Album Of The Day
"A year before his major-label debut, XO, was released, it seemed unlikely that Elliott Smith would even be on a major, let alone having his record be one of the more anticipated releases of 1998. He had certainly earned a great deal of critical respect with his low-key, acoustic indie records and was emerging as a respected songwriter, but he hadn't made much of an impression outside of journalists, record collectors, and indie rockers. An Oscar nomination can change things, however. "Miss Misery," one of Smith's elegantly elegiac songs for Gus Van Sant's Good Will Hunting, unexpectedly earned an Academy Award nomination, and he was
immediately thrust into the spotlight. He was reluctant to embrace instant celebrity, yet he didn't refuse a contract with DreamWorks, and he didn't shy away from turning XO into a glorious fruition of his talents. Smith's songs remain intensely introspective, yet the lush, Beatlesque production provides a terrifically charming counterpoint. His sweetly dark melodies are vividly brought to life with the detailed arrangements, and they sell Smith's tormented songs -- it's easy to get caught up in the tunes and the sound of the record, then realize later what the songs are actually about. That's a sign of a good craftsman, and XO proves that not only can Elliott Smith craft a song, but he knows how to make an alluring pop record as well." (4.5/5) ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Popular Posts of the Week
-
Editors releases their third studio album "In This Light And On This Evening" (out on Oct. 13 in the U.K.) after Back Room and An...
-
Tubeway Army is the debut album by Gary Numan and his band Tubeway Army, released in 1978. Its initial limited-edition run of 5000 (known u...
-
1. Manic - Floor Boards (EP) 2. Blood Brothers – Set Fire To The Face On Fire 3. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah – Satan Said Dance 4. Sarah Nixey...
-
History They originally called themselves The Reactionaries , with additional band member and singer Martin Tamburovich. According to Watt, ...
-
Album of the week 'Strong lyrics and riffs in alternative rock area.' Nothing's Shocking is Jane's Addiction 's first st...
-
This crazy song is from their latest live album ' Snare Lustrous Doomings'. Such a nice live version from one of my favourite Of...
-
Today I thought the new songs are horrible at the moment. A skeleton guy comes and sings repeatitive 'Black and Yellow, black and yello...
0 COMMENTS:
Post a Comment