- Audio CD
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Import
- Label: Import (Megaphon)
- ASIN: B00004V3K7
- Other Editions: Audio CD | Vinyl | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 666,962 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Blessed with the voice of a wispy angel, Elliot Smith creates sad little pop songs, which, like the work of Nick Drake (to whom he's been compared) threaten to disappear into the night air. Several of the tracks here were featured in Gus Van Zant's movie Good Will Hunting, and they're among the album's best (though "Miss Misery", nominated for an Academy Award is only available on the soundtrack album). "Angeles" and "Say Yes" are bittersweet laments that feature Smith's idiosyncratic guitar picking, which is well served by the album's decidedly low-fi production. --Rob O'Connor
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
44 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is the first album I heard by Elliott Smith, and it left me so hungry to hear more of his work that I just had to buy all his albums.
Either/Or is perhaps his best work, it is an absolute dream for fans of lo-fi, stripped down, intimate, acoustic guitar mastery. The album lacks the polish of his later works XO and Figure 8 but in my opinion it has ten times the magic.
After all, what is a bit of tape hiss between friends? Yes, this album has that but to be honest, if Elliott re-recorded it in an all singing, all dancing 24-track studio, he couldn't better what he has made here.
It has a gentle, folky, campfire intimacy that makes you feel as though you know Elliott, you are chilling with him as he captivates you with his incredible guitar picking and his extraordinary voice.
Comparisons with Nick Drake are inevitable but perhaps a little misleading. The only real similarity is that, like Nick, Elliott is a poet who knows just how beautiful the simplicity of vocals and acoustic guitar can be. But I think Elliott sounds more like a Beatle. If he had been in the group his voice would have perfectly complemented John and Paul.
This is an album where every track has something beautiful about it - Between the Bars is a gorgeous ballad, while Speed Trials contains an infectious, haunting melody you will never get out of your head. Rose Parade is another amazing acoustic song with some humorous, wry lyrics - only Elliott could get away with mentioning the Duracell Bunny without looking silly.
Behind the bitterness and hurt of many of the lyrics on the album lurks an angry punk, not a wistful folkie, which in my opinion makes it all the more special. It amazes me that he does not have the public recognition that Radiohead enjoy - he clearly deserves it. A modern day genius. Sometimes five stars just don't seem enough.
Either/Or is perhaps his best work, it is an absolute dream for fans of lo-fi, stripped down, intimate, acoustic guitar mastery. The album lacks the polish of his later works XO and Figure 8 but in my opinion it has ten times the magic.
After all, what is a bit of tape hiss between friends? Yes, this album has that but to be honest, if Elliott re-recorded it in an all singing, all dancing 24-track studio, he couldn't better what he has made here.
It has a gentle, folky, campfire intimacy that makes you feel as though you know Elliott, you are chilling with him as he captivates you with his incredible guitar picking and his extraordinary voice.
Comparisons with Nick Drake are inevitable but perhaps a little misleading. The only real similarity is that, like Nick, Elliott is a poet who knows just how beautiful the simplicity of vocals and acoustic guitar can be. But I think Elliott sounds more like a Beatle. If he had been in the group his voice would have perfectly complemented John and Paul.
This is an album where every track has something beautiful about it - Between the Bars is a gorgeous ballad, while Speed Trials contains an infectious, haunting melody you will never get out of your head. Rose Parade is another amazing acoustic song with some humorous, wry lyrics - only Elliott could get away with mentioning the Duracell Bunny without looking silly.
Behind the bitterness and hurt of many of the lyrics on the album lurks an angry punk, not a wistful folkie, which in my opinion makes it all the more special. It amazes me that he does not have the public recognition that Radiohead enjoy - he clearly deserves it. A modern day genius. Sometimes five stars just don't seem enough.
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is a great album. Excellent song writing, and wonderfully lo-fi sounding. The production makes it sound like Elliot is next door, playing live and it's all coming through the wall a little bit muffled. Very human sounding and very melodic.
Mind you, if you dont have his other first two albums I would buy the box set instead, that contains this and them for similar money. (they're good as well)
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
The impossibly exquisite tenderness with which Elliot sings songs such as " Say Yes, " " Angeles," and " Rose Parade, " have endeared him to millions of people. His songs have a melodic simplicity, purity and honesty that recall the folk-pop classics of the 60's and 70's such as George Harrisons " All Things Must Pass," Led Zeppelins " Thats The Way," and Paul Simons " April Come She Will. " If you liked those tracks then Elliot is the man for you. RIP.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Amazing album
Elliott Smith's 3rd album is considered by many to be his best. It is the last of his lo-fi albums and is just brimming with fantastic songs. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Paul
Either this or 'XO'...
There's no disputing that the late, great Elliott Smith had a knack for catchy, pretty tunes. Unlike the average pop song, though, their beauty goes way more than skin deep. Read more
Published on 4 Oct 2007 by International Cowgirl
Calm Down! :-)
I think it's a little insular to be suggesting that a reference from James Blunt could be an insult to the memory of anyone. Read more
Published on 16 Dec 2006 by C. Kerrecoe
Elliott Smith was a genius
Referring to the reviewer below who told of buying this album on the back of seeing Elliott's name mentioned on a James Blunt DVD, I'd like to make it clear that Elliott Smith is... Read more
Published on 3 Aug 2006 by Elliott fan
life changing album from underrated songwriter
i remember buying this album xmas 98 just after XO came out domino re-released his first three albums so I didn't know where to start but I had heard 'between the bars' on the... Read more
Published on 2 Aug 2006 by J. Buckler
Beautiful album
I was watching a james Blunt DVD and noticed that he was influenced by Elliott Smith. Who? I had never heard of him. Read more
Published on 27 Feb 2006 by "miriamlejean"
elliott I love you.
This Mr Smith has talent and I have enjoyed every CD of his but this is by far my favourite.
Perfect for listening to with a good bottle of wine on a cosy night in or too sing... Read more
Published on 7 July 2005
Unique
Either/or is Smith's most introspective and special album. It is a more low-fi affair than the recent XO and figure 8 the result of which provides the listener with beautiful... Read more
Published on 7 Nov 2001
Smith's mix of spite and beauty works again
Elliot Smith manages to write songs of unconcealed spite, disguised by the most beautiful melodies. Either/Or does it again. Read more
Published on 7 Oct 2000 by J. Davies
Almost as good as Figure 8
With the success of his recent album , interest in elliott smith's back catalogue has finally arrived at its deserved level. Read more
Published on 23 Jun 2000 by Particular Press
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