Proof needed ? Well, two tracks are available to listen to right now – well in advance of the March 10th release date (19th for the LP). Whilst this surely makes for a gorgeous collection – the more important thing is that it’ll be an essential listen for longtime fans and newcomers alike. The double LP is packaged in a gatefold jacket that includes an insert of the original liner notes, a postcard of the original master tapes, and several never-before seen photos. The second disc features five live multi-track recordings from the Yo Yo A Go Go Festival in Olympia WA in 1997, as well as three previously unreleased studio recordings and one B-side gem. This expanded release fits on to a double LP or a double CD package and features the original tracks carefully remastered from original tapes under the supervision of Larry Crane. So here it is, the twentieth anniversary expanded edition of Either/Or. There’s been no dimming in the interest in his music, and there’s no reason why more of it shouldn’t be released. Truly essential.Fourteen years have passed since Elliot Smith died, and twenty have passed since the release of Either/Or. Overall, Elliott Smith's masterpiece, Either/Or, is a near perfect album, and one of the most intimate and sincere pieces of music ever recorded. But upon further inspection, Either/Or stands out due to its peculiar way of hiding in plain sight its troubles and melancholy under a thin coat of sweet. Elliott Smith's music contains such well-written melodies and such natural performances that it never falls into this rut. On the surface, Elliott Smith’s Either/Or could be mistaken as just another sad indie-folk album released during the alt-rock heyday of the nineties. Songs by bands such as AC/DC may be fantastic for the first few listens, but then quickly become dull. Usually, after ten or so listens, a simple song becomes boring. When music is very simple, like Either/Or is, there are normally certain negative aspects. This frankness sometimes leads to lines that on paper seem to be overstatements, but the sincerity of the performance immediately puts such notions to rest. it starts with a version of alameda, recorded during the same sessions that yielded the album version featured on smiths essential 1997 release either/or. Just like the music, the lyrics are straightforward and frank. Whether Elliott Smith sings of self-loathing or newfound love, it is clear that he believes what he says. The lyrics are as truthful as the music is. However, these songs, even the hopeful Say Yes, are tinged with a sadness and regret that is consistently present in Elliott Smith's work. Most of the music is melancholic and brooding, such as the lonely Between The Bars or the nostalgic Alameda, but certain songs are more cheerful, such as Say Yes, where Elliott Smith takes a break from depression and misery, and sings about getting back together with a past lover, or Pictures Of Me, where Smith sings about how the media incorrectly portrays him. This openness and the simple, usually acoustic arrangements create an intimacy that is surpassed by few, if any, performers.Įither/Or is certainly not a happy and joyous album. Elliott Smith hides nothing, and repeated listens are by no means required to understand Either/Or. A simple bassline and drum pattern plays in the background, and an occasional electric guitar plays a soft lead. Elliott Smith plays the acoustic guitar and sings in his trademark whispered voice. He succeeded fantastically.Įlliott Smith's magnum opus, Either/Or, is not a complicated album. Instead, he decided to play music that without real feeling would simply fall flat and be worthless. Some performers try to hide their inability to emote under a thin veil of technicality, and these specious artists are often held in high regard until the listener discovers the lack of genuine emotion in the music. If the emotions sound forced due to the performer or composer's ineptitude, then the music will soon be forgotten and replaced by thousands of superior works. Sincerity is one of the most important traits qualities in a musician. Review Summary: There are very few albums that absolutely everybody needs to listen to.