Unfortunately this is Elliott's swansong.

A life cut way too short.

Was it suicide or murder? Who knows...

But the record is sublime. I just bought it today.

I don't suppose there'll be many fans of his on here, but anyway...

This record is wonderfully textured and impressionistic in much the same way his last record, "Figure 8" was. It's rougher than "XO", his most clean-cut record, so it shares that quality with some of his earlier work.

It's also really sad listening to this record with lyrics like, "I can't prepare for death anymore than I already have"....and there are other, more gruesome lyrics like that which could point to a suicide.

But the if you put aside some of the lyrical morosities, the music is grand, swelling and very emotive. There are also some very touching lyrics set to beautiful melodies and some which feel so close to the bone they're just...stunningly tragic and moving.

I highly recommend this record to anyone with a bit of a lonely soul or melancholy in them.

It's much better than practically any other "indie rock" out there, because Elliot's had a VOICE, something so many other indie rockers lack.

TWO THUMBS UP - **** 1/2

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[Edited 10/19/04 17:17pm]

thanks for the review.

i've yet to buy, but i'm a great elliott smith fan. i've also heard talk that this album can lyrically be interpreted in a number of ways...one of which is, of course, that there are constant 'hints' at suicide. but then, since when has an Elliott Smith album not contained depressing, beautiful lyrics?

i'm glad you think it stands up to Figure 8 - that was a marvellous album, for me.

i'll go buy today, i think.

TheFrog said:

i don't think you'll regret it!

I've been looking into buying some Elliot Smith

I am big Lennon/Beatles fan, and I've heard he has some similar qualities.

andyman91 said:

definitely.

if you want his most beatleesque, try the album "XO". it's also his best.

but all of his albums are great and this latest one and the last one "figure 8" feature some very lennon/mccartney esque melodies and his guitar solos are very harrison-esque, too.

but get XO, you can't go wrong with that one...it's a five star album in my opinion.

Thanks for the review. I am definitely going to pick this up. I've been a fan of Elliott Smith since XO (yes,its very Lennonesque). Figure 8 is my favorite though.

Music lost a great one when he decided to leave us.

I don't believe he was murdered.