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From a basement on the hill
Publisher: Anti
Thu, 6 January 2005
by: Madame Hooplah
Elliott Smith 1969- 2003
Review/tribute
How wonderful to hear a posthumous release that is a fitting tribute to the artist. After a career of five great "Smitho" albums the final one does not disappoint in the slightest, unlike the unfinished Jeff Buckley album "Sketches for my sweetheart the drunk". What a relief.
Reflecting on his lyrics in the light of his suicide just gives an extra bittersweet tang to reams of sad, sad words. You could call them poignant if you wanted to. I can't imagine anyone else ever singing a phrase like "just make it over" with such unquestionable authority.
I was never a fan of Smith until I went(sulkily and grudgingly)to see him live. Seeing him deliver songs which I had found mildly irritating with such passion and such a strong presence gave me a new respect and I suddenly "got" him. The corner hotel wasn't particularly full that night so the gig had an intimate feel. Smith didn't really make much of an attempt to bond with the audience other than through his music, which is the point after all. He didn't seem to waste any energy. Self contained yet displaying raw emotion, he looked like a pale, pockmarked frankenstein. I loved him.
What a savage, untimely death for a man my father commented didn't sound like he'd have the strength to stab himself.
Some of the songs on "From a basement on a hill" had been conceived when Smith was touring his 2000 release "figure 8".
"Pretty(ugly before)" had been pre released as an EP. This is probably my favourite track on the album, the sentiment really gets under the skin and the melody is just simple and lovely. Anyone who may have related to Christina Aguilera's "beautiful" and been thoroughly disappointed by it's generic crapness would be well advised to give this one a listen. Vastly different songs springing from a common base of mild self loathing and the need for acceptance.
I enjoyed the "old saloon style" tinkly keyboard moments in this album as much as the fuller arrangements. Touches of Rocky Raccoon and Sargeant Pepper from a Beatles fan? This influence has often been noted by critics.
From a basement.. is a more sombre c.d. than his previous releases. I found it extremely moving and beautiful. It won't date but will stand the test of time, lumped into the tragic male artist box alongside Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley which is a great shame.
by: Madame Hooplah
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