 Either/Or (1997) [ larger cover art ] |
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Someone's always coming around here
Trailing some new kill
Says "I've seen your picture on a
Hundred-dollar bill"
What's a game of chance to you,
To him is one of real skill
So glad to meet you, Angeles
Picking up the ticket shows there's
Money to be made
Go on, lose the gamble that's the
History of the trade
Did you add up all the cards left to play
To zero
And sign up with evil, Angeles?
Don't start me trying now
Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh
'Cause I'm all over it, Angeles
I can make you satisfied in
Everything you do
All your secret wishes could right
Now be coming true
And be forever with my poison arms
Around you
No one's gonna fool around with us
No one's gonna fool around with us
So glad to meet'cha, Angeles
| JHZ (between Clark and Hilldale) | Posted: Apr 19, 2013 - 02:10 lily34 wrote: i swear this gets played every single day or every other day. Kanuffen wrote:Should we have grounds to doubt RP's play statistics? Open question.... I have been listening to RP for a while and I have never caught this particular song before. So I would say: no we do not have grounds to doubt the statistics. |
| ziakut (Slightly North of Obvlivion) | Posted: Apr 11, 2013 - 16:40 aspicer wrote: Just got 3 of his albums the other day and listened to 2 of them straight through last night - he is EXCELLENT! Agreed. Unfortunately that would be WAS excellent. |
| aspicer (Chicago, IL) | Posted: Mar 26, 2013 - 16:17 Just got 3 of his albums the other day and listened to 2 of them straight through last night - he is EXCELLENT! |
| MojoJojo (Indianapolis, IN USA) | Posted: Mar 14, 2013 - 06:14 I downloaded the album. While this is my favorite, the whole set is unbeatable. I listened to this last weekend as I did a 52 mile (bicycle) training ride. I usually pick very up-tempo songs to keep me pedaling strong, but I found this album to be a refreshing change and I found I could still keep an intense pace. |
| Baketown (Maryland) | Posted: Mar 11, 2013 - 05:59 Never get tired of it! |
| Kanuffen (Trelleborg, Sverige) | Posted: Dec 05, 2012 - 00:05 lily34 wrote: i swear this gets played every single day or every other day. Should we have grounds to doubt RP's play statistics? Open question.... |
| Kanuffen (Trelleborg, Sverige) | Posted: Dec 04, 2012 - 23:51 rdo wrote: I really believe the curse of being someone like me, someone who is basically down all of the time and has experienced depression, is made up for with the blessing that we get to experience great music/art/literature/film etc... I don't think happy people do. I have never met, or read the writing of, a truly happy person whose opinion on these matters I respect. It's not that I think it is a prerequisite, or a pose or something; it's just that happy people don't understand art - they are not equipped. It's not a choice, and nothing can help them. I once heard an author say that he believed that he was most effective as an author when he was in a semi-melancholy state. For whatever reason, I would agree that the tenuous state of 'sanity' (for lack of a better word) that comes to be whilst in emotionally turbulent times can foster richer feelings and a deeper sense of soul, if you will. But I would not go as far as to say that truly happy people have unvaluable input and appreciation of creative media. I might say, however, that a truly happy person might not be able to proporly articulate the emotive effects or particular details of how, why, where and when a particular piece of music, art or whatever evokes appreciation or an emotional response. That limbo between sadness and happiness may be that key. Or I am just talking shit. |
| BijouBijou | Posted: Dec 04, 2012 - 23:41 lily34 wrote: i swear this gets played every single day or every other day. And thank goodness for that! |
| Kanuffen (Trelleborg, Sverige) | Posted: Dec 04, 2012 - 23:41  |
| gemtag (Texas) | Posted: Nov 28, 2012 - 13:59 rdo wrote: I really believe the curse of being someone like me, someone who is basically down all of the time and has experienced depression, is made up for with the blessing that we get to experience great music/art/literature/film etc... I don't think happy people do. I have never met, or read the writing of, a truly happy person whose opinion on these matters I respect. It's not that I think it is a prerequisite, or a pose or something; it's just that happy people don't understand art - they are not equipped. It's not a choice, and nothing can help them. That is insightful, and very true. I got those goosebump things when I read this. I guess it somehow hit home. |
| Biscobret (Vashon, WA) | Posted: Nov 03, 2012 - 15:37 This song is an 11. IMHO as good as songwriting gets. I could make you satisfied in everything you do All your secret wishes could right now be coming true And be forever with my poison arms around you No one's gonna fool around with us No one's gonna fool around with us So glad to meet you Angeles With that finger-picking - fucking gorgeous. Either/Or is simply an amazing LP - my favorite of his - the album in between one guitar & obscurity and underground popularity & the Grammy s. |
| lily34 (lexvegas) | Posted: Oct 12, 2012 - 19:31 i swear this gets played every single day or every other day. |
| casey1024 (Here and Now) | Posted: Sep 19, 2012 - 07:10 I love Elliott's work. So sad that there will not be more. |
| rdo (DC) | Posted: Aug 10, 2012 - 18:44 horstman wrote: You are either an insensitive person or just have a narrow grasp of the english language and how you put your thoughts on paper/keypad. Elliot's fate was far worse than the "surfer" in that he was a depressed man who eventually lost the battle with his demons. What we got out of this deal was a volume of music that reflects this depression. And this is a common depression that has permeated many of us, and made us think about those feelings and how they effect our lives. And that's the beauty of a truly great artist . . . they make you think and take the experiences of another and put them into a personal perspective. Love Elliot for his contributions to music and influence in my life. I really believe the curse of being someone like me, someone who is basically down all of the time and has experienced depression, is made up for with the blessing that we get to experience great music/art/literature/film etc... I don't think happy people do. I have never met, or read the writing of, a truly happy person whose opinion on these matters I respect. It's not that I think it is a prerequisite, or a pose or something; it's just that happy people don't understand art - they are not equipped. It's not a choice, and nothing can help them. |
| ScottN (Condo in Gaza full time now. Thank TFSM I saw the divot where the landmine was placed.) | Posted: Jul 25, 2012 - 20:17 Biscobret wrote: He was a depressed man with demons, but I'd say that he was putting his life together. I can't think of anyone ever actually stabbing themselves twice in the chest as a way to kill themselves. I'll believe it was a suicide shortly after I believe that the moon really is made out of green cheese. I agree - from Wiki: Smith died on October 21, 2003, at age 34 from two stab wounds to the chest.<2> At the time of the stabbing, he was at his Lemoyne Street home in Echo Park, California,<63> where he lived with his girlfriend, Jennifer Chiba. According to Chiba, the two were arguing,<35> and she locked herself in the bathroom to take a shower.<64> Chiba heard him scream, and upon opening the door, saw Smith standing with a knife in his chest. She pulled the knife out, after which he collapsed and she called 9-1-1. Smith died in the hospital with the time of death listed as 1:36 p.m. A possible suicide note, written on a Post-it, read, "I'm so sorry—love, Elliott. God forgive me."<2> The coroner's report had the name Elliott misspelled as "Elliot," however "a coroner's official told TSG that Smith's first name was misspelled in the report," not on the Post-it note.<2> While Smith's death was originally reported as a suicide, the official autopsy report released in December 2003 left open the question of possible homicide.<2> According to Pitchfork Media, record producer Larry Crane reported on his Tape Op message board that he had planned to help Smith mix his album in mid-November. Crane wrote, "I hadn't talked to Elliott in over a year. His girlfriend, Jennifer, called me and asked if I'd like to come to L.A. and help mix and finish . I said yes, of course, and chatted with Elliott for the first time in ages. It seems surreal that he would call me to finish an album and then a week later kill himself. I talked to Jennifer this morning, who was obviously shattered and in tears, and she said, 'I don't understand, he was so healthy.'"<65> The coroner's report revealed that no traces of illegal substances or alcohol were found in his system at the time of his death, but did find prescribed levels of antidepressant, anxiolytic and ADHD medications in his system, including Clonazepam, Mirtazapine, Atomoxetine and Amphetamine.<66> Also, no hesitation wounds were found on Smith, a trait typical of suicide by self infliction.<35> With his death not being officially declared a suicide, journalist Alyson Camus noted numerous discrepancies and contradictions in the case that suggest foul play.<67><68><69> However, the authorities do not seem to be investigating the case further.<70> Obviously this very gifted guy had great talent, and was with a person who seems to have really loved him. He also had, to this untrained but experienced eye, a rather weird (to all be prescribed at once—were they?) and toxic brew of psycho-tropic drugs. It is interesting that you note "prescribed levels were found". With that recipe, anything is possible, imo. No OD needed here. Whatever happened, it ended tragically....for so many... who were his family, his loved ones and friends and, of course, those who appreciated his music. |
| Biscobret (Vashon, WA) | Posted: Jun 08, 2012 - 15:19 He was a depressed man with demons, but I'd say that he was putting his life together. I can't think of anyone ever actually stabbing themselves twice in the chest as a way to kill themselves. I'll believe it was a suicide shortly after I believe that the moon really is made out of green cheese. I agree - from Wiki: Smith died on October 21, 2003, at age 34 from two stab wounds to the chest.<2> At the time of the stabbing, he was at his Lemoyne Street home in Echo Park, California,<63> where he lived with his girlfriend, Jennifer Chiba. According to Chiba, the two were arguing,<35> and she locked herself in the bathroom to take a shower.<64> Chiba heard him scream, and upon opening the door, saw Smith standing with a knife in his chest. She pulled the knife out, after which he collapsed and she called 9-1-1. Smith died in the hospital with the time of death listed as 1:36 p.m. A possible suicide note, written on a Post-it, read, "I'm so sorry—love, Elliott. God forgive me."<2> The coroner's report had the name Elliott misspelled as "Elliot," however "a coroner's official told TSG that Smith's first name was misspelled in the report," not on the Post-it note.<2> While Smith's death was originally reported as a suicide, the official autopsy report released in December 2003 left open the question of possible homicide.<2> According to Pitchfork Media, record producer Larry Crane reported on his Tape Op message board that he had planned to help Smith mix his album in mid-November. Crane wrote, "I hadn't talked to Elliott in over a year. His girlfriend, Jennifer, called me The coroner's report revealed that no traces of illegal substances or alcohol were found in his system at the time of his death, but did find prescribed levels of antidepressant, anxiolytic and ADHD medications in his system, including Clonazepam, Mirtazapine, Atomoxetine and Amphetamine.<66> Also, no hesitation wounds were found on Smith, a trait typical of suicide by self infliction.<35> With his death not being officially declared a suicide, journalist Alyson Camus noted numerous discrepancies and contradictions in the case that suggest foul play.<67><68><69> However, the authorities do not seem to be investigating the case further.<70> |
| Biscobret (Vashon, WA) | Posted: Jun 08, 2012 - 15:07 My favorite Elliot Smith album - one of those *perfect* albums. There has never been more beautiful, heartfelt music made by anyone, anytime, anywhere. A true genius (& a true tragedy.)  |
| jagdriver (Just a nod and a wink south of Paradise) | Posted: May 23, 2012 - 13:40 BijouBijou wrote: PRETTY SURE EVERY SINGLE SONG BY ELLIOTT SMITH SHOULD BE A ONE. Don't even have to think about it. FYT |
| Byronape ("post-capitalist wreckageville") | Posted: May 07, 2012 - 20:39 haresfur wrote: I want to like Elliott Smith more than I do but I just can't get past his dying, dumbsh*t. Listening to his music is like the time I spent about 10 long minutes watching a huge barge bearing down on a fallen windsurfer who couldn't get back up. But that fellow got his act together and the outcome was better. horstman wrote: You are either an insensitive person or just have a narrow grasp of the english language and how you put your thoughts on paper/keypad. Elliot's fate was far worse than the "surfer" in that he was a depressed man who eventually lost the battle with his demons. What we got out of this deal was a volume of music that reflects this depression. And this is a common depression that has permeated many of us, and made us think about those feelings and how they effect our lives. And that's the beauty of a truly great artist . . . they make you think and take the experiences of another and put them into a personal perspective. Love Elliot for his contributions to music and influence in my life. He was a depressed man with demons, but I'd say that he was putting his life together. I can't think of anyone ever actually stabbing themselves twice in the chest as a way to kill themselves. I'll believe it was a suicide shortly after I believe that the moon really is made out of green cheese. |
| BijouBijou | Posted: Apr 21, 2012 - 19:53 PRETTY SURE EVERY SINGLE SONG BY ELLIOTT SMITH SHOULD BE A TEN. Don't even have to think about it. |
| ziakut (Unmoon) | Posted: Feb 18, 2012 - 09:12 Gone too soon. I love his style and approach. The doubled lead vocal sometimes wears thin a bit, but it IS a distinctive sound he's used often in his recordings. This tactic is sometimes used to disguise the weaker vocals of a vocalist. This isn't how ES uses it...but I do like anyhow. |
| mmoyer (Silicon Valley) | Posted: Jan 17, 2012 - 15:12 Still a great song. |
| horstman (Syracuse, New York) | Posted: Dec 23, 2011 - 08:39 haresfur wrote: I want to like Elliott Smith more than I do but I just can't get past his dying, dumbsh*t. Listening to his music is like the time I spent about 10 long minutes watching a huge barge bearing down on a fallen windsurfer who couldn't get back up. But that fellow got his act together and the outcome was better. You are either an insensitive person or just have a narrow grasp of the english language and how you put your thoughts on paper/keypad. Elliot's fate was far worse than the "surfer" in that he was a depressed man who eventually lost the battle with his demons. What we got out of this deal was a volume of music that reflects this depression. And this is a common depression that has permeated many of us, and made us think about those feelings and how they effect our lives. And that's the beauty of a truly great artist . . . they make you think and take the experiences of another and put them into a personal perspective. Love Elliot for his contributions to music and influence in my life. |
| chyk5 (Florida) | Posted: Dec 19, 2011 - 10:30 haresfur wrote: I want to like Elliott Smith more than I do but I just can't get past his dying, dumbsh*t. Listening to his music is like the time I spent about 10 long minutes watching a huge barge bearing down on a fallen windsurfer who couldn't get back up. But that fellow got his act together and the outcome was better. Rather cold to refer to someone who suffered from severe depression as a "dumbshit". |
| haresfur (Bendigo Australia) | Posted: Nov 21, 2011 - 15:08 I want to like Elliott Smith more than I do but I just can't get past his dying, dumbsh*t. Listening to his music is like the time I spent about 10 long minutes watching a huge barge bearing down on a fallen windsurfer who couldn't get back up. But that fellow got his act together and the outcome was better. |
| MiracleDrug (Earth) | Posted: Nov 15, 2011 - 05:18 lots of fuss...decent artist. |
| nicknt (Milan Italy) | Posted: Nov 15, 2011 - 05:17 One of the true rock poets of the last years. |
| TimeWaster | Posted: Sep 15, 2011 - 13:43 Huey wrote: Really very good. yes, very good, very very good. 9. So you like it then? |
| Huey (Netherlands) | Posted: Aug 28, 2011 - 11:51 Really very good. yes, very good, very very good. 9. |
| calypsus_1 | Posted: Aug 02, 2011 - 14:32 Song "Cupid's Trick", Album Either/Or. Personnel: Elliott Smith (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano). RIP Elliott. "Rarely can a song contain such an intense gamut of emotions as "Cupid's Trick" does and still remain cohesive. Sadness, numbness, confusion, anger, desperation and etc. all exude from the songs turbulent music. While most of the album's lyrics (and Smith's lyrics in general) are fantastic, the lyrics don't drive "Cupid's Trick". Smith would even admit in an interview that the meaning behind the lyrics was lost on him too." |
| Sloggydog (UK) | Posted: Jul 12, 2011 - 09:14 Now this one I like better before the voice came in but still pretty cool. |
| soulcollision (Vancouver, BC) | Posted: Jul 12, 2011 - 09:14 so nice. |
| lshinkawa (Berkeley, CA) | Posted: Jun 26, 2011 - 16:15 rabbi_phil wrote: I really hate that probably half of my favorite artists didn't make it and here's another. Really liked the music and was looking forward to so so much. Damn. ( Ironically this album was released on Kill Rock Stars Records) So true! Did he even realize how talented he was, and how he effected his listeners? |
| DD rabbi_phil (beach) | Posted: Mar 23, 2011 - 21:55 I really hate that probably half of my favorite artists didn't make it and here's another. Really liked the music and was looking forward to so so much. Damn. ( Ironically this album was released on Kill Rock Stars Records) |
| boober (KC,Mo) | Posted: Feb 28, 2011 - 13:13 moonsaura wrote: Ok slightly unrelated, but I have to mention this. My 2.5 year old girl listens to RP most of the day with us, this morning her favorites were: The Beatles (Get Back), Pink Floyd, Arcade Fire (Keep the Car Running), Kate Bush and Elliott Smith. When she likes a song, she asks me "who is this?" and I give her the name of the group or artist. She repeats it back to me in the most adorable toddler voice. I noticed her choices are not an accident, she seems to always ask when The Beatles and Pink Floyd comes on for example. I am so thankful that RP is allowing me to expose her to music I would not have available or know about (not the above list, but I heard about Mumford + Sons at RP fro example). Thank you again. Nice My 2 year old grandson does the same thing..."who's that"? Sponges! |
| bbryan (Don't believe everything you think) | Posted: Jan 28, 2011 - 07:13 One of the things that always amazed me about Elliott Smith was how angelic his voice and recordings were relative to his hard lifestyle. You would expect the guy to sound like Tom Waits and he just sounded so "pure" for lack of a better term. |
| sirdroseph (Yes) | Posted: Jan 20, 2011 - 05:25 jtdiver wrote: This song and entire album for that matter will never get old and only sounds better with age. 10-Godlike. Yea, I'll buy that.  |
| jtdiver (Farmington, CT) | Posted: Jan 12, 2011 - 19:53 This song and entire album for that matter will never get old and only sounds better with age. 10-Godlike. |
| Biscobret (Vashon, WA) | Posted: Jan 12, 2011 - 10:30 Either/Or is a CD by a top notch artist at the top of his game. Every song is A+. He would never top this one. |
| frink_1 | Posted: Jan 10, 2011 - 15:58 "And what's a game of chance to you, to him is one Of real skill" One of my favorite lyrics from ES (or from anyone, for that matter). RIP, Elliott. I hope you've found happiness at last. |
| moonsaura (Baltimore, Maryland) | Posted: Nov 26, 2010 - 07:00 Ok slightly unrelated, but I have to mention this. My 2.5 year old girl listens to RP most of the day with us, this morning her favorites were: The Beatles (Get Back), Pink Floyd, Arcade Fire (Keep the Car Running), Kate Bush and Elliott Smith. When she likes a song, she asks me "who is this?" and I give her the name of the group or artist. She repeats it back to me in the most adorable toddler voice. I noticed her choices are not an accident, she seems to always ask when The Beatles and Pink Floyd comes on for example. I am so thankful that RP is allowing me to expose her to music I would not have available or know about (not the above list, but I heard about Mumford + Sons at RP fro example). Thank you again. |
| MojoJojo (Indianapolis, IN USA) | Posted: Oct 07, 2010 - 19:00 I had to do it.  9 just wasn't enough. +1 |
| Nadine (Hamburg Metro Area, Germany) | Posted: Oct 01, 2010 - 10:46 Emerald** wrote: What an angel! Nice voice  |
| jagdriver (Just a nod and a wink south of Paradise) | Posted: Oct 01, 2010 - 10:43 Emerald** wrote: What an angel! Nice voice |
| Asmith | Posted: Sep 15, 2010 - 15:33 Timeless |
| michaelgmitchell (Belleville, ON) | Posted: Jun 27, 2010 - 13:48 Didn't know anything about this fellow until I heard him here, of course. Still don't. Seems more than a bit troubled before his death; his music is quite haunting. |
| Emerald** | Posted: Apr 02, 2010 - 00:00 What an angel! Nice voice |
| SpeckDog (St. Louis) | Posted: Mar 24, 2010 - 09:45 Ahhhh, The Maestro! |
| CatFitz (Tulsa, OK) | Posted: Mar 24, 2010 - 09:42 Nice transition - "Bad Reputation" to "Angeles" - sweet. |
| sirdroseph (Outer Mongolia) | Posted: Jan 26, 2010 - 15:35 horstman wrote: Are you infering to Michael Hutchence of INXS? Because that is pretty tasteless. Elliot had a lot of issues. And one or more of those issues caused him to kill himself. It's sad but nothing can be done other than to apprecieate his music and what he gave us when he was alive. I feel fortunate to have discovered him at all. He has touched my life and soul and for that I am grateful. Thank you Elliot, wherever you are.  Isn't that the way David Carradine went too? Pretty weird.  |