Posted by Avanhizzle in 2010, Hand Me Down tuesdaY | 0 Comments
Hand me down tuesdaY: To Elliott: From: Hizzle
I know I’ve already tugged on your ear and asked you put on your reading glasses to listen and hear one my favorite Elliott Smith covers here, but I’m hoping that you don’t mind if I ask again. He was such an integral voice during my formative years that I owe his musical legacy more than just one measly blurb. And while I remember defending myself from torrential downpours of guff for listening to his music when it was current, I’m glad to now know people that appreciate and love his songs that are lyrically tougher than the music that backs them up.
That said, Elliott Smith’s words are metaphorical beat downs. They’re rabbit punches that have the power to daze, wound, and then enlighten you. I had this reaction the first time I heard Either/Or. After getting through it I found myself cringing in a corner, wondering what the hell had just happened. With an ache in my heart and a 40 oz of St. Ides clutched in my paw, I went through a metamorphosis that made me reevaluate the company that I was keeping. A softly strummed guitar accompanied by delicately sung but cutting poetry rang my doorbell, sat me down and had one of those “I think you’re hanging around with the wrong crowd” types of conversations with me.
My introduction to his music came at a turning point in my life and songs like today’s featured cover, “Ballad of Big Nothing,” perfectly fit with my forced entry into adulthood. Elliott’s signature sugary sweetness peppered with enough noticeable“ fuck off” angst made my feet drag a little less and still help me trudge through those days that responsibilities feed on your soul. Enjoy the original and the two great covers. Cymbals Eat Guitars version adds a horn to the intro and a bit of attitude with the vocals and some shoegazey guitar at the close. And fellow Portlanders, The Thermals, put their own lo-fi twist.
MP3: Elliott Smith- Ballad of Big Nothing
