Few artists have suffered for their art the way Elliott Smith did. He poured his soul into every song, detailing his struggles with drug addiction and depression in some of the saddest works ever committed to tape.
His intricate acoustic guitar work and whispery vocals proved the ideal vehicle for his self-lacerating lyrics, and delivered exquisite misery that somehow proved healing for legions of fans.
More than two decades have passed since his untimely death, but his influence is apparent in a new generation of beautifully sad, sadly beautiful artists.
The albums
Roman Candle
From a Basement on a Hill (posthumous release)
New Moon (posthumous compilation)
Superlatives
My #6 album of 1995: Elliott Smith
My #14 album of the 90s: Either/Or
Meet Me In Montauk 