- Ever since he died, 10 years ago today, people have been clamoring to tell Elliott Smith's story for him: writers, poets, fellow musicians, his religiously devoted fans—anyone who felt the subliminal undertow of his songs. The urge is understandable. Smith’s music, with its forensic attention to mood, dredges some of our murkiest emotions to the surface and coaxes unnameable sensations into focus. When an artist has this gift, they stir powerful needs.
A buddy of mine who runs a small record label put together a tribute album of local Detroit artists. Give it a listen if you have a few, especially the tracks by Oliver Thompson. http://everybodycareseverybodyunderstands.bandcamp.com/
I've listened to a few tracks and it's very interesting how some of the artists have stayed very faithful to the original intent of the song, while others have added their own interpretation to it. I especially enjoyed the 2:45 AM and No Name #3 covers. That's an interesting project that your friend has put together, I've been checking out the CDCC website and Facebook. I'm interested in anything small-label related since my roommates and I run one as well. Are you an Elliot Smith fan as well then?
I like this compilation and I like Elliot Smith. edit: Was this Big Star Song a favorite of your prior to ES covering it, or did you get introduced to the song via him? If it's a coincidence, it's a pretty awesome one!more than any other musician, probably including Lennon
That deserves some context. Not a contest, but if it was... Smith?
Obviously, Smith does not have the place in music history that Lennon does. That goes without saying. Lennon was transformative in a way no other rock musician could ever be. That said, from a purely singer/songwriter standpoint, Smith is my favorite I think. I learned about Big Star via Elliott, because he was such a big fan.
He was definitely a great songwriter. I didn't realize you were such a big fan.