Music Banter - Elliott Smith

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- - Elliott Smith (https://www.musicbanter.com/indie-alternative/18502-elliott-smith.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strummer521 (Post 325865)

I didn't say it had to be very different to be better. It's just that when you discuss music, it's impossible to be objective, so you have to support your opinion substantially with logical reasons that go farther than, it sounds good. Liking something because it sounds good is fine and makes a lot of sense, but it doesn't go very far if you actually want to have a discussion, and isn't that what forums are for?

As far as it being pretty, I think Big Star's original is leagues ahead of Smith's version because of the harmonious blending of the three seperate guitar parts. and honestly I think the high production values do wonders for it (especially when we're talking about Big Star, arguably the best Power-Pop band of all time). Therefore I find no reason to listen to Elliott Smith's version. Where on "Concrete Jungle" Smith has stripped it down to the wire and performs it as a spectral, eerily beautiful piece of work that more conveys the desolation Marley was writing about than his own song, therefore there are two completely different tones in play there. Marley's version seems to be about perseverence and rising above adversity, while Elliott sings of that last ray of hope you see and try to grab on to before your spirits are surprisingly and totally crushed. I find very different reasons to listen to each song.

Then again...I love his take on "Walk Away Renee" mostly just because I think it sounds gorgeous. So on another level I'm with you. Though I do find the fact that Smith's voice often sounds naive and almost childlike, which makes it like listening to the song from a middle or high school kid's perspective (like Thirteen :)) rather than the more mature, urbane sounds of the Left Banke or The Four Tops.

Edit: Based on past history...I'm predicting adidasss is going to hate Elliott Smith.

Elliott has much better voice, it sounds naive like you said, and wait more sweet and honest like a middle schooler. Big Stars version sounds too produced and the multiple voices/guitar take away from the beauty of it. The song sounds much better simple with elliott's voice.

It sounds good isn't a reason for thinking a cover better? Sounding good is basically how I judge all music.

I also don't see why you'd have a problem with production if you consider Concrete Jungle one of his best covers.

I like Concrete Jungle and think its one of his best covers, even if I like Thirteen better so i'm not going to argue on that, I agree with everything you said about it.

I havn't heard Walk Away Renee can you up it?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=dT9DKVhQrh4

I'd like everyone to watch elliott perform ethans favorite song, say his favorite word and then look at the town he was in and pity ethan hardcore.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crowquill (Post 328280)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=dT9DKVhQrh4

I'd like everyone to watch elliott perform ethans favorite song, say his favorite word and then look at the town he was in and pity ethan hardcore.

*watched*

It was pretty good.

Yeah, and in my town. I was like 9 though :(

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crowquill (Post 328307)

Yeah, and in my town. I was like 9 though :(

That sucks, we never get any any concerts or anything.... except for modern country stuff, but that doesn't count as music.

Based entirely on "Miss Misery" and
Either/Or, I do quite like Elliott Smith. A talented guy for sure but I think he was just as great at arranging as he was at songwriting and isnt given the credit for it. His talent for making good sounding records outstripped his lyrical abilities at times.:)

You are my favorite n00b, please don't leave. Also check out his album XO, its amazing you'll love it.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=me0zGkmHTrc

hauntingmuch?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=nYS6yg_L0hM

This makes me happy/sad=/

Whats a n00b?

Newbie?

Correct.

And Ethan's right if you like Either/Or then you'll like xo so here it is. Though I think s/t is actually the best.
XO
http://rapidshare.com/files/1097677/XO.zip.html

Rapid share never works for me. It always tells me Ive exceeded my download limit before Ive even downloaded anything. Megashares is the best.:)