missed the boat on this one, or just wasn’t a depressed teen when I first listened to it.

I really enjoyed this. Like many our age, I first heard Elliott Smith in the Good Will Hunting soundtrack and I liked those songs but never dug deeper into his stuff. I really like the songwriting here, it gets stuck in my head and his melodies really do something for me. Overarching emotion on this record is melancholy. Highlights were Ballad of Big Nothing, Between the Bars, and Say Yes. Made me want to play acoustic guitar in a coffeeshop. A couple songs at the end didn't grab me as strongly, but I will be returning to this record for sure. Seems like a great late-fall, early-winter record. Strong 4/5.

I like this, mellow and very alternative. my jam.

I’m not a die hard Elliott Smith fan, but this just feels like an artist who came into his own so immediately that it’s a shame he left so soon. 4.5

Definitely sad boy music, but there's nothing wrong with that. This is a well-crafted album, and despite the sadness, it felt more hopeful than other albums of its ilk. That said, sadness just isn't what I'm looking for in music the vast majority of the time, so I can't quite say this album is for me. However, it's good at what it does, and I can't do anything but respect that.

Great listen. I can see why he’s the artist’s artist

Virkelig godt album, især hvis man ikke lige er så meget til larm. Stille musik - men ikke kedelig 8/10

Album was very good I very much enjoyed it 👍 Elliot Smith is my male role model

I have mixed feelings about Elliott Smith. In a vacuum, I'm honestly not really a fan of his voice; I don't really find it enjoyable to listen to. But I'll be damned if it's not perfect for his haunting sad vibes. And that style is really what makes the album. Meaning, if anyone else is singing here, I don't think album is as good, or as highly regarded as it actually is. He brings something that just can't really be replaced. And I think that really informs my opinion on this album as a whole. There's nothing else particularly special about it. But it is very, very good at what it does, which is put you in this melancholic mood while making you feel like you're sitting alone with your thoughts, Elliott, and his guitar. It's ultimately an album that I wish I liked more but have a hard time thinking of a way that it could be better. Favorite Song(s): Between the Bars, Say Yes

Elliott Smith has always been a bit of a blindspot for me. I first heard about him long after he'd passed away, and almost immediately saw the reverence - and sense of loss - his fans hold for him. It made the prospect of listening to him daunting. What if it didn't land for me, what if he didn't live up to those lofty expectations? Listening to Either/Or I'm pleased to find that Smith's music holds up incredibly well even without that personal connection. The song writing and musicianship is self evident and I was surprised by how catchy this was in places. I can certainly see why so many people have developed such a deep connection with Smith's music.

I feel that a lot of what I think about this album is more of the same for the previous Elliott Smith album I got (Figure Eight), so I keep this brief. I think Elliott makes some nice songs. He has a melancholy style that is too depressing and the tracks are catchy as they are emotional. It’s kinda sad I’ve never even heard of him before this project. Lord knows where he would have went as time went on. Favorite track: Pictures of Me Other hits: Ballad of Big Nothing, Between the Bars, Punch and Judy, Say Yes, 2:45 AM, No Name No. 5

Never heard anything by Elliott Smith before. Cool sounds and from what I got great lyrics. This is one I want to revisit and digest better down the road.

Punch and Judy was in the depths of my Spotify and I'm glad it's been resurrected. Elliott Smith has a special place in my heart.

A- Speed Trials 4 Alameda 5 Ballad of Big Nothing 4 Between the Bars 5 Pictures of Me 4 No Name No. 5 5 Rose Parade 3 Punch and Judy 4 Angeles 3 Cupids Trick 4 2:45 Am 3 Say Yes 4 A great album. Good intro to Elliott Smith. He builds off this incredibly well with XO and Figure 8

I was familiar with a few of the songs here. I like Smith's great, minimal, songwriting. Liked Songs Added: Ballad Of Big Nothing Between The Bars 2:45 a.m.

I had heard of Elliott Smith before but I hadn't really listened to his music before and I'm so glad I listened to this album. It has a calm and nostalgic vibe and that's exactly the kind of music I love listening to. It kinda reminds me of Alex G un some ways. And I'm definitely going to listen to this album more. The only thing I didn't like that much is that all of the songs in this album sound too similar, but I guess that is relaxing in a way.

Sad but classy.

I may cry to this album one day Come back to me in 2 years and it may be a 5

Pretty good album

I liked the rock-tinged songs best. However, the whispers voice gets grating after a while. If only 3.5 stars existed.

This felt like the music that would play in a movie when the main character is coming to terms with a new sad reality, carrying on with day to day life after a breakup or a death. Lyrics were interesting and well written. Overall it was good but felt a little too slow for me to really get into. 7/10

I almost gave this a 5. It doesn't quite reach the level of greatness I have reserved for 5s in the past, but I absolutely loved this album. Great for a Monday morning...

"Ballad of Big Nothing" sounds a LOT like a Phoebe Bridgers. I'm guessing she really likes Elliot. This is a great song. "Between the Bars" is a familiar song. It's all quite depressing, but it is really nice to listen to. It's obvious that Elliot was a strong influence on a lot of sad girls and sad boys in the 2010s and 2020s. I really enjoyed this album. Phoebe Bridgers is apparently quite open about Elliot being her favorite artist of all time, so it makes sense that they sound so similar. 8/10

Great.

Sweet, ethereal and melancholy. I really like this album. It reminded me of Beck, a lot. Another that will join the rotation.

now that i've listened and really enjoyed it to this i can officially call myself annoying without looking like a poser

Very unique vocal sound, and seems to change it up a bit from song to song. A bit of early indie/folk singer-songwriter style popular in the 2000s like Ben Folds. Very calming music, great for a rainy day. A bit on the "emo" side from a vibe-standpoint. Well done album, but no real "hits" on here. Great to have on in the background and vibe to.

Beautiful album that I hadn't heard before. I knew Elliot Smith had a wonderful voice but wondered if a full album of his breathy vocals and mellow guitar arrangements would be too much, but this was a great find with a consistent, interesting sound.

Very enjoyable

It’s like the Escher Demos - stripped down to the basics. A melody and a beat and a lyrical idea. I hope to discover what more there is of him.

Beautiful album. Not my fave from Elliott, though.

It’s a classic of its time. Bit moody and depressing in tone but there’s a complexity to the songs (form and structure) and he’s pretty accomplished on the ol’ guitar. Having gone back to this album (as part of this group) Between the Bars is still my fave (with Angeles a close second) which is a bit boring / predictable of me…

This was even better than I thought. Every song I heard his influence on someone.

Nicee

I actually really enjoyed this album. I had already heard some Elliott Smith before, and I knew that his music is similar to music I enjoy, but I’d never listened to a full album of his. And I’ve gotta say, I really liked it! This was a good album, with a bunch of nice, sadder songs. The music, and the instrumentals; amazing. Good work Elliott Smith, you put together a nice record.

WAY BETTER than i anticipated... Never gave this album a chance, now i love it. Tragic story...

How refreshing! An album by an artist I was unaware of that is really very good. I have played it 3 times already today and I will have to check out his other stuff. Shame he died so young and so tragically. This is the best album to come up in quite some time.

I had his album a long time ago but only recognize the hits. I like most songs, it reminds me of a time when I listened to Eels, Radiohead etc. Nostalgia.

enjoyed it a lot more than i did on my first listen

Elliot Smith might be the original sad indie dude. Inspiring countless generations of singer songwriters to tap into their emotional side. When I saw this album pop up I was a little hesitant to dig in- it was a bright sunny day and I didn't feel like going down the sad road. I found time later in the day and have to say it was much more well rounded than I anticipated. Could be the American Nick Drake of the 1990's. Yes it is tad sad, but sad isn't bad.

Great songs, great voice, great guitar. An earlier Elliot Smith offering, all the elements are in place, a wonderful gift, strong songs, one for the collection though I think figure 8 a stronger album.

The first time I ever listened to Either/Or, it was the summer of 2005. I was walking through downtown Vancouver with my head down, feeling a bit depressed on account of the music. Suddenly, just beside me, a car leaned on its horn. I looked up to see that a car had been pulling out of a parking space just as a cyclist was coming up the street, and the car had nearly sideswiped the cyclist. The cyclist was a tall guy with a Chicago Blackhawks jersey tied around his waist, and he turned his head and waved to acknowledge the car. I saw the man's face — it was John Cusack.

Great set of well composed songs by a great artist, will keep it on repeat, to absorb everything it has.

Either I'm a singer Or I'm a songwriter

Achingly beautiful

Average

Vulnerable. Feels like some minimal Jeff Buckley, if that makes sense. A surprising, pleasant find.

A poignant album given what happened to Elliott Smith and the melancholic nature of it feels sincere. Another one of those albums where downbeat songs can still hook you in if done right. A nice listen and another of those artists and albums I’d never have known about without this list.

Intimate, catchy, vulnerable, chilled, stripped back; are some words I have randomly used to rather generically describe this album as I can’t think of anything better to say. There are of course many other words in the world which others may use at their will (and in hindsight I would have). Anyway, that’s actually just a really cool album (and better than ‘Figure 8’ we had previously in here). Will be revisiting this one for sure, feels like a possible 5* grower.

9/10

The Beatles influence is apparent here in melodies and sensibilities in song structure. I’m impressed by what smith can pull off with so little. It feels intimate and yet big and bursting through the minimalist seams. Fav tracks were big nothing, pictures of me, and say yes.

Took a few listens, but I really enjoyed this album. I wish there were a bit more variety, but the acoustic textures were nice.

Amazing album. Sad and dark and fragile and beautiful

Could listen to this whispery man all day. Glad to have another album from him

It's a high 3. I think it's good, it's just not hitting with the current weather and mood. If I was to listen again in the autumn on a rainy day it might make it to a 5.

Very good! Pretty beatles-esque. Listened to it twice.

Very soft, I’d go back to it again. Seems deep and has a lot to offer

No matter how much you turn this album up it is still a whisper from a kid just trying to feel things. I suspect he was kind of adored to death after that Oscars performance, so this sweet document from right before is all the more precious.

I'd have liked to listen to my CD copy of Either/Or, but the drawer won't open on my player. Which has led me to wonder whether I should either part with my sizable collection of CDs, which I rarely listen to anymore, fix my CD player or buy a replacement on eBay. Anyway, this is a wonderful album of quietude, incense, candlelight and dark nights. Its mood and outlook — and indeed, Smith's tragic life story — feel decidedly Gen X. Smith was a real talent, gone too soon.

If Major Depressive Disorder were a music genre. This would be it. And, well, maybe that is Elliot's genre. A lot of great art comes from really troubled minds. A moody, meandering overcast vibe of an album with brief moments of cloud breaks of power pop. I struggle to make it through an entire Elliot Smith album the say way I struggle to make it through a Leonard Cohen album. It's great art. Just very heavy art. It weighs you down. Perhaps the sign of a great artist.

I think the mixing is a bit rough but the songwriting was gooood 3.5?

Not as self indulgent as some of his other albums, more vulnerable and raw

4.3 - I've always stayed away from elliott smith, but enjoyed the bits I've heard. I did enjoy this album, but it feels very contained in his style and so doesnt vary much. What he does well is great, but this album doesn't get to the depressing heights of say Damien Rice

soft vocals and acoustics, reminds me of early dashboard confessionals. I would call Elliott Smith the 90s pioneer of emo.

Good album. Will Recommend

Kaunis ja herkkä levy. Oli itse asiassa mulla jo aiemmin, ennen ryhmän perustamista tänne, mutta mielipide on muuttunut myötämielisemmäksi. 4/5

Pleasantly downbeat soft guitar.

I can't believe I've never listened to Elliott Smith! I can see how he inspired so many others. I'm into the soft-spoken voice and '90s vibe.

A man outside of time. There's some Beatles (without being Beatlesque), Big Star(ish), folky but definitely not folk. Well produced lo-fi. Not sure he deserved the top of the mountain critical praise he received before (and after) his premature passing. but the man could write a song and multitrack the vocals to bring it on home. For better or worse - their is a generation of boys with acoustics guitars and feelings that were set free by this album.

Apple Music sums it up well: bleak but beautiful.

This one really grew on me. Favorite track Rise Parade

Смит напомнил мне некоторых моих знакомых. Музыка очень интересная.

Awesome vibe

Top ten study album of all time????

8/10 I think this is the first ES I’ve heard. It was good. I see how this would be highly influential - heartfelt, simple songs that resonate. Musically quite basic indie folk singer songwriter stuff, so can’t hit the full 5 for me Loved the drums, really excellent Best: Pictures of Me

Un clásico maldito. Muerte prematura, suicidio (este declarado muerte en circunstancias extrañas), existencia (auto)torturada, adicciones, huida del estrellato (logrado a su pesar)... la historia no por conocida deja de tener éxito: Nick Drake es su perfecto ejemplo (con éxito solo póstumo). A Elliot le conocimos a partir de su inclusión en algunas de las mejores películas de los 90 (Mi Idaho Privado, con River Phoenix y sobre todo con El Indomable Will Hunting). Cuanto peor le iba en la vida, más éxito tenía, hasta que se acabó todo y comenzó la leyenda. Más o menos como Jeff Buckley (o Tim) pero con mayor producción (aunque Grace es superior en calidad e influencia), o Kurt Covain. Sorprende que por esas fechas las chicas fueron las que más cuerdas estaban: Bjork, PJ Harvey o Laurynn Hill. Este es su disco más reconocido, como XO o Figure 8, y contiene temas exquisitos como Rose Parade, Alameda, o las conocidas Between the bars, Angeles y Say Yes. En una época en la que los Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy y demás se dedicaban a quemar las emisoras es lógico que el bueno de Elliot no encajara ni quisiera saber nada del asunto. Al menos Sufjan Stevens sigue vivo-

suprisingly heartfelt and dark record. The stripped down quality and overall rawness of the album gave it a less is more appeal: the emphasis on what matters was great. Overall very suprised by this one, I liked it a lot. Favorite track: Ballad of big nothing. Overall score: 8.1/10

Siper

better than expected

Sad and haunting. But you know, in a good way.

Sad? check Pretty? Subjective Girl? No. Boy? Yes. Expectations? High Brief? Smile, Crossing? Your face Ok ill stop I wanna hear all of this in the car. i dont think the speaker gave it justice. Although i like the songs. Maybe a depressing that i add them to the liked songs. especially that i want to make a new list of the songs that i wanna hear again and probably removing the old songs that i used to listen to. The lyrics have their own weight. Almost teared up listening to Alameda I actually added Say yes to the liked songs.

Very comfy, and the voice is so smooth. I read the guy died at 34, so maybe that contributed to the popularity upswing as well.

Melancholy but beautiful. Folk mixed with 90s indie. I dig it. Sad story

Great dongs

Nice

🚶🏻

3.5 Stars - deserves additional listens

Overall a very sad album, especially Between the Bars, No Name No. 5, 2:45 AM, and Say Yes. I didn't know he had ties to Portland until listening to Rose Parade, so that was a cool connection to make, even if the song isn't really about the parade (it's about self-congratulatory events like the Oscars).

Was ok, a little bit down, prefer the upbeat tempo.

Great listen, songs full of sorrow…enough to depress anyone

Nice

A solid album with a few standout tracks, Either Or showcases Elliott Smith’s signature intimate songwriting and melancholy vibe. While the music is well-crafted, his soft, high-pitched vocals can wear on you after a while. Still, it’s an emotionally rich listen that highlights his talent, even if it’s not something I’d have on repeat.

8/10 I've been meaning to listen to this album in full for ever. The singles I already knew remain the high points; Between the Bars is as heartachingly beautiful as ever, the driving rhythm of Angeles makes for a compelling listen, and Say Yes is a fantastic closer. Of the songs I hadn't heard before, Alameda and the Ballad of Big Nothing stood out. A tricky album to score because the high points are so high, but I felt the quality lulled a little in the middle. Listens: 3

Fantastic album.

Elliott Smith was the precursor to all the confessional male singer-songwriter types of the late 90's and 00's. Think Bright Eyes, or Sufjan Stevens (in acoustic mode), and you get the idea. Smith, however, has a purity unlike any other, also his music is incredibly sad. Initially I didn't think much of his music anytime I came across it, but one day I listened to this very album more closely and really connected with it. Relevant to say, I was going through it at the time... Key tracks: Alameda Ballad of Big Nothing Between the Bars No Name No. 5

Debated on giving this a three or four because it’s a true 3.5 for me but I feel 3 is too low considering this album had some really good songs, and I don’t really like any other Elliott Smith too much so it was a surprise

I liked this album. I was really interested in the use of multi-tracked vocals, which aren’t super common in acoustic music like this. Favorite Track: Between the Bars

Love his voice and displays of vulnerability. STAND OUTS: Ballad Of Big Nothing Between The Bars - SO good Pictures Of Me Angeles Say Yes

Fantastic voice, fantastic album

Exceptional songwriter

some decent sounding stuff on here

I was being yelled out by Elon Musk. He was wearing old lady clothes that were all green. I tried to retort but couldn't breathe

OHHHHHHH oomf LOVES this album. she is that type of person who loves elliott, lana, leonard and all those depressive stuff. and now i know why she would call his music "the best soundtrack for self-loathing". 4/5.

Smith was a talented songwriter, though his style could be rather dark, yet at the same time a rather stripped back alternative/folk style. A good introduction to the artist setting the style that would follow him through his short career. 4/5

Elliott tried to join Houmous & Chutney back in ‘74. He just kept turning up everywhere. Studios, venues, even at Lens house. We kept having to say ‘Elliott! It’s Houmous & Chutney, not Houmous, Chutney & Smith! That sounds like a solicitors, not a groundbreaking musical duo’ 3.6

Decent

in turns bouncy and dark - more influenced by Big Star than some of his other albums. refreshingly concise - 37 minutes is an excellent length for an album if every song is as good as these are.

I really like Smith's brand of indie folk/rock and this one isn't a classic for nothing!

I’ve seen this album cover for years, but about six months ago, I finally listened to it, and all I could think was, why did I overlook this for so long? It’s great. The vocals are raw, personal, and stripped down, mostly dealing with loneliness, isolation, and personal struggles. While there are some electric guitars, the album is mostly driven by fingerpicked riffs, with lo-fi production that gives it an unpolished, intimate feel.

3.5 Stars - deserves multiple listens

Got to admit not aware of Elliott, other than he has the cover infront of the famous graffiti. Must have heard the songs on Goodwill hunting. It’s a delicate, sad sounding record, not really the thing for my commute to work today, but there are some nice melody there. Didn't know any background on that 1st listen, but obviously not party ground central. I like it and will listen again definitely but when more appropriate. Reading around since it now places context, good record, not 250 rolling stones all time good or whatever those muppets said - why does anyone give them any relevance, there is always the boost from the misfortune of a tragic story. 4 Star for the music outside any post hearing context

Never heard of this dude til now, Honestly goes pretty hard. Feels very modern.

This is actually excellent

good sad album

Devastating. Heart wrenching. Beautiful.

I've been hooked on the follow up to this album, XO, quite a bit recently, but I haven't given Either Or a full shot. It didn't blow me away like XO, but it's genuinely incredible still. Just kinda wish XO also got on the list but I'm not mad...

Speed Trials Ballad of Big Nothing Between the Bars Angeles Say Yes

Angeles No name no 5 Cupids trick Between the bars Punch and Judy. All bangers

Lovably low-fi and undoubtedly authentic, if not quite heartbreaking. One likes the vibe and mood, understated and restrained, but also sense some slightness. One was only half-in in all the hype back in the day, and feel only somewhat more invested now, pathos from his utlimate outcome notwithstanding. Really listenable, however, for all the delicacy and poignance. The sincere whisper vocal style never gets precious, which might be the record's saving gravce. A a few top-shelf songs: "Alameda," "Ballad of Big Nothing," "Pictures of Me," "Rose Parade" and "2:45 a.m."

Great modern era folk album. Need to dig more into the catalog.

this album brilliantly captured meloncholy and introspection and was huge for my teenage self. 3.5 rounded up

Listening to this, it was very clearly the progenitor for a bunch of mid-2000s sad-boy indie.

Decent album. It was very nice to listen to.

This was also very good. One of the best singer songwriter albums on the list so far.

Love Elliot Smith. Top tier sad guy music. Reminds me of college.

There are so many emotions in this record there are moments that feel filled with hope and joy sandwiched with songs of intense pain and struggle Favourite songs: Between the Bars and 2:45am Alameda lyric: “Nobody broke your heart you broke your own because you can’t finish what you start”

Really intriguing sound - feels simultaneously like it was recorded by many people, but also one entirely by themselves. Great desert vibes, or maybe more like the badlands in a sort of Stroszek way. Sad, but not mawkish, when it gets emotional - Nick Drake, filtered through Kyuss and gas stop cigarettes. Favourite tracks: Ballad of Big Nothing, No Name No.5, Punch and Judy, Cupids Trick, 2:45am

Amerikanischer Singer-Songwriter. Sehr jung gestorben

Very pleasant. Never really loved Elliot smith but this one hit. Kind of a mix between death cab and bright eyes

Beautiful album.

Really enjoyed this one. Feels like it has the potential to grow on me even more with repeated listens.

A really good album that I feel could have been better. The songs range from really catchy and fun, to almost awkward and unfinished. Everything feels about 30 seconds too short, which really hurts the songs that lean into more unconventional chord progressions that never end up resolving. But overall a nice unplugged listen that has a lot of good going on. Top tracks: Between The Bars, No Name No. 5, Angeles

Depression

Really good, not perfect, but really good.

Beautiful, intimate, touching. This soundtracks my life right now. Wish it wasn't so, but here we are. I'd still listen to it anyway

A very pleasant listen

It's a belting album that I've not listened to for a time. I can't listen and not think of Good Will Hunting, and thats a good thing.

Elliot Smith is the embodiment of a tortured artist. The music isn't really anything special, lots of the same soft guitar strumming covers this entire album. But he has a way with lyrics and every song is elevated because of it. Between the Bars is the best song here for me, but I also liked Alameda. It has a pretty cool riff.

This album made me feel things. Each of the songs is beautiful. Would listen to again consistently.

Great from start to finish Standout songs: Speed Trials Pictures of Me 245am Say Yes

7/10. It's a really mellow album. It's a depressing listen, but nevertheless, it is a really great album.

A little sleepy for me but better than I'd always anticipated. 3.5/5

Man, 4 stars is doing a lot of work in the scoring process, covering a range from better-than-good to almost-great to recognisably-great-but-not-my-thing. Anyway, somewhere in that territory are both Either Or and XO.

bangers prob more a 3.75 pretty good

enjoyed the first half much more loved ballad of big nothing, pictures of me, no name no. 5, and say yes

I had never heard of Elliot Smith, and after the first song on this album, I didn’t think I would care much for it. But as it went on, I found it really grew on me and I ended up liking it a lot. I will definitely will listen to this one again. Four stars.

вайбовенький, лёгкий, меланхоличный

An original. Ultimately, it always makes me a little sad. The music is sad and interesting and pretty. But an unhappy ending for a man that wrote love letters to Portland.

Interesting one. I think he'll join the list of artists I will sometimes listen to in the future. He sounds to me like a combination of several very different artists, both before and after him.

Rlly love his voice, some songs were mellow and soothing, others more intense.overall an amazing experience.

I love the melancholic atmosphere he created, really boosted by his vocals, which are definitely the best part of the album Some tracks are really good such as Speed Trials, Alameda and Angeles, but the bad songs are quite the drop off compared to the rest. Albeit there aren't many, they drag the rating from a possible 5 to a mid 4 Still a great listen, definitely deserves a revisit

нормалек, одну песню добавил. меланхолично... напомнило Джеффа Бакли...

People who are fans of Nick Drake - will love Elliott Smith......a grand album

Rip

eerie and venerable vocal performance and lyrics, a great listen fav tracks: speed trials, alameda, ballad of big nothing, say yes least fav tracks:No name no. 5

“Say yes” seems both out of place and right where it should be tonally when taken within context of this album.

Moody indie singer songwriter. Cohesive album.

first listen an earnest endeavor

This album is an important one for me. My cousin, Charlie, introduced me to Elliot Smith as he would play lots of his stuff on guitar. RIP to two great guitar players. I think this is an effective album. The gentle and almost plaintive guitar chords alongside Smith's double-tracked vocals create this subtle atmosphere of melancholy, even in the record's more explicit or dynamic songs. The thing that makes this album for me, though, is the synergy between the acoustic guitar and Smith's voice; they are so complimentary in their quotidian simplicity, and they both manage to evoke such a particular breed of somber. Fave tracks: Between the Bars/Angeles/Rose Parade Least fave: Alameda/Ballad of Big Nothing

Very easy goiing and complete. Altough there's a certain sad flowing trough. Ended up listening to all his music for the rest of the evening.

Nice stuff

Have struggled to get into Elliott Smith. But this album drew me in a few different times.

Will Hunting jams.

Angenehm zu hören. Entspannter Rock/Pop 4/5

Maybe a 3

sad boi

Beautiful songs with just enough variety. I could listen to Say Yes a thousands times and not tire of it.

mondays, am I right? han bis jetzt immer nur elliot smith glost wenn mir öpper s‘herzli broche hed, also hani bim erste durchlauf liechti flashbacks gha bim zweite mal lose hani denn aber gmerkt, dass mer sich das durchus au ohni heartbreak oder ohni das öpper gstorbe isch chan gäh... es hitted aber scho chli weniger so trotzdem 4 träne uf de heissi stei

it’s kinda crazy to me that i’ve never listened to a whole elliott smith album…i’ve picked up so many songs here and there but i managed to bypass him almost entirely as a teenager (which seems like a minor miracle). in fact his voice is most solidly associated with that one heartwrenching scene in the royal tenenbaums where “needle in the hay” plays in the background, to the point that hearing his non-heatmiser pushed-through-a-sieve vocals instantly transports me into that emotional space: anxious and hollow, overwhelmed with despair…i almost wish i didn’t have that association because it makes him really difficult to listen to outside of that context. blah. where was i…well it’s just sad and brilliant for the most part even the overplayed bits. fav tracks: speed trials; rose parade; angeles

Really really beautiful. It was so short though! I could’ve had more of this, which I never say. It’s definitely interesting to hear what is the inspiration for so much indie rock/folk from my lifetime, because it’s not a genre I typically like but I really like this version of it. Fav tracks: Speed Trials, Alameda, 2:45 AM

4/5

sweet and soothing, never listened to him before. what a knowledge gap!

I’ve listened to this album at least 3 times in my life and it’s never truly been as good as people make it out to be. I wish I understood what other people saw

Enjoyed this a lot. There's such a vibrant spectrum of feelings going on in this album, and I absolutely adore Smith's voice on all of this. It's at once intimate and small, while huge and cacophonous. A few new favourites on this, and I can only imagine coming to love this more over time. Best Track: Ballad of Big Nothing Worst Track: Alameda

Sad and beautiful. 4.5 stars.

Nice

I love the drums on this album. I think about the drums on Speed Trials all the time. I think about the shuffle in the drums and guitar part on Alameda all the time. Rose Parade makes me think of events in little towns where most everyone knows each other and I like that a lot. It rocks when the bass part comes in on the very whiny 2:45AM. I don't like Between the Bars (guitar part sounds nice though) or Say Yes and always skip them. When I was a teen I found a ton of Elliott Smith demos, live recordings, and guitar tabs on the internet from Either/Or as I was learning to play. Being able to grab a different version to try to figure out a part was very cool. Thank you Elliott Smith for doing a bunch of cool guitar stuff that was captivating for a teen. Thank you obsessive fans for an excellent learning experience. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)

It takes a special kind of talent to be a sad folk 90s acoustic guitar guy and make multiple records that stand out and hold up.

Ik kende deze gast alleen van zijn 'Waltz 2 (XO)' die onlangs herondekte. Hier nog meer prettig kalme indiepop. Klinkt alsof hij dit lekker op z'n zolderkamertje bij elkaar heeft gemummeld, met een paar vrienden erbij. Fijn, ik mis de echte uitschieter, maar ook deze laat zich zonder problemen meermalen draaien.

I rather liked this album with its melancholy sound and vibe. He had a soothing voice.

I dont know if it was the rainy atmosphere or just being so close to Thanksgiving (aka fall city) but I loved this album. It was nice and slow Elliot Smith had a smooth and chill voice. Overall I really dug it.

yeah, ive already done this one. i need to loop back to R.E.M. and depeche mode this weekend. this is a great record, i just always have a hard time listening to elliott smith cause of how easily his music conjures my internal depressive qualities. if there’s any of his albums that draw parallels to nick drake’s music, it’s certainly this one. highlights include alameda, between the bars, pictures of me, rose parade, say yes

Good stuff, have always enjoyed Elliott Smith, so it was nice revisiting an album I have not listened to in forever. Well written songs, feel simple & somber.

Really enjoyed this. Somewhat mellow and very early 2000s, but it's also quite comforting to listen to. Reminded me a lot of Dinosaur Jr and Death Cab.

Vibey

Ugh. Elliott Smith. Unbelievable that he died of being stabbed twice in the chest. Like it feels bad to be so impressed at the overall effect of this information, considering the emotional tone of his work. I'm from Portland, OR, and folks often picture the weather as perpetually rainy, overcast, bleak, a hot spot for seasonal affective disorder. Whether it's all ironic or just perfectly poetic, the gestalt is powerful. Heavy. Beautifully sad.

soothing, calm and linear

Not really for me. Feels very "of it's time" lo fi, indi rock. Not really my thing. But if you where in the mood for it, this album is good.

Really loved it, such a chill album with some really beautiful songwriting. Will definitely revisit this. My faves were “Say Yes”, “Between the Bars” and “Pictures of Me”.

I really enjoyed this! Chill, introspective. I want to listen to this in Colorado, on a warm summer evening, while watching the mountains. Great songs: Between the Bars

This album was good. The music was good, with the lyrics going well. The lyrics had meaning that makes the song better. Overall I would recommend this album

have you ever heard the a song and wanted to hear it again thats how I felt about this album in between the bars is good because I like the voice of the singer because it sounds peaceful and the instruments just add to it making the music feel more peaceful I think this album is good and i would recommend listening to it

I don't know about you, but I like this album! Elliott Smith has a good range and I like the slow, yet upbeat music he writes. I like the guitar in the background. I love the acoustics in the song. I hope you get this album and enjoy it as much as I do! I highly recommend this album!

the songs seem soft. the lyrics are quiet and so are the instrumentals but it does work out great. I recommend this album to most people 6.9/10

Solid chill music

Soothing.

Perhaps the pinnacle of words-writing over song-writing.

4.5/5

Incredibly well put together album

Really enjoyed this one.

Another incredible entry from one of the most incredible singer songwriters

Great, took me back

Surprised I have not heard of this artist before. Found his voice and the beautifully sad feel of the tracks to be quite soothing. Will definitely be checking out other albums and listening to this one again.

Moody 90s indie. I enjoyed it. Teenage me would have loved it.

After a couple of listens, I've started to understand the sentiment encompassing the album. It's depressingly poetic but still gorgeous. The sonics on this were great combined with gloomy vocals from Elliott. A masterful inspective piece of art. Top 3 Fav: Alameda, Between the Bars, and Say Yes Top 3 Worst: no bad songs 4/5

4.0

I will definitely come back to this. It should probably be a 5, but I couldn’t relisten yesterday to confirm.

Muy bueno

mood

Really soothing and nice

Oh that was nice! I think I heard Alameda before, I liked that song. Good vibes and chill

Very enjoyable folk music with haunting vocals and everything played by Elliott himself. Already one of the better folk-related albums I’ve heard. Highlights: “Speed Trials”, “Alameda”, “Ballad of Big Nothing”, “No Name No. 5”, “Rose Parade” & “Cupid’s Trick”. 4 stars.

3.5

Elliott Smith - Either/OR (9.7) ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

I should have liked this even better than I do, but a solid album, even if I struggle to really remember the songs afterwards. 4 stars

Nice, easy, soothing, classic 90s listen. Everything feels quite pared down and intimate and Elliott’s whimpery, eggy vocals tend to blend in softly and superbly with the extra-delicate folk. There are light strains of Beatlesesque and S+G melodies and harmonies and also some spikes of spikey angsty angst rock to mix it up. So a by and large mellow record with a razors edge at times. Between The Bars easy standout quality wise early on and then a strong sequence of tracks towards the end. Either a mid 4 or a high 4.

Still hits as hard as when I cried to it in high school what can I say a certified hood classic

High fours, probably his high water mark. Gone way too soon.

I’d not heard Ellitott Smith before and while I still don’t get the hype, it’s not bad and definitely merits another listen or four

Great album, I’ve never listened to anything by Elliott smith before and I regret it. I really liked the ballad of big nothing and cupids trick

This album is very easy background listening. The lyrics fade out if you aren't paying attention, and the guitar fills that space. There's a few songs that really speak to me, and the lyrics can get dark at time, but I really enjoy this album. Worth getting the CD to play in the background of the house. Favs: Speed Trial, Between The Bars, Rose Parade. Maybe: Pictures of Me

I grew up not really listening to Elliott Smith and only really hearing of him from friends sometimes. I started to listen to him 2 summers ago though in 2022, after visiting Seattle and being told that I HAVE to listen. Glad they did, as I feel like his music really resonates with me. His voice is a little too soft and vulnerable for me to immediately like and that's probably why I never got into him when I was younger. I grew up loving big booming rock voices like Chris Cornell and Scott Weiland, but now that I'm older I actually love these more soft & breathy vocal styles. The production is right up my alley. It's got this rough-around-the-edges vibe, and is just clean and compressed enough that you can hear every instrument and voice, but they also aren't processed like some super pop factory track. It's a beautiful album.

I liked this. Very mellow, indie folk.

Really love Angeles and always have so slightly biased. I thought the album was a really nice listen with some good lyricism. Besides some of the guitar patterns not a lot stood out to me musically, but overall enjoyed the album despite not being anything special. Probably like 3.5/5, but I’ll round up for Angeles

This is the exact style of album I would have on repeat while I was in high school, in a complementary way. The softness of the overall sound blends incredibly with the acoustic instrementals, and it has a great mix of low and high energy tracks to keep you entertained. I love how personal and sincere this is. Favorites were Between the Bars, Rose Parade, Pictures of Me, and Say Yes

melanchonic, chill, would be good to listen in the rain

This feels like the album that I should rake through the mud for not being daring enough or lacking any distinctive features that could distinguish it from others of a similar genre However I found myself constantly being drawn to the slow pace of the guitar and vocals, making it seem effortlessly impressive and immediately enjoyable Would definitely listen again

Sounds like other Elliot Smith albums.

Very nice singer-songwriter stuff here. Solid lyrics, great background listen.

aw man i LOVE sad music 8/10

7/10

This one escaped me until today, and a fine album it is too. Carefully crafted, personal songs from the tragic Mr Smith, who promised much, but flew too near to the sun. His songs have a melodic simplicity, purity and honesty that recall the folk-pop classics of the 60's and 70's

Gus van Sant had a good taste to use songs for his movie Good will hunting.

First time listening to Elliott Smith, and I’m impressed but I think that it’s the sort of thing I’d have appreciated more if I’d listened to it at a more formative age. Also, and this is besides the point, I had to listen to it twice because I was listening to it on an Alexa, and my Dad found a way of connecting to it and blasting I’m In The Mood For Dancing instead

Incredibly solid. One of the best singer songwriters of his time. Melodies are a bit samey, but still a fantastic record

I like this one a lot more than 'Figure 8'. The music is mostly melancholy and the lyrics sad, but there are also songs which are very catchy and, if you discard the lyrics, don't sound sad at all. I remembered several melodies very well after the first listen (I listened twice)—this guy could very well be a hitmaker if he wanted, with the way he writes hooks. Nick Drake is still my go-to when it comes to this type of slower, stripped-down, melancholy music, but this guy is quickly becoming the close second. And I've only listened to two of his albums so far! 4 stars

very nice

Decent 8 Been spinning this record a lot this week and this was somehow my generated album for today. Funny coincidence. Anyways, Say Yes is such a good track and closer that it makes me wanna play the album again, just wanting for more.

Strong beginning, then it becomes boring (a bit worse beatles)

I liked this one a lot more than the other album by Elliott Smith (Figure 8) I listened to a wee while ago. Rating: 4

This is acoustic emo at its best, IMO so far.

Great relisten, always get enamored by his story every couple years

-I love his voice and the guitar combination… was a great album to listen to while wistfully lying in bed in the dark and making myself increasingly sad and angry -Favorites are Speed Trials, Alameda, Between The Bars, and Angeles

Ok depression I really liked this, very beautiful Favs: Say yes, between the bars, pictures of me, Angeles

Just as depressing as I thought I remembered. It’s great songwriting but unfortunately tainted with memories of a time when too many were taken by fucking heroin and too many more flirted with disaster. Great, but hard to hear again after so long.

Alameda. (SIGH)

Not bad.

I can see why this made the saddest albums list (but I really liked it!). Say Yes was my favorite track.

Decent tunes

Great Elliott Smith

Rated July 29th 2024 Nothing much to say. I just really like it.

In the last four albums I've gotten two Elliott Smith albums and a Cure album...I think this website is trying to get me to kill myself. This album is more like what I think of when I think of Elliott Smith, much more melancholy sound. Some of his song's have a throwback sound, like a 60s pop thing. This is like better REM. 2:45 a.m. is great, I've never heard it before. Then Say Yes, the album gets better as it goes on and closes really strong, maybe more pop as it went on?

This one hit me really well when I threw it on late at night. Sometimes this whisper-sing style isn't for me bit Smith is a master. The variation in style and masterful lyrics and playing make this a great artifact of the time and culture. I'll be back for more, missed out on him in life but, at certain times, this is the music I want to hear.

Sad boy sadness. There is a lot of depth to this album, strong composition of instruments with sparse riffs and thoughtful beats. The lyrics are of course melancholic and controlled, but not restrained. Some of these songs really strike a chord and speak to the emotions. Overall, this is a very strong, emotional piece that inspired some introspective acts to follow

It's kind of daunting to tackle such a seminal Indie Folk release - an album by a troubled artist that continues to resonate with so many. Elliott Smith stood as one of the (whisper) indie folk giants before his passing, ultimately influencing many artists to come (The likes of Sufjan's newer albums draw many parallels from Elliott's minimalistic style I feel). While it is undoubtedly melancholic, there is something so sour about the melodies and instrumentation here - they're not quite as comforting (to me) as I feel like they may be intended to be. They're very grainy, and not very vivid nor tactile but they still work damn near perfectly in creating this cold atmosphere Smith sets out to capture. Elliott's writing is really why I stick around here as he grapples with many issues. Many songs are inspired by a recently ended relationship as seen in the song 'Say Yes' but also the self-blaming of a song like 'Alameda'. The melancholic and dissonant masterpiece for me here is 'Ballad of Big Nothing' - a song about meaningless freedom sung over the most upbeat instrumentation here. The level of self-loathing sarcasm Elliott presents in this song is also subtly reflected throughout the majority of the tracklist here, like on the song 'Rose Parade' While I may not adore this thing as much as many people do after only a couple of listens, given the sheer amount of artists who have copied this style of writing and performing since 1997, 'Either/Or' works perfectly in standing its ground so many years later - still feeling wholly unique. It's an album so full of life, yet so empty at the same time.

changed my myspace profile song to "say yes" when Jen and I started dating.

I recall hearing about Elliot Smith and I see why this artist was recommended. It's a little more down tempo and chill than I normally go and that's fun. Smith's vocals really gel with the music, unlike some other albums on the list. What amazes me the most is how comfortable I feel listening to the album with zero prior knowledge. Some albums or artists require interpretation and research and context, and this is just good music. I'm sure that this music would benefit from interpretation and alla that, but it's very pleasant at a surface level. The music blended together after a while, and not in a good way like Sufjan. The whole album is a lot, but I think I'd listen to any individual track on a whim.

I think this is going to be like the Nick Drake album we got a while ago, by which I mean that it will get better the longer it gets to marinate.

I very much enjoyed this. For some reason it had passed me by first time around at it shouldn't have as it's right in my wheel house. Quiet and tuneful and introspective is a well trodden path but this does it well.

1996 happened when I was there but had largely retreated from life—for unfulfilling connection & romance. So I missed later Soundgarden & Elliot Smith. I’m not overwhelmed by Elliot Smith. Introspective with a whispery voice. May listen again, dunno. The only one’s the really rested on me was the Tom Waits. What does that say about me?

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

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

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

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

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

Good mix of styles

Really lovely album, he had such a tender voice

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

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

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

Rating: 4.3

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