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0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Oscar, Schmoscar Apr 29, 2010
I'm happy that Elliott Smith ended up getting the credit that he deserved, even though what made his songwriting great is that he never strove to gain any sort of noteriety. That irony, and the honest sort of suffering that made Van Gogh cut his own ear off and that has unfortunately become cliche in the world of modern art. Either/Or is honest, sweet, somber, and bitter. Elliott Smith seems to wear his heart on his sleeve in almost every album he has ever made, this album just seems to be what critics and music lovers laud as his most brilliant. His suicide was sad, but not shocking. RIP.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Probably the greatest songwriter of the last 20 years Dec 14, 2009
Probably his greatest album, the songwriting here is fantastic. For guitar: listen to "Angeles" for guitar picking on par with Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright"; "Cupid's Trick" for distorted rocking; "Rose Parade" and "Alameda" for melodic guitar lines; and "Between the Bars" for bare bones simplicity. Harmonies here are on par with The Beatles, and there is a sense of intimacy as if the songs are sung for you alone. The lyrics are aching, bleak sometimes, yet drive past the pain at points like with the optimism of "Say Yes".
If you like harmonies this is a must own. If you like simple arrangements, this is a must own. If you like honest emotions and great lyrics, you need to get this album. Other than "Cupid's Trick" every song sounds very similar; but in those similar songs are a range of emotions, all completely real. That's why this a classic, because all the songs are fantastic and you could listen to them all day long. If you haven't heard the album before, you should right away.
Are you or aren't you? Nov 15, 2009
I've been recommending Elliott Smith for years to all my dearest friends, whenever there is a chance to hang out, have a smoke and a few drinks and play our favourite music to each other I inevitable reach for ES. Strangely after years of trying nobody seems to have taken him up. I don't get it. For me, and I abhor the frivolous use of the term genius in modern soceity, he is genuine genius material comparable to Mozart or anyone else you care to mention (e.g. the subtle vibrato guitar in the right channel at 2:08 on Cupids trick) . Truly gifted.
I'm glad I got to see him live on his Figure 8 tour but to those who have supported him before his mainstream(ish) success I applaud you for recognising a true talent before the rest of us caught on. Since his death I can only appreciate him more. I have also learnt more about guitar playing from him than anyone else. For anyone interested in listening to some unrleased output check out the Basement II demos (search it), it has some amazing recordings - even the demos that didn't make albums are better than most mere mortals can muster.
 Eclectic, raw and truly creative Oct 02, 2009
Either/Or is a fine example of Elliott Smith's unique songwriting, his "whisper" singing voice and multi-tracking harmonies drifting over complex, often schizophrenic chord progressions and song structures - indeed, his brain was wired differently. Then there is the darkness - Either/Or is a raw recording, an appropriate soundscape for the angst that appeared to plague him to the end. His psychological issues aside, Elliott Smith was a songwriter's songwriter - he was gifted artist, a tormented soul - perhaps the two go hand-in-hand, but sometimes the most beautiful things are not all fun and games. GENRES: Rock, Mellow Rock, Contemporary Folk.
BUY IF YOU LIKE: The Beatles, Wilco, Nick Drake.
MUST HEAR TRACKS: "Alameda," "Between The Bars," "Angeles," "Say Yes."
elliott smith heap good music maker Aug 24, 2009
After 125 reviews I'm not sure there's really anything more to add. I was just a little surprised that even devoted fans seemed to focus on the depressiveness and describe his music as "simple". In my opinion, whether or not you appreciate Elliott Smith doesn't hinge on your appreciation of dark or sad lyrics. The two factors that make Elliott Smith my favorite singer/songwriter of all time are: 1) as others have noted, the brutal and intelligently delivered honesty of his lyrics (sad or otherwise); and 2) perhaps more importantly, the guy had a rare talent for composition. No one short of Brian Wilson or John Lennon could create melodies as soaring as Either/Or's "Ballad of Big Nothing" or XO's "Waltz #2". And "Alameda" is so hauntingly beautiful you could just sit and cry to think that human hands brought it to life. I love the little extra touches: the tin-can, made-in-your-living-room drum sound, the ominous backing vocals (Elliott's voice as well), the harmony vocals in the chorus ... his attention to detail in composition is unrivaled. Sure, his personal sadness and self-loathing contribute to your appreciation, but only insofar as they enhance the delicate beauty of his compositions.
As for Either/Or specifically, in my opinion, the start of this album is the strongest part. The first 5 songs could rival the greatest hits collection of almost any pop singer or band.
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