In August 1969, a musician who would become known as Elliott Smith gained a dedicated following. Smith's main instrument was the acoustic guitar which added a characteristic stance with Smith's whispered lyrics. So it would become a type of fated journey where Smith's fame would take off in Portland, Oregon in the 90's. As the future and history unfolded, suicide would grapple the singer-songwriter on the 21st of October in 2003. Even some have stated that while Smith's career was taking off, the songwriter experienced heavy times with drug abuse. During the falling period as Smith struggled with drug abuse, 2003 was proving to be his reinvention moment.
The emotional pull Smith was able to craft within the songwriting that haunts our iPods nowadays has not ceased. Lyrically the journal and conversation type verses show Smith's action and reaction to discourse and life. Each song was personal, intimate, provoking and stood out from the pack. One of Smith's well-known signatures was his use of layering multiple instruments in the editing/mixing process. For instance, with the track 'Figure 8' we hear what sounds to be a carousel sampling but, reimagined by Smith. 'Figure 8' offers a slight creep appeal while pulling in the listener closer towards the infinity of that figure 8 meaning.
Smith's songs have been in major motion films, most notably 'Needle in the Hay' was a main focal point in Wes Anderson's film The Royal Tenenbaums. As well as Gus Van Sant's film Paranoid Park, which offers, even more, insight into the gloom appeal the Pacific Northwest offers.
Smith's compositions have stood on their own 10 years later and counting. Recently Smith's self-titled second album was reissued and Either/Or, Roman Candle, Figure 8, XO and From a Basement on the Hill have exceedingly been selling more since the singer's death.
