For many of us, the third week in October will always be synonymous with the day five years ago that we heard Elliott Smith had died. Not to overstate or romanticize it, but Smith wrote the kind of music that many continue to relate to on a very personal level-- no doubt at least part of the reason why the shock and tragedy of his loss continue to affect people on a similar level. This is particularly the case around these parts, in the adopted hometown whose landmarks fill so much of his music, from Alameda and Division to the Rose Parade.
The last time I saw Elliott Smith was on Election Night 2000 in Salt Lake City-- ironically the same city where he would play his final public performance almost three years later (a free show, and one for which I declined to make the five hour round trip drive. Ah, regrets.). It was one of a couple of times I was able to catch him on stage out there in the hinterlands and each left a lasting impression. It's not a stretch to say that those experiences are in part what led me to do what I'm currently doing (not to mention where I'm doing it).
We'll remember Smith on Tuesday with music throughout the day on the stream, and you can also join the conversation on Tuesday's Think Out Loud (9am on OPB radio) as they discuss Elliott Smith and the lasting legacy and influence of his music. But why wait? You can get started right now.
Stream: Elliott Smith- "Thirteen" (Demo, Big Star cover)
Speaking of Tuesday, The Mountain Goats return to Portland-- fine enough news in and of itself, but this go around they do it with Kaki King as part of something they're billing The Last Happy Night of Your Life. If they're speaking in terms of the rest of your life in comparison to the night at the Wonder Ballroom, they may very well have a point. John Darnielle's Mountain Goats are fresh off the typically excellent Heretic Pride out earlier in this year, while Kaki King's voice gained some ground on her world-class guitar playing on her latest, Dreaming of Revenge, making her a true double threat. Add to that the fact that the pairing has resulted in a new tour-only EP called Black Pear Tree, and you have absolutely no excuse to miss the bill. Unless that whole last happy night of your life thing worries you. Nevertheless.
MP3: Mountain Goats & Kaki King-
"Thank You Mario But Our Princess Is in Another Castle"
More to come here throughout the week.....feel free to act and react. The thread is open...
October 21, 2008 at 7:10am by mcfetridge
Yes, this time of year rolls around yet again, reminding us of the great musician that once called Oregon his home. Elliott was one of a kind. His songs created a personal feeling, bringing listeners into his mind, discussing the fragile emotions of the populace.
For those who know who he is, and more importantly what his music is like, I suggest that you take time out of your daily schedules and listen.
For those stumbling across his music please listen and learn. Oregon has not ever, in my opinion, been home to such a musician.
October 21, 2008 at 8:25am by Jeremy Petersen
A good suggestion, mcfetridge. One doesn't hear his music on the radio in Portland very often, for some reason, and I was surprised at how striking it felt to be hearing it on Think Out Loud Today.
It's a good day to sit back wherever you like and listen to any one of his albums from start to finish. I'd probably make either/or my first choice, but that's not an easy one to make.
After that, celebrate the genius that is John Darnielle's Mountain Goats at the Wonder Ballroom with Kaki King.
Thanks for the comment.
October 21, 2008 at 9:30am by bo.monro
i am excited for the kaki / mt. goats collaberation.
really dug "Thank You Mario But Our Princess Is in Another Castle"
hope to make it up to the show tonight from salem. dont have a car, but i may have a ride. is it sold out?
can i make a request for some jason webley? he is playing at the wonder on NOV 1.
October 21, 2008 at 3:15pm by gunky
That Mary Gauthier song ("Can't find the way") is a nice tune, but very familiar. As I listen I keep thinking it's sung differently. Is she covering someone else here, or did someone else cover her? Feels very John-Priney to me.
October 21, 2008 at 3:24pm by Jeremy Petersen
Nope, that's a Gauthier original. I think the Prine comparison is apt, though-- I hear similarities in a lot of their music. Are you familiar with her song, "Mercy Now"? I think it's the best thing she's done, and it's not at all difficult to hear Prine's voice singing it (for example).
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