Understanding Elliott Smith 

Linkin Park

Tom Waits ..! 😎✌️🎶

PJ Harvey, thank you.

I like Lie. Morrissey or The Smiths would be a great.

robert johnson

Yes dude

master songwriter

He wrote and sang about what he knew... Thats what makes the greats great... Same reason Billie Holiday was so good at the blues.. she lived it... How fitting is it then that the best Emo music you've ever heard was written by a junkie who killed himself by stabbing himself in the heart.... RIP Elliot... Thank you

Well said!!

YB better

except for New Moon...maybe

@@Skipidy720 no i like new moon

@@Skipidy720 That's not a studio album. After he died.

@@Skipidy720 that’s his b sides and it’s got really good songs like angel in the snow

@@Skipidy720 new moon has some of my favourite songs by him like "angel in the snow", "talking to mary", "pretty mary k (other version)", "miss misery (early version)", "see you later", "going nowhere", etc. and its also not a studio album.

That's true! He has a signature to his sound that's hard to forget. It would be interesting to hear what he could do with noise music as he experimented with in his last days.

Lie Likes Music I knew nothing about Elliott Smith (except a vague memory of his name being mentioned in the NME in the 90s) until about 2014 when I stumbled across some of his stuff on RU-vid. I listened to the first few tracks of Either/Or and liked them. I went back and played them again a few days later and remembered every tune, it was incredible. I sat there through the whole album and was knocked out. You know when you find something new to you that's just head and shoulders above the average - you know you're gonna be listening to it avidly for weeks. All other music is going to have to take a back seat for a while. That's how he affected me. That does not happen often. Why is he not more famous? I don't get it. :-)

@@tonybates7870 I think he's not more popular because of 2 critical things. 1) he wasn't on the radio(mainstream). it sounds stupid but that's how most people hear new music. 2) the music is intellectual in lyric and complex in song and chord structure and generally slower tempos or softer refrains. This makes it great to listen to a million times by yourself but really hard to get a group of people into as its not "party" music. The intro happens, then when the lyrics start somebody starts talking and then they've ruined the moment and you have to pull out your inner Cartman and "screw you guys, I'm goin' home" I think a lot of people are also afraid of allowing themselves to become truly vulnerable through music, which his certainly does since he can condemn and appeal to the listener concurrently. If you have no inner doubt, no understanding of the contradictions between who you are and who you could be, or no quest for inward reflection on a path of growth the music is gonna go right over your head. These people are obvious because the first thing they always say is "this is sad". It's like someone standing at the Grand Canyon and saying "its a hole". Its such an inadequate statement that it actually becomes wrong. What I've ended up doing with a lot of my fellow musical friends is tell them that there is at least 1 Elliott Smith song for them. In some cases I've been able to point them right to it, but I've also had people come up to me like a year after I've said that and they get all excited and they'll say "I found it" and then we smile and I'm reassured that they do have a soul. Without Elliott I would not be the guitarist or the songwriter that I am today. Much love

@@jarrodbair2319 I love that response. I might try that tactic - there's an Elliott song for you - you just have to find it. Mine is Everything Reminds Me Of Her, though I love many others.

@@jarrodbair2319 I also learned to play from covering Elliott Smith songs and it’s definitely a fantastic way to learn to find melody within chord progressions. It’s been a good while since I’ve last heard one of his songs since a few day ago and I already going down that rabbit hole of his discography. Easily my favorite musician and won’t ever be surpassed but John Moreland is a rlly good one if you’ve never heard. Dude leaves lays his soul out in every song.

I don’t know that I do much better today, but I listen to and think of him often.

I'm glad that you ate here friend.

We don’t know what happened, the authorities never concluded he committed suicide. The investigation is still open

You are so strong 💖

Same, blink. Same.

Haven't watched that one. But i really started daydreaming once you mentioned this for some reason.

This scene felt so real.

Well, Smith didn't like it

I was just talking about RT last nite, might have to watch it this weekend.

bryan macneil it's an awesome film

that was the best part of being introduced to elliott. i was quite young and it was very unorthodox - left me confused because it should have sounded 'bad' but wasn't.

yes he makes catchy yet beautiful and dissonant songs. fucking genius.

Yeah the first song of his I was introduced to was waltz #1 and I immediately was hooked at how he was able to merge beauty and despair so eloquently.

@@nicholaslindenmeyer6472 a hauntingly beautiful song

Its called modal interchange

He sure is. He was a very talented guitarist too. What he plays might seem simple, but there really is more to it from what i've heard from people covering his music. Thanks for appreciating him.

No, it isn’t. There are and we’re tons of artists like him. He’s not special.

@@curly_wyn name them lol

@lmw blue Good for you, we disagree. But please share those artists.

I get that. Thanks for taking the time to watch and share :)

That sounds awesome. I can relate to him too. Although i don't listen that much to his lyrics, i think he's outstanding when it comes to perpetuating feelings through his music. Definitely an artist that i'll listen to and keep exploring for many years into the future :) Thanks for resonating!

I agree and share having discovered him during a very dark time. It saved me on many levels.

@@thomasoluic1832 I also did. Which I have not had many in my life. That particular time it was inescapable also, which was nice to be able to turn to either/or over and over and over during that period.

Thanks for adding that. I think that might be an even better explanation.

I'm glad someone else is aware of his genius in in song structure, chord progressions and harmonics. Regardless of it being recorded on a 4 track, tape deck. I mean, I guess you have to be familiar with something.

@@thomasoluic1832 i think that is the driving point for a lot of fans. he was one of a kind and everyone knew it. not a secret rly

Hell Yes!

¡YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

PLEASE

still waiting on this!

yessssss

Stay strong my brother.

As a person who had a fake trusted adult all I can say is that there are wounds but taking other peoples wounds on for them and making them about you or about your identity is self harm and we can choose to put those people away and just be … all I am saying is that it’s possible

Ouh that would be perfect! Great idea. Where are you from?

I'm from Portugal, but it would be such a great experience!

Anyone who loves Elliott Smith is a friend in my book.

No worries. I really wanted to read up on that, because it can be a very controversial thing. But what pointed towards a murder? The coroner wasn't able to make out what had happened. Are you thinking of the fact that there were no hesitation wounds?

Lie Likes Music I've read about it, but it's really vague. A few things just seemed off. Like when his girlfriend found him she pulled the knife out of his chest. But that seems like such a non logical reaction. There are more details like that. Also he was just finishing the album and made a date with (I think it was) his producer. The would finish the album just less than a week after the incident. Also the producer sayed in an interview that the day before Elliott died he seemed normal and positive when he visited him. Just all these things and not being able to confirm if it was suicide or homocide make it a mystery.

TRPackz she just might not have known what to do in that situation. I can't guarantee I'd remember not to pull the knife out if I found a loved one stabbing themselves. And as for it not making sense for Elliott to kill himself before the album was finished: welcome to the concept of suicide, it doesn't make sense. He went from heavy drug use of every kind to cutting out everything, including his psychiatric medication, as this video says. Not understanding the mental state of someone with known emotional/psychological issues isn't really a good enough reason to point a finger at someone who spent months helping him get sober and has had her life ruined both by his death and the accusations of frankly uninformed people.

Lie Likes Music yeah, I guess I was thinking of the fact that there were no hesitation wounds, and that Jennifer Chiba pulled the knife out, despite her training in emergency medical situations. I think there were defensive wounds found on him as well (on his arm or hands, I think?) but I think the coroner though it was possible that those may have been self inflicted at a previous point in time in an act of self harm, but honestly, I don't have any reputable sources on this because I can't remember where I got any this info or if I'm remembering it correctly 😅 I actually think I even read somewhere that when the paramedics arrived he was found out on the front porch, as if he was trying to run away from his apartment on the second floor, but honestly I have no clue if there's the slightest bit of truth in that...

Lie Likes Music No hesitation wounds, and despite Chiba being trained in emergency medical care, she pulled the knife out. There was found to be defensive wounds, and I read something that it was quite possible he was dead from the first stab wound. Plus the coroner spelt his name wrong. And it was a good 45 mins (I think) that the cops were called. It’s definitely sketchy. However, suicide isn’t expected and is always a shock. It’s quite possible he just broke enough finally without warning. I just enjoy his music now, and I wish he was still with us.

Replace alcohol with anything else you use to ignore your unconscious mind, even if it's the very device you used to type, and there you go. That's my personal favorite as well. It seems to be the most popular, but I didn't know that going into Either/Or. I just have had bad sleep issues caused by my fear of being left alone with my thoughts, and Elliott is sitting beside me with a hand on my shoulder saying "me too, man" on many of these nights.

Me too! Couldn't give it to anyone else

bryan macneil heaven adores you?

That's a good one. Watched it before i made this.

That's the one.

Now that i'm doing folk artists i guess it would. I'll do one on him sometime, but i can't promise it will come in the close future.

Lie Likes Music sounds great

Lie Likes Music KATE BUSH

Nick is so great

Are you working on the Nick Drake video? 6 months later... @@LieLikesMusic

UnluckyCharm I like your profile pic

Same with you

xD love this

yassss

Anna B that would be a really cool follow up after the Elliot Smith video. There are many songs where Conor sounds very similar to Smith. Been listening to Conor for years..”That’d be really great “

Anna B have you seen the video of Conor dressed up as a skeleton singing an Elliot Smith song??

YES!

That kid From RU-vid you have an unbelievable taste in music

The Essex Gamer why thank you!

I'll do Radiohead for sure. It's just a matter of time. I'm also making some huge changes to the content format so it might take some time.

Lie Likes Music wow! I didn’t expect that :0 thank you! It’s absolutely fine :) a random person on the Internet cant just tell you what to upload lol. But it would ne nice ;)

BRO SAME

It's the first Elliot Smith song I heard

One of the best!

L.A. off of figure 8 changed my life

my favourite Elliott Smith song chances all the time :)

@Chil Pollins my favorite song by him

He still speaks to you today? That sounds weird. You mean you still listen to his stuff? Haha. Maybe it's just the language barrier that makes me misunderstand what you're saying here.

Thanks! I'm glad you thought so. Take care

Same here :)

Same! So true! So pure!

Same man

Probably the most influential artist I've ever adored. He really broadened my skill range technically speaking.

Well i'm glad you learned something despite of being such a hardcore fan. What other artists do you like?

Ratatat, the bird and the bee, Starfucker :) & i think i've read most of what was in the video before, but its been awhile and I've forgotten a lot of details. also i appreciated a reminder that his death is not for certain a suicide and we may never know for sure

You should read the book- it's excellent

That's good. What's your fav song by him?

Wow, there are so many. But, if I had to pick my all time favorite song it would probably be "Everything Reminds Me of Her".

What difference do you lay between those words?

+Lie Likes Music simplistic means over-simplifying something that needs nuance or complexity to understand

@@LieLikesMusic simplistic is strumming 3 chords over and over with predictability

I think what Valkin is trying to say is that minimalistic can also be complex however simplistic is the opposite of complex.

Exactly.

Don't excuse yourself for ranting. I love it when people share their experiences with music. I love Elliott Smith too. Maybe not as much as you, as i haven't really binged his music that often or in longer periods. But there really is something else to the way he's singing and playing that no-one else can re-create. Love how you found him so randomly hehe. Cheers to good music!

Hahah xD

Hey, I just found out about him yesterday! I haven't listened to very much of his stuff, but he sounds really good :)

Yes please do this!

SnarftheShmoo My man, get yourself acquainted with Place To Be, 'Cello Song, Black Dog, and Things Behind The Sun. And Three hours. It's just all so good

It's not cliche. Yes it's typical that you get very close to some type of music during that time because we're easily influenced as teens, but it's still something that means a lot to you. Something that you can share with others. And i'm glad you wanted to share it with me. Cheers!

Props for the vegan vibes! And yes there seems to have been something deeply disturbing going on in his past. And yes his music is quite deceptive. It´s so beautiful, but you know that there´s a lot more to them. RIP Elliott. Thanks for watching!

I believe it was all true.

I remember that part I was really curious. Now it makes sense.

Still haven't found any evidence that Elliott was sexually abused by his stepdad. This video is pretty misleadingly suggestive about that, with no information to support the claim. Wouldn't trust much from this video

No problem my friend. The guy makes touching music and has an incredible story, so it was a pleasure making this. And i can totally see why you say he was like a friend to you. His music was very intimate in a way.

Thanks Mel that's very nice of you. Is there any other artists that you're a fan of that you want me to cover? 🙃

What bigger names in folk was inspired by Elliott? Just curious. I know Jack Black is a big fan although he's not the best example of a thriving folk artist lol xD And what other artists do you enjoy? Anyone you would recommend for a video? And thanks for supporting me and watching. It means a lot!

Lie Likes Music I came to find out Band of Horses has a band member who was a very big Elliott fan although I don’t think any folk artists in that same vein would ever be bigger than he was but Bright Eyes did make music that was so close to Elliott (maybe more ‘emo’ in style tho)I felt it was almost ripped off but I dont know about that now and if I remember correctly Fleet Foxes were on his tribute album. As far as music I listen to now: Radical Face Of Monsters and Men Iron and Wine Bon Ivor Daughter If anyone hasn’t checked it out yet “Not Given Lightly: A tribute to the giant golden book of New Zealand’s alternative music scene” is really a great collection of similar music styles to Elliott Smith, I’ve found artists on those albums that I still follow today and there is literally years worth of music with all the artists represented, I really do suggest it to anyone that likes this style of music. Thanks again.

That's very kind of you man. Thanks for taking the time to watch ;)

Thank you Stargirl. He definitely touched a lot of people's hearts, so this was worthwhile.

I'm still working on it

Lie Likes Music dude,don't rush it.You have higher quality comtent than many yt channels)

rictualfury holy shit that photo of finn 👌🏼👌🏼

Thanks for taking the time to appreciate this video :D

He sure is. Thanks for the requests :) I'll most likely do Jeff B 😃

Lie Likes Music cool. Good luck with growing your channel, I hope more people will dive into Elliott's world of music.

Glad to find out you also like Jeff Buckley. Do you think Kripparrian also shares our tastes? :D

OMG! Mad Season! 💗💗💗💗 But Jeff Buckley is obviously a great choice too!

Elliott Smith, Alice in Chains and Jeff Buckley? Can we be best friends?

Where do you read about these things? Thanks for providing a different view although i can't trust what you're saying. Thanks for watching nonetheless.

Lie Likes Music I looked into it a lot a couple years ago, there are some good reddit posts giving good summaries and laying out the facts but the best source is this website. After finding it I'm pretty convinced though I always found it suspicious. www.justiceforelliottsmithcom.wordpress.com

Yeah I agree.

💯 it’s sad how often this has happened with celebrities…just because a person has a history of self harm or suicidal tendencies doesn’t mean their death didn’t deserve a proper investigation. If Elliott wasn’t even his real name why would he sign the suicide note with that name? Let alone misspell it! He was a beautiful soul and it’s tragic…

@@LieLikesMusic you can find the autopsy photos and documents stating he had an argument with his significant other she then said he took a kitchen knife and locked himself into the bathroom. Then she heard screaming and he had three stab wounds apparently self inflicted when medics arrived on scene

Yes you can really hear that. I think his music is beautiful too, but i'm having a hard time listening to it these days. It's a bit too melancholic. Maybe i'm not sad or depressed enough haha. Anyways, thank you so much for watching and sharing. It means a lot!

No problem bro! Great video on the master of sadness, Elliott. Yeah, I go through phases of listening to him. I'm listening to XO right now actually. I think his all-time saddest song is No Name # 5 and I gotta say his sad shit is the best.

Yes that's the weird truth. If he hadn't gone through all that tough shit, then maybe he wouldn't be able to create such beautiful music. I'm glad tat you enjoyed watching this. Cheers from Norway :)

I'm glad you found it too. I love Elliott Smith so it was a pleasure making this.

That's awesome. Thanks! And yes i sure will. Cheers from Norway.

Hmm interesting

Ey that's awesome! Thanks for taking the time to watch and subscribe. Are there any other bands or artists that you would like to see in the future?

Haha no worries about writing so long and passionately. He clearly means a great deal to you. Probably even more than he means to me. But i'm glad that he teached you something so profound about music and feelings. I think you're right. A lot of people struggle to talk about their feelings, and end up filling their songs with what they have on their mind. That's why a lot of musicians compare writing music to therapy. I don't think you need to compare it at all. It is therapy. We all need to vent the things that go on inside us. And we all do it differently. Btw, where are you from? And do you play shows often?

Lie Likes Music I live in Athens Georgia and I play usually twice a week as a drummer. I play acoustically about every five months, the other bands keep me busy. I’ll do the Elliott Smith covers with a friends side project. It keeps my acoustic skills fresh.

I'm glad this helped you figure out what happened to him. He's definitely a musician that i would love to listen to more in years to come. Same with Jeff and Tim Buckley btw. They both seem very talented although i haven't listened that much to their discographies.

I used to hate Elliott and Jeff Buckley... My best friend was always saying open your mind up and give it a chance... 18 years later Elliott and Jeff are 2 of my Favorite artists . Both gone way before they should have .... I've been saved by their music many times, and wish they were here ti see the impact they have made in the music world

Hmm interesting! But what specifically do you refer when you say community? Like the comment section? Thanks for sharing.

Lie Likes Music the comment section,the people who tune into your videos whenever you upload,simply put the people who love your content like me)

No problem :) What type of surf rock bands do you like? Wavves? Surfer Blood?

Lie Likes Music Love em all Wavves, Surfer Blood, La Luz, FIDLAR, chicano batman. I love a lot the influence and stories The Growlers have on their sound and lyrics. Anything with that psychedelic , beach, California sound is great. How they take influence from the 60s with Dick Dale and the beach boys, etc. Thanks

Lie Likes Music another surf rock band I recommend is Mystic Braves.

I'm glad it does :) I love a lot of different guitar based music. So you can expect super soft stuff and some very heavy stuff.

That's very nice of you Keenan. Sure will :)

If i was to introduce someone new to Elliott i think it would be wrong to just exclude all the negative stuff, because that was a part of who he was. I'm glad you learned something new here though :) Many thanks from Norway.

Hey i'm glad you liked it Kari. Thanks for subbing!

For sure. RIP Elliott. The most soulful singer ever

Here it is ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qw9RHVj2RGU.html

That's what i thought too. And now there's one more. Thank you so much for watching

Vsauce 7 - there’s a lot of bad information and this has some inaccuracies and basically reflects the retched Spin article about him. Fails to mention what a horrible investigation the LAPD did... which colors everything now...

No problem my friend. I'm glad you liked it!

Awesome! Nailed it

That seems like a futile conquest.

That's what i hoped for. Thanks for watching and commenting.