Elliot Smith

Elliott Smith lived fast and died young. His success as an artist, with brilliant releases like From a Basement on the Hill & New Moon (both released posthumously) along with his academy award nominated track “Miss Misery,” were matched only by his struggles with depression, drug abuse, and alcoholism. Tragically, E.S. never got a chance to enjoy his successes. The exact circumstances surrounding his death are unclear, but on October 21, 2003, police found E.S. dead from two stab wounds to chest. According to his girlfriend, the two were fighting when she locked herself in the bathroom. When she emerged, she found him standing with a knife in his chest. She removed the knife and called police. To this day, his death has neither been ruled a homicide or a suicide. Some suggest foul play (for detailed info see this and this).

E.S.'s music is amazing; his lyrics are deep, haunting, and often laced with references to his struggles with drug addiction. In “ A Fond Farewell” he whispers:

Veins full of disappearing ink
Vomiting in the kitchen sink
Disconnecting from the missing link
This is not my life.

A reference no doubt, to his struggles with heroin. In light of his death, songs like “A Fond Farewell” and “Last Hour,” both released posthumously, seem like aptly named premonitions. In “Last Hour” E.S. croons:

And the bodies you left lying around
Talking it out
The last hour
I'm through trying now
It's a big relief
I'll be staying down
Where no-one else gonna give me grief
Mess me around.

The song is either a sad coincidence or a horrible premonition. It would be incorrect to state that all E.S.'s songs are dark and morbid. Some songs, like "Clementine" and "Miss Misery," are clear nods to love and relationships.

Overall, E.S. delivers his lyrics in a soft, whispery, and sometimes whiny tone. At times, it sounds as if he struggles to force the words out… but in a good way, if that makes sense. Under his lyrics, E.S. lays down beautifully simple acoustic riffs. The cords in “I Figured You Out,” “Lets Get Lost,” "Angeles," and “A Fond Farewell” are particularly catchy. Its all part of the E.S. package and it comes highly recommended. E.S. has a large fan base and the love of his music has sparked fan sites like Sweet Adeline, a 21 track tribute CD, fan tatoos, and even a tribute wall on Sunset Blvd in L.A..

Some find his music morbid and depressing. I enjoy it. As Elliott said:

“some songs are sad but they make you happy anyway.”

E.S. Henry Fonda Theatre 2003

--The E.S. Tribute Wall--

Those new to E.S. should check out:

- Miss misery
- Pitseleh
- A Fond Farewell
- I Figured You Out
- Let’s Get Lost
- Angeles

Also check out these live performances.

June 2, 1998: Studion: Stockholm, Sweden
- A C.D. quality acoustic gem.

The show is available for free download here.

November 10, 2001: Roseland Theatre, Portland, OR
- An upbeat, full-band, show with electric guitar.

The show is available for free download here.

enjoy,
-- DMN

Bob Dylan: Still relevant, still rolling

Bob Dylan just keeps on rolling. He has a new album coming out April 28th entitled “Throughout Life” and an upcoming tour complete with a performance at the Rothbury Music Festival (he will headline with his old friends the Dead and a reunited String Cheese Incident). Dylan's excellence needs no explanation. With over 50 albums and collaborations with damn near everyone, Dylan is an icon. According to early reviews, his new album is solid—I for one, cant wait to check out the whole thing for myself. Until then, check out this pre-released track, its classic Dylan with a little accordion:

Bob Dylan - Together Through Life
* Dylan still sounds great, but you can certainly hear the age in his voice.

For a song-by-song review of the new album, check out this from the L.A. Times.

Download this:

Dylan and Johnny Cash in Nashville, available here
Dylan: Live in Waterbury 1975, available here



Random song you should check out: Ween - Baby Bitch
One hell of a break up song.

Check out this live performance of the song.

--DMN

Ryan Adams may be crazy... but his music rocks

Ryan Adams is crazy. Crazy like a fox. Known for his onstage tirades, off stage fits, and speedball addiction (crack & heroin combined), R.A. has absolutely earned his reputation. However, don’t let his antics fool you, the man is a borderline musical genius. Through the years, he has continually pumped out great music both as a solo artist and with the bands Whiskytown, and, most recently, The Cardinals (call them “Ryan Adams and the Cardinals” at your own risk…). And, despite his antics, his popularity has surged; spawning hardcore fan sites such as Ryan Adam's Archive and To Be Young.

Although he has produced numerous successful albums, the real heart of his genius is his live performances. Often hit or miss, if you happen to catch R.A. on an “on night” be prepared for top notch must from start to finish. The key for R.A. is variety; he plays masterful acoustic shows, rocking electric shows, and even jammy Grateful Dead-like shows (Ryan played with Phil Lesh on several occasions, see below). But more than that, R.A. often alters his vocals; using different inflections and speeds which produce unique versions of each song. Unfortunately, as with most things, his strength is also his weakness; sometimes, the alterations simply don’t work. However, gauging by his immense following, it appears that, to most, his music substantially outweighs his flaws.

For R.A. newcomers check out these classics:

- Faithless Street (Whiskytown)
- Firecracker
- To Be Young
- Winding Wheel
- Easy Plateau
- Let it Ride
- Peaceful Valley
- Everybody Knows


Ryan recently married singer Mandy Moore and announced that a recent show in Atlanta was his last. I doubt it, but until he makes a comeback, check out these jams:

Somerville Theatre 06-29-2007

An acoustic performance that really shows off R.A.’s guitar prowess. Check out: Let it Ride, Easy Plateau*, Goodnight Rose, and Blue Hotel.

Available for free download here

Catalyst Theatre 07-21-2007

A great electric show with some extended jams and hard-rocking riffs. Check out the jammy versions of What Sin, Cold Roses, Mockingbird*, Peaceful Valley*, and I See Monsters.

Available for free download here

Red Rocks: Phil Lesh and Friends featuring Ryan Adams 07-16-2005
Check out the version of Easy Plateau mixed in with numerous Grateful Dead classics.

Available for free download here

* = Personal favorite live versions of the song.