You are correct. The more personal we are, the more universal we are. You're a deeply decent and intuitive human being Michael. Much love to you. Keep doing what you are doing
Brian - "The more personal we are, the more universal we are." Couldn't have said it better myself. You sir, get the pin. Thanks so much my friend!!! Much love right back to you brother
@Guitargate Hey Michael, I've been a fan of your channel for a while now. I really loved your videos on The Dead and Holsdsworth, but man, I am excited for you about coming into Elliott Smith. I've already commented about how I feel about his playing, so I figured I'd give me a suggestion. If you want to see just how good his guitar playing is, and also get a sense of how it drives the music itself. I highly recommend two albums. 'Figure 8' which is a big budget, big studio album but really is a good window into the type of miraculous things he heard and was capable of composing and arranging. Then there is 'New Moon' which is more of a compilation album but of tunes that the recordings of were originally unreleased. Songs like "New Disaster" and "Placeholder" really stick out as great examples of his guitar work, showcased in stripped-downwn context. Once again, enjoy your journey into Elliott Smith. I listened to him and practically nothing else for five years straight and he changed my guitar playing forever. Good luck on your Elliott Smith journey. If you ever need help with what to explore next -since his discography is enormormous, the people in this community will steer you properly.
@@Guitargateanother singer who accomplished this was Scott Hutchison from Frightened Rabbit, intensely personal and specific lyrics that relate to a wide range of people
Holy shit, I'm legitimately very happy for you for finally coming to Elliott. As a guitarist his ornate picking style, his use of secondary dominants, his use of # 11s are so cleverly used. That's not even mentioning his gobsmacking lyricism. His discography is going to fuck you up.
@tpmcginnis Yup, and this tune is only scratching the surface in terms of his extraordinary use of jazz harmony in pop tunes. There's a reason I keep a medallion with his face on it around my neck all times of the day. He's made that much of an impression on me and my playing.
@@echambers1112 I never thought of it as having anything to do with alcoholism either. It's one of my favourite songs of all time and I thought it was him singing to a girl that he wants to open up to him that is having a hard time, so he has to reach for her between the bars. I felt a lot like that girl. I think it's probably also influenced by seeing it in Good will hunting of course. No alcoholism there. But a great song is a great song, it can be interpreted in many ways and feel powerful!
@@the_oslovian no it is completely about alcoholism between prison bars is like a metaphor of addiction alcohlism is a prison and between the bars being where he gets drunk and wanders to the next bar for a drink
A great friend of mine was Elliot’s guitar tech, and I got to meet Elliot a couple times. He was a very sweet man, and very shy. My buddy told me he was such a great soul and they shared some amazing times. Losing Elliot was truly a great loss for all.
@@anthonyrotar If you really cared about Elliott, you would not bother people over misspellings of his name. For that reason alone, I do not believe you.
Are you me :) I've been listening to Elliott on repeat for the last month, and as a Beatles fan, I'm like why haven't I discovered his music years ago...
Michael, you are one of the few youtubers in this genre who is capable of communicating (in plain yet poetic language) both the musicality of a performer, as well as their lyrical and emotional expression. This video showcases your art and aptitude in the finest way. Just wanted to thank you and congratulate you directly and personally for how you manage to bridge that gap so well.
He was one of the best singer-songwriters ever - there was so much more music we lost when his life was cut short - I miss each song we never got to hear.
I pop in once in a while and binge your videos, this was a treat, Elliot Smith has been my whole life and is my favorite artist EVER. I had my first run ins with drugs and alcohol when I was about 12 years old. I'll be 28 in two weeks. I come from a real messed up family of addicts and I nearly shared that generational fate.. Between the bars is an intimate song for me. I spend a lot of depressed nights high or drunk crying by myself while listening to it. Nowadays it serves as a reminder to myself of how far I've come. It was a turn of phrase me and my brother would use "We're just stuck between the bars". My brother died (intentionally) by drug overdose in 2018. I miss him with all my heart but he snapped me out of it, and the shock and pain allowed me to break the cycle. Sober and Clean for 6 years, it'll be 7 in October.
Congrats on being sober. Elliott smith saved my life as a teenager in some ways he was my best friend. Greatest songwriter all time for me his music hits me like nothing else. Take care and good luck
I’m amazed that you were so blown away by the song and didn’t play any guitar in this video. Elliots guitar playing is very unique and challenging to play by ear (I am a muscian myself). I respect that you cherished that. And thank you for sharing your struggles. You’re not alone ❤️
So many good songs to check out, some of my personal favorites are: -Waltz #2 -Alameda -Angeles -Say Yes -Christian Brothers -Everything Means Nothing To Me Such an insane career/discography cut so short. Easily one of my favorite, if not favorite artists ever.
Waltz#2 is amazing but don't forget Twilight and Pretty (Ugly Before)...Sunshine been keeping me up for days, there is no nighttime only a passing phase.
I've lived in Portland since Elliott was performing with Heatmiser. His songs feature lots of local landmarks. There is nothing quite like driving around the spots mentioned in his songs while listening to them.
let's go!!! You HAVE to check out Jeff Buckley as well Michael! His song "Lover, You Should've Come Over" offers some of the best songwriting I have ever heard.
@@artharrison9586 I love Tim's album, Starsailor. Jeff is my favorite of the two though. May they both rest well... Shame that Tim was a terrible father.
The 120 minutes So Real would be a great one. There's actually some interesting chords and it rocks at the end. ruclips.net/video/8Uznt9YFd8c/видео.html
Welcome to the Elliott family…your genuine and touching discussion of this song changed my view of it…and helped me see my own issues differently…especially about unfulfilled potential…thank you so much ❤
That’s why Elliott smith is my favorite. It’s music you feel rather than just listen to. And as I’ve listened to him over my life I’ve found that different songs and lyrics reflect different situations I go through and it brings me comfort.
Strange how a song like this should come up today. This morning, my son went into surgery to have a brain tumor removed. He is in good spirits, and get this behind him. When you have already had the pain of ten lifetimes in your own life, and then have your own child fighting is a pain no parent should ever have to face. No parent should ever have to have the discussion of what to do in case he doesn't make it. Love what you do Michael, really needed this today! ✌️
Great review, very sincere. Here are some of my favourites from Elliott: - Angeles - Junk Bond Trader - A fond farewell - A distorted reallity is now a necessity - See you in heaven (unreleased but so good) - Ballad of Big Nothing - Clementine - Somebody that I used to know Thanks for these videos, they're great
Dude! Elliott is the greatest, and a very underrated guitar player. He uses such interesting chord progressions, Memory Lane is an insane acoustic guitar tune to play and sing. King's Crossing is also just one of the best songs ever. So much to his discography though.
Kings Crossing is incredibly well constructed and not a single line in it is a throw-away. It has to be one of the best written songs about addiction. My favorite version of it is ruclips.net/video/HiBTykpkT9E/видео.html
Although you were uncertain, you absolutely chose THE best recording of this song, at least in my opinion. It contains all of the raw emotion that the filtered studio recording lacks, and I would gladly listen to this version over the others any day. 👍
What has always struck me about Elliott Smith isnt he's amazing skill on the guitar but the lyrics. It's personal to the point where it can seem almost intrusive. But that leads to some of the most relatable and hauntingly beautiful songs I've ever listened to.
For some reason, after all these years, I never thought to search for an Elliott Smith reaction. And today I did. I couldn’t have hoped for a better video. Thank you Michael for sharing such a poignant and beautiful moment with us. Elliott is my favourite artist but his story is so heartbreaking I can only bear to listen to his music sparingly. In fact, I’ve never listened to his posthumous album. He had a way of speaking to the heart through his sheer fragility and beautiful grace that, seemingly, was too much for even him to tolerate. Thank you Michael. I wish you contentment and peace from across the pond. 🙏
Wasn’t expecting to see you here aha, with Elliott Smith being my favourite artist and you being my favourite reactor I would love to see you react to the posthumous album, but it seems like if you ever did then it would be too personal for a video understandably
Elliott Smith is a legend, everything he wrote and performed was absolutely enthralling. One of my favourite artists of all time - I’ve been a fan since 1997.
Michael, I sincerely thank you. While I always loved Elliot Smith and this song… hearing your words and your personal connection to it was exactly what I needed tonight. Sometimes the Universe presents us gifts at the perfect moments.
I love this! I'm from Seattle, worked in record stores for decades, so i obviously love seeing someone connecting on a deep level, with music new to them. E.S. was in a Portland band called Heatmiser when I first met him. I didn't know him well, but we were friendly in and outside of shows or my work (Tower Records 5th and Mercer!). Excellent video, and enjoy your path of discovery, there's a lot of gold to mine ahead...
"I feel like that person I loathed for so long" That's the art of Elliott Smith. He brings you to that darkest moment in a beautiful way. I can't listen to him anymore but oh man was he a gift.
Elliott’s albums were so well put together… perfect double tracked vocals, mesmerising fast acoustic playing (using awesome borrowed / non diatonic chords) but above all…. pure, egoless emotional intensity
Oh man this is amazing. Elliott's chord progressions throughout basically all his songs are astounding. I'd love to see your reaction for songs like Tomorrow Tomorrow, Clementine, or Independence Day. They're some of the most intricate songs I've ever learned how to play.
Welcome to the club. You have to check out Angeles, I Didn't Understand and Walz #2. There's a whole show with Jon Brion as well that is just heart crushing.
I'd say Angeles is kinda the quintessential Elliott Smith song, and probably the best place to start. It has amazing guitar playing and will hit you deep in the feels.
This made me feel like the first time I heard Elliott so many years ago. I didn't think you can re-hear something for the first time - but this came close. What a gift. Thank you for your heartfelt video.
This was a beautiful video Michael. How wonderful to see Elliott's music hit someone and speak to them so deeply and unexpectedly. A pleasure and a privilege to watch. ❤
The first time I heard Elliott Smith was in 1996 when my cousin gave me the self titled album. I sat in my room silent and stunned as well. There are a few artists that I wish I could go back in time and listen again for the first time all over, and he is one of them.
First time I have seen you just sit and absorb a song without and lesson if you will, ive been in a dark period for a while, and this song was great, it reminded me how far I have come., 17 years this past September was my quit date. Not sure if your aware of Elliot Smith demise and circumstances but sad all around. Peace Micheal your a real one, and I love that.
Thank you for the vulnerability. The hardest thing to realize is we all get to an age where we're trauma victims. No one escapes this. At 54 I'm learning how to take good care of myself emotionally and physically. Its never too late. Beautifully tragic as all art can be.
Wow, thanks, you nailed that. At 43 & as a guitarist of like 30 years, also just discovering Elliot’s music the first time you have that the perfect amount of space.
Glad you finally found him, he is one of those guys who died quick. His lyrics and songwriting are Dylan level. He is relatable to everyone and his writing about Heroin is brilliant once you get there. I can honestly listen to EVERY ALBUM all the way through without skipping and that, my friend, is RARE. This man writes about addiction in a way that no one else can or has since. From the depths of pure addiction, we are lucky to have someone so eloquently and simply describe and makes you FEEL it. To your absolute core. He is brilliant and a treasure.
Jeez i don’t know if that’s quite the right topic to so positively associate him with lol. I get what your saying but a lot of his work seems to be merely misinterpreted as being about drugs. Addiction in general I can definitely agree. Since we can be addicted to anything. But you seem to be specifically implying drugs.
This was beautiful and heartbreaking in equal measure. Elliott speaks to so many of us. One of the finest songwriters that ever lived. His story is a tragic one, but he left behind such an astonishing body of work. I find most Nick Drake fans become Elliott fans, and vice versa. Take care man. All the love x
I loved Elliott so much. I was lucky enough to meet him once after a concert he performed in Nashville. The power went out in the club halfway during his set, and he continued playing acoustic and singing without a mic...the crowd was completely silent...you could hear a pin drop. Amazing show.
Angeles; Tomorrow, Tomorrow; Condor Ave are all popular songs that showcase some pretty nifty guitar work, but man, his whole catalog is In-Sane… just an incredible songwriter, but the subtlety of his guitar playing is a deep pool.
Glad to see you discovering Elliott, and thank you so much for this truly emotional reaction. Internet can also be a safe place for us to show our feelings, this is a very nice exemple. Keep safe, bro.
Hej Michael - I totally understand your reaction! I discovered Elliott I think around 2000... For me it was a major discovery. At this time I listend to his albums over and over for a long time.... I love the fragility in his voice and the despair and hope in his lyrics... It touched me deeply. At this time I started making my own music - so I tried to get in touch with his producer (I am from Switzerland), and luckily it happened, I flew to Portland and recorded my first album together with Elliotts friend and producer Larry Crane. It was unforgettable! Hugs from Switzerland 😊
I've heard Elliott's music in Good Will Hunting for the first time when I was 14, and since that time he was one of the few songwriters I constantly go back to when I feel that half-depressing eerie feeling. Like him, I was just born a bit too sad and a bit too poetic to have life figured out easily. His music has been the shoulder to cry on, the place where someone deeply understands and appreciates me, just for being a human. It's a privilege to share the human experience with people like that. As a beginner songwriter, I find myself constantly going back to his lyrics for studying and appreciation.
“Needle in the Hay” is a great early song and I suspect one of his more popular ones. Elliot Smith accompanied himself on guitar very well, so that is worth your looking into. This was a nice video. Thanks.
The more you dive in to his discography the songs just get better and better No name no 5 is one of my fave Elliot songs and has some really interesting guitar playing and a unique rhythm and strumming pattern that is nearly impossible to replicate perfectly
Elliott has always been extremely poignant, and often cuts deep, at least for me personally. Your initial thoughts were very touching, i’m new to this channel but it’s nice you allow yourself to be vulnerable. I’m excited to see you delve more into Elliotts discography! I think a good song to pick in terms of guitar playing would be Angeles. Tomorrow Tomorrow is also a great pick, if you want a deeper cut :)
I have listened to Elliot Smith here and there but I wanted to say that while this song was amazing…what caught me off guard was your raw and honest words. “When you make something that is true to yourself it resonates with others” referring to our shared human experience. It caught me off guard and thank you.
Elliott Smith is my favorite songwriter of all time, and his songs still hit me like they just hit you, even 21 years after I first heard St. Ide's Heaven. For intricate guitar playing, there are a lot of options, but Angeles is probably the most interesting all around song you could pick to do a video on. It showcases everything he does in a really clean package with a gorgeous picking pattern, and it's just a beautiful song in every way. The most amazing thing about Elliott is that he never phoned in a song. There aren't any bad ones. They're not all perfect, but they were all written for a reason, with genuine conviction, and I don't think the exclusion of any song on any album would improve that album, which I can't say about basically any other musician ever. I'll still give a couple recommendations though, songs which I'm pretty sure have embedded themselves into my literal dna. Twilight Happiness St. Ide's Heaven High Times Say Yes Miss Misery (I prefer the version from New Moon to the movie version) Love your channel. Getting to watch you discover my favorite artist and respond the way you did made my morning, and really helped bridge some of that feeling of isolation which both you and Elliott were speaking about in this video, and which has been hitting me really acutely lately, since I've lost both of my parents in the last year and a half. I'm doing really well overall, and it's been little moments of connection, both in my personal life and with the media I've been coming across lately which have been reminding me that we're all together in that we're all alone, so we've got to look out for each other and listen to each other. Thanks for doing what you do. I feel better understood because you made this video. Hopefully, my comment can do the same for you.
I love this channel. You are obviously an extremely talented and knowledgeable musician, but what I really love is how you capture the essence of songwriting and use your emotional intelligence in these reactions. The way you share your experience and empathize (both technically and emotionally) with the intentions of each song really is a gift. Brilliant.
You know......I have been watching you for a while and when I get a notification that you uploaded, I check the title. If it has the normal "reacts", I usually add to my watch list for later. BUT when the title is just an artists name and some comment about their music, I stop what I'm doing and watch immediately because I know the therapy session is incoming and that's why I love your channel. Thank you, Michael.
First time I’ve seen a reactor replay the video. Elliott’s songs sound simple until you try to play and sing them. Then there’s a firehouse of information to process. Cool that you instantly recognized that. Subbed.
I’m so, so glad. Elliott is my favorite musical artist to ever live, and I’m so glad that you’ve finally come across him. He was a musical genius in every sense of the word. Lyrically, instrumentally, and everything else.
What a profound way you have taken the lyrics and so graciously described them to give Elliott’s music the enlightenment it deserves. You have a gift in this Michael. I look forward to seeing you again. Please check out my friend Mike Scott of the Waterboys band, we’ve been close friends for 33 years now and I feel Mike has never been given the respect he deserves for his lyrics and overall talent. His music has changed people’s lives, including mine. Please give him a listen and thank you for promoting sobriety. I’m in my tenth year and have never enjoyed life and friends more than now.
He has so many great songs. My favorite singer-songwriter and an exceptional fingerpicker. The below are both favorites of mine but Roman Candle and Either/Or are albums that are amazing straight through. Everything Reminds Me of Her Fond Farewell for a Friend
I found your channel from the dave matthews warehouse video. the saw your Conor Oberst Poison Oak Video. Then worked back to Elliott Smith. These were 3 men who basically formed my music playing and songwriting vocabulary so it's a real treasure to see another person's reactions to these songs and songwriters who I adore. It's like when my friends and I would listen to these songs back in highschool/college and just be blown away. I'm from Omaha and was at the show where Conor (Bright Eyes) first played Poison Oak and it wasn't on any recordings. My friends and I would bootleg songs with a dictation recorder so we could learn them and that was one I remember learning and playing over and over.
I first heard Elliot Smith on the soundtrack to The Royal Tenenbaums. Very heavy, but worthy of being heard. Someone else from an earlier era that has similar vibes and depth is Nick Drake. What I'd say to both of them is that they left us too soon. Life can change so much between 20 and 40 and onwards, it's wild.
People say nick drake or folk but never heard elliott ever mention nick drake though I’m sure he listened to him. IMO he sounds so much more like the Beatles.
This was so powerful. 9:23 is the first time he mentions anything to do with music, or theory. This was a serious dive into all of our own feelings which is so important
I really appreciate your thoughtful and caring dissection of great music(and the true artists that make it), Michael. Elliot Smith is near and dear to my heart, since the first time I saw him do a tiny acoustic set in NYC back in 1996. A true artist, someone beyond the normal musician, something extraordinary and amazing(when those two words meant more). Here's two tunes from each album that are Musts! "Coast To Coast", and "A Fond Farewell". Then "Stupidity Tries"(my personal favorite), and "L.A.", truly beautiful songs. Then, "Sweet Adeline", and "Amity". Then, You'll be a huge fan. Hopefully you'll see this comment, I see it'll be number 745 😃
Thank you Michael. I love the content and love Elliott Smith. I would recommend " Independence Day" " (Whatever) Folk Song in C", "Say Yes" to name a few. He has tons of music and it's mostly all lovely. Cheers.
I’ve often thought that listening to Elliott Smith feels like coming home. He has so many incredible songs. I’ve never seen your videos but because someone was ‘reacting’ to Elliott for the first time, I had to watch it. This was beautiful and made me teary eyed. I’m excited for your journey into his work.
I don't think that this was your intention, but I love the way that you allowed yourself to be bowled over by the song. You didn't even even strum a chord. This is what great songwriting looks like.
That was a beautiful reaction, Michael. Thanks for sharing such honest emotions. This clip you watched is part of a video with 3 songs. All 3 are gorgeous. You would love the entire video.
Elliott smith is so good. Man, that’s awesome that you’ve discovered him at a time where you perhaps needed to hear the message to remind yourself of all the progress you’ve made. I was getting choked up with ya bro. Beautiful self reflection too, that’s the power of music isn’t it? Keep fighting the good fight. As for next songs, id recommend: Angeles (for the guitar work), pitseleh and Waltz #2. Elliott’s music is extremely intricate from so many angles. He’s an excellent and unique guitar player, songwriter, lyricist and singer. Definitely in the category of greatest of all time. Sad story though. I find that I go through phases where I listen to his music and it’s almost like therapy. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on his guitar playing!
Watching you experience Elliott Smith for the first time is an absolute pleasure. Congrats on your sobriety and I think many of us can relate. I'm glad you chose this path and really enjoy your videos.
I’ll be honest, your reaction videos have helped me understand my own mental state, through music, more than the past 40 years of living. Your openness, but also your explanations open my eyes to what is going on around me in my life, to me, and the people around me. I’m hugely grateful. I was too young to fully appreciate Elliott Smith when I first discovered him, beyond his musicality. But I will be revisiting and losing myself to his words again, all against the background of knowing now what he must have been going through in his life. On other singer-songwriters you might like to explore, I really enjoy Luke Sital Singh. A couple of songs in particular, Fail for you and Benediction. Beautiful songs, beautifully written and beautifully performed.
I only discovered his music a few weeks ago, can't believe I didn't hear about him until now, between the bars and waltz 2 are my favourite songs, if he was still here today imagine the music he would be putting out
This cat got me through some tuff times in my life. I haven't heard this song in years until I saw your video pop up. It felt like a punch in the stomach when I saw it, but knew I had to hear it again. Honestly I knew I needed to hear it again. My heart aches for Elliott. I never met him but in a way he and I were very close. I'm thankful you picked this song today. I think I will pray a Rosary for him.
Say Yes is one of my favorite Elliott Smith songs. There are so many others that are just as good lyrically, musically and emotionally. As soon as one of his songs start to play everything fades into the background and you are emotionally captured. I'm so glad you are meeting this artist for the first time. I would love to be able to meet Elliott Smith for the first time once again. To me his words are magical. Deep and dark yes but honest and authentic as well.
Discovered him 2 years ago and been obsessed ever since. Constantly finding new masterpieces of his. You’re gonna love all of his stuff. So glad you’re now discovering him
Congrats on finding Elliott. I envy the years of discovery of his great work you have ahead of you! Would love to see some reactions along the way -- his musicianship is every bit as great as his lyrics.
He was such a gifted songwriter. I remember one writer saying something like "no one suffers as gorgeously as Elliot Smith." That was probably in the review for XO in Rolling Stone. I suggest featuring Sweet Adeline or Tomorrow Tomorrow from XO.
great song, i believe Elliott played it on 12 string? tomorrow tomorrow, angeles, everything reminds me of her, live acoustic version of LA, alameda.. the list is endless.
I remember you reacting to “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers. Elliott was and is her favorite artist of all time. The way he influenced her artistry is evident the more you hear Elliott’s catalogue and then subsequently hear her’s. Elliott’s music has been there for a lot of rough moments for myself. I found his music through my favorite movie of all time Good Will Hunting. I can’t imagine I am the only one who found him from that film. “Angeles” “Miss Misery” and “Needle in the Hay” are a few landmarks for me from him.
You really should go through his whole discography, both his solo stuff and Heatmiser, and check out the documentary Heaven Adores You. Just go down the rabbit hole. So worth it!
Elliott is my favorite and one of the most prolific singer songwriters(I was going to say of our time but)period. Some of the most heartbreaking songs ever written especially the stuff about heroin addiction. I was an addict for 20 years and Kings Crossing, Plainclothes Man, The White Lady Loves You More, Needle in the Hay etc. always made me feel less alone. I Didn't Understand and Everything Reminds Me of Her are also very beautiful as is all of his music. I am so grateful to have been lucky to meet him a couple times in the 90's. He was a very shy beautiful human being with a tortured soul. He was extremely honest in his music and it's part of what made his art so impactful.
Dude, I don't know you but this video popped up on my feed because I'm such a huge Elliott Smith fan. I very much appreciate hearing your honest thoughts, they are/were shared by me and so many others. This is why he's such an important artist to so many of us, along with the amazing music. Good luck on your journey. Stay present.
Elliott was my favorite artist for a long time. I've learned so many of his tunes on guitar and was lucky enough to see him live a few times. I'm trying to think of a song to suggest for your review. I just don't think there are any that shouldn't be heard. What an incredible song writer. "Everything Reminds me of Her" "Pitseleh", "King's Crossing", "Son of Sam", "A Fond Farewell" or his a cappella song "I Didn't Understand" is remarkable. Really every song has some bit of brilliance at the least.
You can't go wrong with Elliott Smith. I have never heard an Elliott Smith song that I did not like. I generally am not a big fan of acoustic singer songwriters. But Elliot Smith is definitely an exception to that. Your focus was more on the story line than the musicality. It gave me a new perspective. Because I have always thought that the music was 'off-the-charts' good, and never really gave the lyrics much thought.
Glad you found his music. I was an instant fan when a friend introduced me to his music in early 2000. I quickly bought all of his CDs. My wife said he is too depressing. I feel you cannot have happiness without sorrow and vice versa; it's the yin and yang of the universe, and I feel that is what he expresses so elegantly.
As a guitarist you HAVE to listen to Angeles! Incredible unbelievable guitar playing, it sounds like plays two guitars and bass at once!! He also basically play all instruments himself. He is so good at piano too... Also please please please don't choose the most popular live version, it is just him f* up and it's so hard to watch someone so genius have so low opinion of himself. Watch the one form the same session as this one with the yellow shirt. ruclips.net/video/0rILrLFWZbU/видео.htmlsi=5txBIOaptaS81gKk
You’re about 3 years younger than me… I’m not sure how you missed Elliott Smith all these years but I’m so glad to hear you came around. I first heard Ellliott Smith in the fall of 99, my drawing teacher in college would play it almost everyday until I finally asked him who it was. The first song I remember gravitating towards was ‘Angeles’ off of Either/Or… To this day, it’s still an amazing piece of songwriting. Elliott is one of my all time favorite musicians, I always return to his music and I always rekindle a new found appreciation for his music often finding intricacies I didn’t notice before. I put him up there with Lennon and McCartney, Dylan, Neil Young, and Townes van Zandt… he’s never fully gotten the recognition he deserves. Definitely one of the best songwriters in the last 30 years….
Angeles, Independence Day, Condor Ave. and Tomorrow, Tomorrow are all amazing guitar songs… Elliott is the lost treasure of the 90’s and early 2000’s for both acoustic guitarists and songwriters.
Came here to say Independence Day and I'll add Coming Up Roses. Those are my two favourite Elliott songs. Amazing guitar and lyrics. For great guitar Tomorrow, Tomorrow came to mind as well and that's another of my top songs.
You mentioned it was serendipitous that you made this video on this day, but I truly think that's the magic of Elliott Smith. His music finds you when you need it. It's happened 3 different times in my life and I'll be forever grateful for the music he gave this world.
You are correct. The more personal we are, the more universal we are. You're a deeply decent and intuitive human being Michael. Much love to you. Keep doing what you are doing
Brian - "The more personal we are, the more universal we are." Couldn't have said it better myself. You sir, get the pin. Thanks so much my friend!!! Much love right back to you brother
Wow, I love that expression. It sounds contradicting but it's true, and something to keep in mind when wanting to connect with ourselves or the world.
@Guitargate Hey Michael,
I've been a fan of your channel for a while now. I really loved your videos on The Dead and Holsdsworth, but man, I am excited for you about coming into Elliott Smith. I've already commented about how I feel about his playing, so I figured I'd give me a suggestion. If you want to see just how good his guitar playing is, and also get a sense of how it drives the music itself. I highly recommend two albums.
'Figure 8' which is a big budget, big studio album but really is a good window into the type of miraculous things he heard and was capable of composing and arranging. Then there is 'New Moon' which is more of a compilation album but of tunes that the recordings of were originally unreleased. Songs like "New Disaster" and "Placeholder" really stick out as great examples of his guitar work, showcased in stripped-downwn context. Once again, enjoy your journey into Elliott Smith.
I listened to him and practically nothing else for five years straight and he changed my guitar playing forever.
Good luck on your Elliott Smith journey. If you ever need help with what to explore next -since his discography is enormormous, the people in this community will steer you properly.
@@Guitargateanother singer who accomplished this was Scott Hutchison from Frightened Rabbit, intensely personal and specific lyrics that relate to a wide range of people
The first person I ever heard say this was Cate Blanchett. Stuck with me ever since.
Elliot’s “Angeles”. INCREDIBLE guitar playing.
Memory Lane also has some great playing.
@@unplayedpiano7039 please chose the live in the yellow shirt, not the most popular. It's basically Elliott messing up and very painful to watch.
I second Angeles. Great intricate guitar playing on the chord changes
Yes blistering speed finger picking and rhythm is challenging too
ruclips.net/video/EzHsRMAz348/видео.html
Holy shit, I'm legitimately very happy for you for finally coming to Elliott. As a guitarist his ornate picking style, his use of secondary dominants, his use of # 11s are so cleverly used. That's not even mentioning his gobsmacking lyricism. His discography is going to fuck you up.
As Michael pointed out "that minor 4th chord".
@tpmcginnis Yup, and this tune is only scratching the surface in terms of his extraordinary use of jazz harmony in pop tunes. There's a reason I keep a medallion with his face on it around my neck all times of the day. He's made that much of an impression on me and my playing.
"His discography is going to fuck you up."
Is that a threat or a promise? ;-)
@@Pannemat Lmao it's more like an assurance.
His playing could be appreciated even if people don't like his voice or lyrics which I do but my family thinks he's too morose
It is essentially a love song that his alchoholism is singing to him.
I've listened to this song many times and never thought of this perspective. Woah!
yep, that's exactly how I hear it too.
@@echambers1112 I never thought of it as having anything to do with alcoholism either. It's one of my favourite songs of all time and I thought it was him singing to a girl that he wants to open up to him that is having a hard time, so he has to reach for her between the bars. I felt a lot like that girl. I think it's probably also influenced by seeing it in Good will hunting of course. No alcoholism there. But a great song is a great song, it can be interpreted in many ways and feel powerful!
I came here to say this 🎉
@@the_oslovian no it is completely about alcoholism between prison bars is like a metaphor of addiction alcohlism is a prison and between the bars being where he gets drunk and wanders to the next bar for a drink
A great friend of mine was Elliot’s guitar tech, and I got to meet Elliot a couple times. He was a very sweet man, and very shy. My buddy told me he was such a great soul and they shared some amazing times. Losing Elliot was truly a great loss for all.
I was also lucky enough to meet and talk to Elliott a couple times and was indeed very shy but a beautiful human being. He's sorely missed.
if Elliott truly was a great loss to you you would have spelled his name right i dont believe one word you said for that reason alone
@@anthonyrotar If you really cared about Elliott, you would not bother people over misspellings of his name. For that reason alone, I do not believe you.
that "is that it???" comment is my reaction to both the man's life and his work... it's a shame that we'll never get more of his genius
I just discovered him at 36. Kind of a Beatles moment for me. Hit his catalog hard and fast. Dude doesn’t miss.
He was massively influenced by the Beatles in a lot of the arrangements in his albums. SO GOOD.
Are you me :) I've been listening to Elliott on repeat for the last month, and as a Beatles fan, I'm like why haven't I discovered his music years ago...
I was luckily enough to date a girl in middle school who's father listened to him. So i've been a fan of him since I was 15 and im now 34.
Michael, you are one of the few youtubers in this genre who is capable of communicating (in plain yet poetic language) both the musicality of a performer, as well as their lyrical and emotional expression. This video showcases your art and aptitude in the finest way. Just wanted to thank you and congratulate you directly and personally for how you manage to bridge that gap so well.
really points to his lived maturity
He was one of the best singer-songwriters ever - there was so much more music we lost when his life was cut short - I miss each song we never got to hear.
Same. Shame someone walks free soaking up the sun and air while Elliotts family has only memories. As precious as they may be they aren’t the same.
I pop in once in a while and binge your videos, this was a treat, Elliot Smith has been my whole life and is my favorite artist EVER. I had my first run ins with drugs and alcohol when I was about 12 years old. I'll be 28 in two weeks. I come from a real messed up family of addicts and I nearly shared that generational fate..
Between the bars is an intimate song for me. I spend a lot of depressed nights high or drunk crying by myself while listening to it. Nowadays it serves as a reminder to myself of how far I've come. It was a turn of phrase me and my brother would use "We're just stuck between the bars". My brother died (intentionally) by drug overdose in 2018. I miss him with all my heart but he snapped me out of it, and the shock and pain allowed me to break the cycle. Sober and Clean for 6 years, it'll be 7 in October.
Congrats on being sober. Elliott smith saved my life as a teenager in some ways he was my best friend. Greatest songwriter all time for me his music hits me like nothing else. Take care and good luck
I’m amazed that you were so blown away by the song and didn’t play any guitar in this video.
Elliots guitar playing is very unique and challenging to play by ear (I am a muscian myself).
I respect that you cherished that. And thank you for sharing your struggles. You’re not alone ❤️
Damn. I can't go down that wormhole. His lyrics are brutally emotional. What an incredible artist. RIP
So many good songs to check out, some of my personal favorites are:
-Waltz #2
-Alameda
-Angeles
-Say Yes
-Christian Brothers
-Everything Means Nothing To Me
Such an insane career/discography cut so short. Easily one of my favorite, if not favorite artists ever.
Those are some fantastic songs! I love Pitseleh too. Gorgeous song.
Angeles and Christian Brothers are both excellent songs.
St. Ides Heaven 🧑🏾🍳's 😗!
Waltz#2 is amazing but don't forget Twilight and Pretty (Ugly Before)...Sunshine been keeping me up for days, there is no nighttime only a passing phase.
Everything Means Nothing to Me is an underrated pick. Excellent song. That apparently was Elliott's favorite from Figure 8
I've lived in Portland since Elliott was performing with Heatmiser. His songs feature lots of local landmarks. There is nothing quite like driving around the spots mentioned in his songs while listening to them.
Sheridan Fruit Company!
let's go!!! You HAVE to check out Jeff Buckley as well Michael! His song "Lover, You Should've Come Over" offers some of the best songwriting I have ever heard.
Amen to that suggestion and Jeff…a timeless classic
I agree. Both of the Buckleys were incredible artists.
@@artharrison9586 I love Tim's album, Starsailor. Jeff is my favorite of the two though. May they both rest well... Shame that Tim was a terrible father.
Yep, it's my favorite song on that album.
The 120 minutes So Real would be a great one. There's actually some interesting chords and it rocks at the end.
ruclips.net/video/8Uznt9YFd8c/видео.html
Condor Ave is an absolute masterpiece, and he wrote that when he was 17.
YES!
YESSS condor ave is my fav! those chords are actually insane
Still one of my all time favorites from him.
Second this
I still can’t even fathom how a 17 year old could write that. Truly an example of the life we live outside our own.
Welcome to the Elliott family…your genuine and touching discussion of this song changed my view of it…and helped me see my own issues differently…especially about unfulfilled potential…thank you so much ❤
That’s why Elliott smith is my favorite. It’s music you feel rather than just listen to. And as I’ve listened to him over my life I’ve found that different songs and lyrics reflect different situations I go through and it brings me comfort.
He's the best lyricist I've ever heard. A couple of other special songs: Fond Farewell, Ballad of Big Nothing, Oh Well Okay, Stained Glass Eyes.
Strange how a song like this should come up today. This morning, my son went into surgery to have a brain tumor removed. He is in good spirits, and get this behind him. When you have already had the pain of ten lifetimes in your own life, and then have your own child fighting is a pain no parent should ever have to face. No parent should ever have to have the discussion of what to do in case he doesn't make it. Love what you do Michael, really needed this today! ✌️
Huge hug for you, and I hope your kid gets well soon! 🙋♀️
Prayers for your son.
Thinking about you brother
Chin up my man, thoughts and prayers are with you and your little guy. Be strong for him!
Best wishes for strength during this difficult time and for your son to have a full and speedy recovery. ☮️
Great review, very sincere.
Here are some of my favourites from Elliott:
- Angeles
- Junk Bond Trader
- A fond farewell
- A distorted reallity is now a necessity
- See you in heaven (unreleased but so good)
- Ballad of Big Nothing
- Clementine
- Somebody that I used to know
Thanks for these videos, they're great
Great taste
Elliott does not have a bad song. You can see the care and craftsmanship in every second of music he ever made. A true master.
He's in the top 10 of greatest singer-songwriters for me
Dude! Elliott is the greatest, and a very underrated guitar player. He uses such interesting chord progressions, Memory Lane is an insane acoustic guitar tune to play and sing. King's Crossing is also just one of the best songs ever. So much to his discography though.
Kings Crossing is incredibly well constructed and not a single line in it is a throw-away. It has to be one of the best written songs about addiction. My favorite version of it is ruclips.net/video/HiBTykpkT9E/видео.html
I second “King’s Crossing”! Would love to hear an analysis, I think it’s a song with a lot of interesting things going on there.
"Memory Lane" is a bitch but the lyrics are too depressing. Proper Elliott song but it hits too hard.
Although you were uncertain, you absolutely chose THE best recording of this song, at least in my opinion. It contains all of the raw emotion that the filtered studio recording lacks, and I would gladly listen to this version over the others any day. 👍
What has always struck me about Elliott Smith isnt he's amazing skill on the guitar but the lyrics. It's personal to the point where it can seem almost intrusive. But that leads to some of the most relatable and hauntingly beautiful songs I've ever listened to.
Elliott is a great example of someone who doesn't need to be some guitar virtuoso to make interesting music. His songwriting is just that good.
@@jonahhh.There's a large group of people that would say his guitar playing is near the top for his style of music...
@@GeneseeBen oh no, it certainly is! It's fantastic. But his songwriting is the standout, at least for me.
Elliot has this thing of being decievingly simple. There is a lot of complexity here but played straight to make it palatable.
Many of his parts are far more nuanced and tricky than they appear to be at first glance.
For some reason, after all these years, I never thought to search for an Elliott Smith reaction. And today I did.
I couldn’t have hoped for a better video. Thank you Michael for sharing such a poignant and beautiful moment with us.
Elliott is my favourite artist but his story is so heartbreaking I can only bear to listen to his music sparingly. In fact, I’ve never listened to his posthumous album.
He had a way of speaking to the heart through his sheer fragility and beautiful grace that, seemingly, was too much for even him to tolerate.
Thank you Michael. I wish you contentment and peace from across the pond. 🙏
Thx brother. All the best to you!
Wasn’t expecting to see you here aha, with Elliott Smith being my favourite artist and you being my favourite reactor I would love to see you react to the posthumous album, but it seems like if you ever did then it would be too personal for a video understandably
Elliott Smith is a legend, everything he wrote and performed was absolutely enthralling. One of my favourite artists of all time - I’ve been a fan since 1997.
Michael, I sincerely thank you. While I always loved Elliot Smith and this song… hearing your words and your personal connection to it was exactly what I needed tonight. Sometimes the Universe presents us gifts at the perfect moments.
I love this! I'm from Seattle, worked in record stores for decades, so i obviously love seeing someone connecting on a deep level, with music new to them.
E.S. was in a Portland band called Heatmiser when I first met him. I didn't know him well, but we were friendly in and outside of shows or my work (Tower Records 5th and Mercer!).
Excellent video, and enjoy your path of discovery, there's a lot of gold to mine ahead...
Heatmiser is so incredible in their own right too! Neil Gust and Elliott were such a dynamic duo
Elliott Smith 🩵🩵🩵🩵one of a kind. He was also a complex and brilliant songwriter. I hope you go down a rabbit hole of his music.
Go deep in his discography. It’s incredible. This power of this song is not an outlier in his catalog, it’s the norm. He’s a singular talent.
"I feel like that person I loathed for so long" That's the art of Elliott Smith. He brings you to that darkest moment in a beautiful way. I can't listen to him anymore but oh man was he a gift.
Elliott’s albums were so well put together… perfect double tracked vocals, mesmerising fast acoustic playing (using awesome borrowed / non diatonic chords) but above all…. pure, egoless emotional intensity
Oh man this is amazing. Elliott's chord progressions throughout basically all his songs are astounding. I'd love to see your reaction for songs like Tomorrow Tomorrow, Clementine, or Independence Day. They're some of the most intricate songs I've ever learned how to play.
Welcome to the club. You have to check out Angeles, I Didn't Understand and Walz #2. There's a whole show with Jon Brion as well that is just heart crushing.
So happy you found Elliot Smith. He's a national treasure. Dig into his catalog. It's solid gold. Poignant, exceptional melody and lyrical dynamics.
I'd say Angeles is kinda the quintessential Elliott Smith song, and probably the best place to start. It has amazing guitar playing and will hit you deep in the feels.
This made me feel like the first time I heard Elliott so many years ago. I didn't think you can re-hear something for the first time - but this came close. What a gift. Thank you for your heartfelt video.
This was a beautiful video Michael. How wonderful to see Elliott's music hit someone and speak to them so deeply and unexpectedly. A pleasure and a privilege to watch. ❤
I know right! 3:25 so many of us heard Eliott for the first time singing “between the bars” but all I can say is it only gets better.
The first time I heard Elliott Smith was in 1996 when my cousin gave me the self titled album. I sat in my room silent and stunned as well. There are a few artists that I wish I could go back in time and listen again for the first time all over, and he is one of them.
First time I have seen you just sit and absorb a song without and lesson if you will, ive been in a dark period for a while, and this song was great, it reminded me how far I have come., 17 years this past September was my quit date. Not sure if your aware of Elliot Smith demise and circumstances but sad all around. Peace Micheal your a real one, and I love that.
Thank you for the vulnerability. The hardest thing to realize is we all get to an age where we're trauma victims. No one escapes this. At 54 I'm learning how to take good care of myself emotionally and physically. Its never too late. Beautifully tragic as all art can be.
Same here. Good luck! 🙋♀️
@@isathebell congratulations that is outstanding
We are our trauma
@@thomp9054 that doesn't have to be true I've worked through my trauma and I hope you worked through yours
Wow, thanks, you nailed that.
At 43 & as a guitarist of like 30 years, also just discovering Elliot’s music the first time you have that the perfect amount of space.
Glad you finally found him, he is one of those guys who died quick.
His lyrics and songwriting are Dylan level.
He is relatable to everyone and his writing about Heroin is brilliant once you get there.
I can honestly listen to EVERY ALBUM all the way through without skipping and that, my friend, is RARE.
This man writes about addiction in a way that no one else can or has since. From the depths of pure addiction, we are lucky to have someone so eloquently and simply describe and makes you FEEL it. To your absolute core.
He is brilliant and a treasure.
Jeez i don’t know if that’s quite the right topic to so positively associate him with lol. I get what your saying but a lot of his work seems to be merely misinterpreted as being about drugs. Addiction in general I can definitely agree. Since we can be addicted to anything. But you seem to be specifically implying drugs.
This was beautiful and heartbreaking in equal measure. Elliott speaks to so many of us. One of the finest songwriters that ever lived. His story is a tragic one, but he left behind such an astonishing body of work. I find most Nick Drake fans become Elliott fans, and vice versa. Take care man. All the love x
I loved Elliott so much. I was lucky enough to meet him once after a concert he performed in Nashville. The power went out in the club halfway during his set, and he continued playing acoustic and singing without a mic...the crowd was completely silent...you could hear a pin drop. Amazing show.
Finally a reactionary that understands such a misunderstood soul. You nailed it.
Angeles; Tomorrow, Tomorrow; Condor Ave are all popular songs that showcase some pretty nifty guitar work, but man, his whole catalog is In-Sane… just an incredible songwriter, but the subtlety of his guitar playing is a deep pool.
Glad to see you discovering Elliott, and thank you so much for this truly emotional reaction. Internet can also be a safe place for us to show our feelings, this is a very nice exemple. Keep safe, bro.
Hej Michael - I totally understand your reaction! I discovered Elliott I think around 2000... For me it was a major discovery. At this time I listend to his albums over and over for a long time.... I love the fragility in his voice and the despair and hope in his lyrics... It touched me deeply.
At this time I started making my own music - so I tried to get in touch with his producer (I am from Switzerland), and luckily it happened, I flew to Portland and recorded my first album together with Elliotts friend and producer Larry Crane. It was unforgettable! Hugs from Switzerland 😊
I've heard Elliott's music in Good Will Hunting for the first time when I was 14, and since that time he was one of the few songwriters I constantly go back to when I feel that half-depressing eerie feeling. Like him, I was just born a bit too sad and a bit too poetic to have life figured out easily. His music has been the shoulder to cry on, the place where someone deeply understands and appreciates me, just for being a human. It's a privilege to share the human experience with people like that. As a beginner songwriter, I find myself constantly going back to his lyrics for studying and appreciation.
“Needle in the Hay” is a great early song and I suspect one of his more popular ones.
Elliot Smith accompanied himself on guitar very well, so that is worth your looking into.
This was a nice video. Thanks.
The more you dive in to his discography the songs just get better and better
No name no 5 is one of my fave Elliot songs and has some really interesting guitar playing and a unique rhythm and strumming pattern that is nearly impossible to replicate perfectly
Elliott has always been extremely poignant, and often cuts deep, at least for me personally. Your initial thoughts were very touching, i’m new to this channel but it’s nice you allow yourself to be vulnerable. I’m excited to see you delve more into Elliotts discography!
I think a good song to pick in terms of guitar playing would be Angeles. Tomorrow Tomorrow is also a great pick, if you want a deeper cut :)
I have listened to Elliot Smith here and there but I wanted to say that while this song was amazing…what caught me off guard was your raw and honest words. “When you make something that is true to yourself it resonates with others” referring to our shared human experience. It caught me off guard and thank you.
Elliott Smith is my favorite songwriter of all time, and his songs still hit me like they just hit you, even 21 years after I first heard St. Ide's Heaven.
For intricate guitar playing, there are a lot of options, but Angeles is probably the most interesting all around song you could pick to do a video on. It showcases everything he does in a really clean package with a gorgeous picking pattern, and it's just a beautiful song in every way.
The most amazing thing about Elliott is that he never phoned in a song. There aren't any bad ones. They're not all perfect, but they were all written for a reason, with genuine conviction, and I don't think the exclusion of any song on any album would improve that album, which I can't say about basically any other musician ever. I'll still give a couple recommendations though, songs which I'm pretty sure have embedded themselves into my literal dna.
Twilight
Happiness
St. Ide's Heaven
High Times
Say Yes
Miss Misery (I prefer the version from New Moon to the movie version)
Love your channel. Getting to watch you discover my favorite artist and respond the way you did made my morning, and really helped bridge some of that feeling of isolation which both you and Elliott were speaking about in this video, and which has been hitting me really acutely lately, since I've lost both of my parents in the last year and a half. I'm doing really well overall, and it's been little moments of connection, both in my personal life and with the media I've been coming across lately which have been reminding me that we're all together in that we're all alone, so we've got to look out for each other and listen to each other.
Thanks for doing what you do. I feel better understood because you made this video. Hopefully, my comment can do the same for you.
I love this channel. You are obviously an extremely talented and knowledgeable musician, but what I really love is how you capture the essence of songwriting and use your emotional intelligence in these reactions. The way you share your experience and empathize (both technically and emotionally) with the intentions of each song really is a gift. Brilliant.
You know......I have been watching you for a while and when I get a notification that you uploaded, I check the title. If it has the normal "reacts", I usually add to my watch list for later. BUT when the title is just an artists name and some comment about their music, I stop what I'm doing and watch immediately because I know the therapy session is incoming and that's why I love your channel. Thank you, Michael.
First time I’ve seen a reactor replay the video. Elliott’s songs sound simple until you try to play and sing them. Then there’s a firehouse of information to process. Cool that you instantly recognized that. Subbed.
I’m so, so glad. Elliott is my favorite musical artist to ever live, and I’m so glad that you’ve finally come across him. He was a musical genius in every sense of the word. Lyrically, instrumentally, and everything else.
What a profound way you have taken the lyrics and so graciously described them to give Elliott’s music the enlightenment it deserves. You have a gift in this Michael. I look forward to seeing you again. Please check out my friend Mike Scott of the Waterboys band, we’ve been close friends for 33 years now and I feel Mike has never been given the respect he deserves for his lyrics and overall talent. His music has changed people’s lives, including mine. Please give him a listen and thank you for promoting sobriety. I’m in my tenth year and have never enjoyed life and friends more than now.
He has so many great songs. My favorite singer-songwriter and an exceptional fingerpicker. The below are both favorites of mine but Roman Candle and Either/Or are albums that are amazing straight through.
Everything Reminds Me of Her
Fond Farewell for a Friend
I found your channel from the dave matthews warehouse video. the saw your Conor Oberst Poison Oak Video. Then worked back to Elliott Smith. These were 3 men who basically formed my music playing and songwriting vocabulary so it's a real treasure to see another person's reactions to these songs and songwriters who I adore. It's like when my friends and I would listen to these songs back in highschool/college and just be blown away.
I'm from Omaha and was at the show where Conor (Bright Eyes) first played Poison Oak and it wasn't on any recordings. My friends and I would bootleg songs with a dictation recorder so we could learn them and that was one I remember learning and playing over and over.
I first heard Elliot Smith on the soundtrack to The Royal Tenenbaums. Very heavy, but worthy of being heard.
Someone else from an earlier era that has similar vibes and depth is Nick Drake.
What I'd say to both of them is that they left us too soon. Life can change so much between 20 and 40 and onwards, it's wild.
That bathroom scene with Needle in the hay playing is one of my favourite movie scenes ever!
NICK DRAKE - Clear influence here. He is the O.G.
People say nick drake or folk but never heard elliott ever mention nick drake though I’m sure he listened to him. IMO he sounds so much more like the Beatles.
This was so powerful. 9:23 is the first time he mentions anything to do with music, or theory. This was a serious dive into all of our own feelings which is so important
I really appreciate your thoughtful and caring dissection of great music(and the true artists that make it), Michael. Elliot Smith is near and dear to my heart, since the first time I saw him do a tiny acoustic set in NYC back in 1996. A true artist, someone beyond the normal musician, something extraordinary and amazing(when those two words meant more).
Here's two tunes from each album that are Musts! "Coast To Coast", and "A Fond Farewell". Then "Stupidity Tries"(my personal favorite), and "L.A.", truly beautiful songs. Then, "Sweet Adeline", and "Amity". Then, You'll be a huge fan. Hopefully you'll see this comment, I see it'll be number 745 😃
Thank you Michael. I love the content and love Elliott Smith. I would recommend " Independence Day" " (Whatever) Folk Song in C", "Say Yes" to name a few. He has tons of music and it's mostly all lovely. Cheers.
Elliot was the best. So many utterly heart-breaking and painfully complicated songs that were, at the end, so so beautiful.
I’ve often thought that listening to Elliott Smith feels like coming home. He has so many incredible songs. I’ve never seen your videos but because someone was ‘reacting’ to Elliott for the first time, I had to watch it. This was beautiful and made me teary eyed. I’m excited for your journey into his work.
I don't think that this was your intention, but I love the way that you allowed yourself to be bowled over by the song. You didn't even even strum a chord. This is what great songwriting looks like.
I too was struck by the fact that he didn't play, but also it's probably because Elliott plays a detuned guitar.
@@natelan69420 I'd bet that he could figure that out pretty quickly, but yes.
That was a beautiful reaction, Michael. Thanks for sharing such honest emotions. This clip you watched is part of a video with 3 songs. All 3 are gorgeous. You would love the entire video.
Elliott smith is so good. Man, that’s awesome that you’ve discovered him at a time where you perhaps needed to hear the message to remind yourself of all the progress you’ve made. I was getting choked up with ya bro. Beautiful self reflection too, that’s the power of music isn’t it? Keep fighting the good fight.
As for next songs, id recommend: Angeles (for the guitar work), pitseleh and Waltz #2. Elliott’s music is extremely intricate from so many angles. He’s an excellent and unique guitar player, songwriter, lyricist and singer. Definitely in the category of greatest of all time. Sad story though. I find that I go through phases where I listen to his music and it’s almost like therapy. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on his guitar playing!
Such a beautiful, eloquent and honest description of this great song. Elliott Smith was such a brilliant artist. Such a sad loss.
Indisputably my favorite artist. I couldn't live without Elliott's songs, you have to listen to more of his discography
Watching you experience Elliott Smith for the first time is an absolute pleasure. Congrats on your sobriety and I think many of us can relate. I'm glad you chose this path and really enjoy your videos.
I’ll be honest, your reaction videos have helped me understand my own mental state, through music, more than the past 40 years of living.
Your openness, but also your explanations open my eyes to what is going on around me in my life, to me, and the people around me. I’m hugely grateful.
I was too young to fully appreciate Elliott Smith when I first discovered him, beyond his musicality. But I will be revisiting and losing myself to his words again, all against the background of knowing now what he must have been going through in his life.
On other singer-songwriters you might like to explore, I really enjoy Luke Sital Singh. A couple of songs in particular, Fail for you and Benediction. Beautiful songs, beautifully written and beautifully performed.
Man, I'm so glad to read this. We're all truly in this together, my friend.
I only discovered his music a few weeks ago, can't believe I didn't hear about him until now, between the bars and waltz 2 are my favourite songs, if he was still here today imagine the music he would be putting out
This cat got me through some tuff times in my life. I haven't heard this song in years until I saw your video pop up. It felt like a punch in the stomach when I saw it, but knew I had to hear it again. Honestly I knew I needed to hear it again. My heart aches for Elliott. I never met him but in a way he and I were very close. I'm thankful you picked this song today. I think I will pray a Rosary for him.
Say Yes is one of my favorite Elliott Smith songs. There are so many others that are just as good lyrically, musically and emotionally. As soon as one of his songs start to play everything fades into the background and you are emotionally captured. I'm so glad you are meeting this artist for the first time. I would love to be able to meet Elliott Smith for the first time once again. To me his words are magical. Deep and dark yes but honest and authentic as well.
Discovered him 2 years ago and been obsessed ever since. Constantly finding new masterpieces of his. You’re gonna love all of his stuff. So glad you’re now discovering him
Congrats on finding Elliott. I envy the years of discovery of his great work you have ahead of you! Would love to see some reactions along the way -- his musicianship is every bit as great as his lyrics.
He was such a gifted songwriter. I remember one writer saying something like "no one suffers as gorgeously as Elliot Smith." That was probably in the review for XO in Rolling Stone.
I suggest featuring Sweet Adeline or Tomorrow Tomorrow from XO.
I really hope you react to full albums of him, he is one of the best songwriters I know and I think you'd enjoy all of his discography
"tomorrow tomorrow" for some guitar greatness
This
One of my absolute favorites. Will I ever be able to play it? Time will tell haha
great song, i believe Elliott played it on 12 string? tomorrow tomorrow, angeles, everything reminds me of her, live acoustic version of LA, alameda.. the list is endless.
“Tomorrow tomorrow” for sure!
YES!! TOMORROW TOMORROW is amazing!
I remember you reacting to “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers. Elliott was and is her favorite artist of all time. The way he influenced her artistry is evident the more you hear Elliott’s catalogue and then subsequently hear her’s. Elliott’s music has been there for a lot of rough moments for myself. I found his music through my favorite movie of all time Good Will Hunting. I can’t imagine I am the only one who found him from that film. “Angeles” “Miss Misery” and “Needle in the Hay” are a few landmarks for me from him.
You really should go through his whole discography, both his solo stuff and Heatmiser, and check out the documentary Heaven Adores You. Just go down the rabbit hole. So worth it!
I'm so glad you're showcasing Elliot Smith! A father figure gave me Either/Or as a birthday gift and I adored it.
Elliott is my favorite and one of the most prolific singer songwriters(I was going to say of our time but)period. Some of the most heartbreaking songs ever written especially the stuff about heroin addiction. I was an addict for 20 years and Kings Crossing, Plainclothes Man, The White Lady Loves You More, Needle in the Hay etc. always made me feel less alone. I Didn't Understand and Everything Reminds Me of Her are also very beautiful as is all of his music. I am so grateful to have been lucky to meet him a couple times in the 90's. He was a very shy beautiful human being with a tortured soul. He was extremely honest in his music and it's part of what made his art so impactful.
Elliott is not prolific look it up in the dictionary b4 you use the word you lame chump
Dude, I don't know you but this video popped up on my feed because I'm such a huge Elliott Smith fan. I very much appreciate hearing your honest thoughts, they are/were shared by me and so many others. This is why he's such an important artist to so many of us, along with the amazing music. Good luck on your journey. Stay present.
Few people pull at your heart like Elliot Smith ❤❤❤
Elliott was my favorite artist for a long time. I've learned so many of his tunes on guitar and was lucky enough to see him live a few times. I'm trying to think of a song to suggest for your review. I just don't think there are any that shouldn't be heard. What an incredible song writer. "Everything Reminds me of Her" "Pitseleh", "King's Crossing", "Son of Sam", "A Fond Farewell" or his a cappella song "I Didn't Understand" is remarkable. Really every song has some bit of brilliance at the least.
You can't go wrong with Elliott Smith. I have never heard an Elliott Smith song that I did not like. I generally am not a big fan of acoustic singer songwriters. But Elliot Smith is definitely an exception to that. Your focus was more on the story line than the musicality. It gave me a new perspective. Because I have always thought that the music was 'off-the-charts' good, and never really gave the lyrics much thought.
Glad you found his music. I was an instant fan when a friend introduced me to his music in early 2000. I quickly bought all of his CDs. My wife said he is too depressing. I feel you cannot have happiness without sorrow and vice versa; it's the yin and yang of the universe, and I feel that is what he expresses so elegantly.
this is great, thanks for being vulnerable with us. elliott smith - angeles is one of the most beautiful songs ever written IMO give it a listen
You are exceptional. Thanks for your great videos.
As a guitarist you HAVE to listen to Angeles! Incredible unbelievable guitar playing, it sounds like plays two guitars and bass at once!! He also basically play all instruments himself. He is so good at piano too...
Also please please please don't choose the most popular live version, it is just him f* up and it's so hard to watch someone so genius have so low opinion of himself.
Watch the one form the same session as this one with the yellow shirt.
ruclips.net/video/0rILrLFWZbU/видео.htmlsi=5txBIOaptaS81gKk
Learning this really improved my fingerpicking and made me appreciate the genius of Elliott’s songwriting!
@@duppy17 Yeah, I can imagine. I have tried and failed! 😅
You’re about 3 years younger than me… I’m not sure how you missed Elliott Smith all these years but I’m so glad to hear you came around. I first heard Ellliott Smith in the fall of 99, my drawing teacher in college would play it almost everyday until I finally asked him who it was. The first song I remember gravitating towards was ‘Angeles’ off of Either/Or… To this day, it’s still an amazing piece of songwriting. Elliott is one of my all time favorite musicians, I always return to his music and I always rekindle a new found appreciation for his music often finding intricacies I didn’t notice before. I put him up there with Lennon and McCartney, Dylan, Neil Young, and Townes van Zandt… he’s never fully gotten the recognition he deserves. Definitely one of the best songwriters in the last 30 years….
Angeles, Independence Day, Condor Ave. and Tomorrow, Tomorrow are all amazing guitar songs… Elliott is the lost treasure of the 90’s and early 2000’s for both acoustic guitarists and songwriters.
Came here to say Independence Day and I'll add Coming Up Roses. Those are my two favourite Elliott songs. Amazing guitar and lyrics. For great guitar Tomorrow, Tomorrow came to mind as well and that's another of my top songs.
You mentioned it was serendipitous that you made this video on this day, but I truly think that's the magic of Elliott Smith. His music finds you when you need it. It's happened 3 different times in my life and I'll be forever grateful for the music he gave this world.