My second favorite album of 2000 is the last record Elliott Smith released before his 2003 suicide. Figure 8 was Smith’s fifth album and possibly his best (though I have an even softer spot for 1997’s Either/Or).
Figure 8 was Smith’s second album with major label Dreamworks, and the baroque instrumentation on much of the record stands in stark contrast to his ultra lo-fi beginnings.
Still, he was always at his best with just an acoustic guitar and a melancholy melody, and Figure 8 offers up plenty of those gems as well. Today’s SOTD is one of my favorites.
Smith’s family released two posthumous albums which hold up very well, but Figure 8 will stand as the last definitive musical statement from one of the greats.
Wish I could call you today
Just to hear a voice
I got a long way to go, I’m getting further away
If I didn’t know the difference
Living alone would probably be okay
It wouldn’t be lonely
I got a long way to go, I’m getting further away
A lot of hours to occupy, it was easy when I didn’t know you yet
Things I’d have to forget
But I better be quiet now, I’m tired of wasting my breath
Carrying on and getting upset
Maybe I have a problem
But that’s not what I wanted to say
I’d prefer to say nothing
I got a long way to go, I’m getting further away
Had a dream as an army man with an order just to march in the place
While a dead enemy screams in my face
But I better be quiet now, I’m tired of wasting my breath
Carrying on, not over it yet
Wish I knew what you’re doing
And why you want to do it this way
So I can’t go the distance
I got a long way to go, I’m getting further away
I got a long way to go, I’m getting further away
Meet Me In Montauk 
This sounds like every other Elliott Smith song I have heard, but they are all lovely and poignant.
This is the style of his I definitely favor, so I lean toward these songs. This album, in particular, has its share of more robust tracks.
I am not familiar with Elliott Smith’s music. This is a lovely gem of a song. Have you ever listened to the somewhat obscure Scottish band The Blue Nile? They also embody poignance beautifully in some of their songs…
I’m not familiar with The Blue Nile, but sounds like something I should check out. Thanks for the tip!