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Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing

Walter Simmons

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Elliott Smith was a singer-songwriter who achieved critical acclaim for his introspective lyrics and haunting melodies. His music explored themes of love, loss, addiction, and mental illness. Smith's personal struggles often found their way into his songs, which were both deeply affecting and universally relatable.

Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1969. He moved to Portland, Oregon, with his family when he was a teenager. He began playing guitar and writing songs as a child, and by the time he was in high school, he was playing in local bands.

Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing

by Benjamin Nugent

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3041 KB
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Print length	:	250 pages
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In 1994, Smith released his debut album, Roman Candle. The album was a critical success, and it helped to establish Smith as one of the leading figures in the alt-country movement. Smith followed up Roman Candle with a string of acclaimed albums, including Either/Or (1997),XO (1998),and Figure 8 (2000).

Smith's music was often dark and introspective, but it was also full of beauty and hope. His songs explored the complexities of human relationships, and they offered a glimpse into the mind of a deeply troubled artist. Smith's music resonated with listeners of all ages, and he became one of the most beloved singer-songwriters of his generation.

Smith died by suicide in 2003. He was just 34 years old. His death shocked his fans and the music world, and it left a lasting void in the lives of those who loved him.

Early Life and Career

Elliott Smith was born Steven Paul Smith on August 6, 1969, in Omaha, Nebraska. His father, Gary, was a respiratory therapist, and his mother, Bunny, was a nurse. Smith's parents divorced when he was young, and he lived with his mother and stepfather in Portland, Oregon, for most of his childhood.

Smith's interest in music began at an early age. He started playing guitar and writing songs when he was around 10 years old. By the time he was in high school, he was playing in local bands and performing at open mics.

Personal Struggles

Elliott Smith struggled with depression and addiction for much of his life. He first began using drugs and alcohol as a teenager, and he continued to struggle with addiction throughout his adult life. Smith's mental health problems also made it difficult for him to maintain relationships and to hold down a job.

In 1997, Smith was diagnosed with bipolar disFree Download. He was prescribed medication to treat his condition, but he often refused to take it. Smith's mental health problems continued to worsen in the years leading up to his death.

In 2003, Smith was found dead in his apartment in Los Angeles. He had died by suicide. He was just 34 years old.

Legacy

Elliott Smith's death was a tragic loss for the music world. He was a gifted singer-songwriter who wrote some of the most beautiful and heartbreaking songs of his generation. Smith's music continues to resonate with listeners today, and his legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.

Smith's music has been praised by critics and fellow musicians alike. Bob Dylan has called Smith "one of the greatest songwriters of all time." Johnny Cash has said that Smith's music "haunted" him. And Bruce Springsteen has said that Smith was "a true poet."

Smith's music has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, including Good Will Hunting, The Royal Tenenbaums, and Six Feet Under. His songs have been covered by a wide range of artists, including Beck, Coldplay, and The Killers.

Elliott Smith's music is a testament to the power of human creativity. His songs explore the complexities of human experience, and they offer a glimpse into the mind of a deeply troubled artist. Smith's music is both beautiful and heartbreaking, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.

Discography

* Roman Candle (1994) * Either/Or (1997) * XO (1998) * Figure 8 (2000) * From a Basement on the Hill (2004) * New Moon (2007)

Interviews

* "Elliott Smith: The Last Interview" (2003) * "Elliott Smith: A Retrospective" (2004) * "Elliott Smith: The Search for Meaning" (2008)

Reviews

* "Elliott Smith: Roman Candle" (1994) * "Elliott Smith: Either/Or" (1997) * "Elliott Smith: XO" (1998) * "Elliott Smith: Figure 8" (2000) * "Elliott Smith: From a Basement on the Hill" (2004) * "Elliott Smith: New Moon" (2007)