Elliott Smith is (was) the saddest man in music.
He’s one of those artists who seems to have been put on Earth to give voice to the deepest grief and insecurities of the rest of us, to project such exquisitely articulated sorrow that our problems seem minuscule in comparison.
His freakish suicide somehow seemed like the only possible end for a man who so personified despair. In a way, you could say he died for our sins.
Melodrama aside, though, he was a spectacularly gifted songwriter and singer whose quiet melancholy is sorely missed. Of the five complete albums he released (as well as two posthumous records), my favorite is definitely Either/Or but they all have transcendent moments.
Today’s song comes from his self-titled album and it’s in the same vein as many of his great sob songs. I’ve read a lot of debate about the lyrics — is it about a woman or heroin, or maybe both? I don’t really care one way or the other. It’s the lovely guitar work and hushed melody that works on me.
Note: I usually don’t pay much attention to the YouTube videos I dig up to present these songs, but here’s a case where I find the video even more powerful than the tune. It’s footage of a tribute wall fans created in Los Angeles after Smith’s death.
Meet Me In Montauk 
I’m almost ashamed to admit that all I know of Elliott Smith is that he was revered and that he killed himself. While I’m sure I’ve unknowingly listened to his songs before, this is the first time I was aware I was listening to an Elliott Smith song while I was hearing it. And listening to the voice and words of a person who thus far I’ve only heard of – while watching that YouTube video – was quite moving.
What amazes me is not only the connection a musical artist manages to create between himself and his listener, but the connection he simultaneously creates for all those listeners with each other. How many friendships were likely formed at that wall? Powerful stuff.
Every time I hear Smith, I find his songs demand my attention. There are a handful of artists who let their songwriting talent pour through in every piece of their work, and he is one of them. I must admit that I have not yet emersed myself in Smith’s work in one concentrated fashion, but, in a way, i am enjoying the slow build of discovery that comes with each IPod random selection.