Sometimes a songwriter comes along and is only around a short time, but the impression they leave is undeniable. Elliot Smith was that kind of songwriter. He recorded six albums before his death at 34 in 2003 and is probably most well known for performing half the songs on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack (his song "Miss Misery" was Oscar nominated and lost to Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On").
If you're not familiar with Elliot Smith, he has a tragic story. After a mostly indie career and drug and alcohol abuse, then reportedly getting clean, he died of two stab wounds to the chest. Despite a found Post-it suicide note, his death was not ruled a suicide and his death remains a mystery. Several musician friends have released tribute songs about Smith; Ben Folds' "Late" and Rhett Miller's "The Believer" are two that come to mind.
My favorite Elliot Smith song has always been the song that made me a fan, "Miss Misery."
"Between the Bars" was also in Good Will Hunting. Good song.
Here is Elliot on Letterman singing "Stupidity Tries."
If you're a Wes Anderson fan, "Needle in the Hay" may be familiar from The Royal Tennenbaums.
Lastly, "Say Yes" is a great little song.
I hope you enjoyed the Elliott Smith Tunes Tuesday. I love some Elliot Smith. Perfect for a Tunes Tuesday, don't you think?
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