Elliot Smith - "From a basement on the hill"

Posted by: Minky on 22 November 2004

Has anyone else listened to this album A LOT and found themselves being pulled in and deeply moved by the experience ? Is it his best album ? Who cares ? This is much more than music.
Posted on: 22 November 2004 by Ron Brinsdon
Minky,

I bought this after reading all the reviews etc and am aware of the artists background.

I have only played it once so far and expected to be blown away but it left me wondering what all the fuss was about.

Maybe it's a "grower"

Best wishes

Ron
Posted on: 22 November 2004 by Anna Tooth
I don't have any of his other albums, but someone bought this for me this because they thought I'd like it. I hadn't read any reviews of it either.

I have to say I totally agree with Minky on this. I have found listening to it to be, in places, extremely moving. I didn't find it to be a grower, something in the music hit me like a ton of bricks.

Anna
Posted on: 22 November 2004 by thirty three and a third
I have all of his albums and I believe this one to be his best. So much so that I own both the CD and the LP. Eek

"Before you play two notes learn how to play one note - and don't play one note unless you've got a reason to play it." - Mark Hollis (1998)
Posted on: 22 November 2004 by Mike Hanson
If you like Elliott's work, and if you haven't already discovered him, give Ron Sexsmith a listen. You won't likely be disappointed.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-
Posted on: 23 November 2004 by woodface
It is a cracker and profoundly moving; if anything knowing the background to it slightly spoils the experience. A major artist although either/or is probably his best album?
Posted on: 23 November 2004 by greeny
quote:
If you like Elliott's work, and if you haven't already discovered him, give Ron Sexsmith a listen. You won't likely be disappointed.


I don't have Elliot's latest offering, but it's definately on my list (I have 3 others). I only have one Ron Sexsmith album and although he's coming from the same area, I find Ron's vocals a little fey, and the depth and feel present in Elliot's music is missing for me YMMV.
Posted on: 23 November 2004 by Mike Hanson
quote:
Originally posted by greeny:
I only have one Ron Sexsmith album and although he's coming from the same area, I find Ron's vocals a little fey, and the depth and feel present in Elliot's music is missing for me YMMV.

I would agree, that sometimes Elliott's stuff can seem heartwrenching a bit more often, although Ron frequently plumbs the depths as well. For example, check out "For the Driver", from his most recent "Retriever" album.

BTW, Ron's voice is definitely weaker than Elliot's. Hearing him live, it's quite obvious that he has pitch problems. Most of the time this is more endearing than annoying, but sometimes it crosses the line.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-