#216 of 500
· Rolling Stone
“Whispered vocals, acoustic guitar, and songwriting so introspective it feels invasive. 'Between the Bars' is the one everyone knows, but 'Angeles' and 'Say Yes' are equally devastating.”
Elliott Smith (1969-2003) was an American singer-songwriter from Omaha, Nebraska, who became a defining voice of 1990s indie rock and alternative music. After moving to Portland, Oregon, he built a devoted following through his work with the band Heatmist and later as a solo artist. Smith's commercial breakthrough came in 1997 with his album "Either/Or," followed by the critically acclaimed "XO" (1998), which established him as one of the era's most important songwriters. His haunting contribution to the "Good Will Hunting" soundtrack (1997) brought wider recognition. Smith's final studio album, "From a Basement on the Hill" (2004), was released posthumously. His career was marked by meticulous production work and prolific songwriting, with most albums released on independent labels like Kill Rock Stars and DreamWorks Records.
Style
Elliott Smith's style blended indie rock, lo-fi production, and introspective folk-influenced songwriting with lush orchestral arrangements. His whispering vocals, sophisticated harmonies, and carefully layered instrumentation created intimate yet sonically complex recordings.
Significance
Smith is highly regarded among vinyl collectors for his masterful production quality and emotional depth. His albums, particularly "Either/Or" and "XO," are considered essential indie rock records, and original vinyl pressings have become sought-after items in the collector community.
Either/Or, Elliott Smith's second album, was recorded primarily in his home on Portland's SE Stark Street during 1996 and early 1997. Smith largely self-produced the album with minimal outside input, creating a remarkably intimate and lo-fi aesthetic that contrasted sharply with the polished production of contemporary indie rock. The album features Smith's characteristic layered vocals and intricate guitar arrangements, with songs like 'Between the Bars' and 'Angeles' showcasing his gift for melancholic melody. Recording sessions were sparse and personal—many tracks were captured with basic equipment in home settings—giving Either/Or an authenticity that resonated deeply with listeners. Tom Waits' experimental approach to recording served as an influence on Smith's unconventional production choices.
Historical Context
Released in July 1997, Either/Or arrived during the post-grunge indie rock renaissance when lo-fi production had become a marker of authenticity rather than limitation. The album came two years after Smith's debut XO and helped establish him as a distinctive voice in 1990s alternative music. While not an immediate mainstream success, Either/Or developed a devoted cult following and has since become recognized as a landmark indie rock album. The late 1990s appreciated Smith's introspective songwriting and vulnerability at a time when irony still dominated much of rock music. The album eventually reached far wider audiences following Smith's inclusion on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack in 1997.
Pressing Notes
Either/Or was originally released on CD and cassette by Tim/Kersey Records. The initial vinyl pressing came later and has become highly sought by collectors. The album has seen multiple reissues on vinyl, including expanded editions with additional material. Original pressings on Tim/Kersey are particularly valued. Collectors should note that sound quality varies significantly between pressings due to the album's intentionally lo-fi home recording origins—this is intentional to Smith's artistic vision rather than a manufacturing defect. Later reissues have offered remastered versions, though purists prefer original pressings that preserve the intimate bedroom recording aesthetic.
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