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Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing

Beau Carter

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Elliott Smith was an American singer-songwriter who achieved critical and commercial success in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing

by Benjamin Nugent

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3041 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	250 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Early Life and Career

Elliot Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 6, 1969. His parents divorced when he was two, and he spent his childhood in Portland, Oregon, with his mother and stepfather. Smith began playing guitar and writing songs at an early age, and he formed his first band, The Heatmiser, in high school.

In 1994, Smith released his debut solo album, Roman Candle. The album was a critical success, and it earned Smith a cult following. His sophomore album, Either/Or, was released in 1997, and it was an even greater commercial success. The album's single "Miss Misery" was featured in the film Good Will Hunting, and it helped to introduce Smith's music to a wider audience.

Personal Struggles

Despite his success, Smith struggled with mental health issues and addiction throughout his life. He was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, and he self-medicated with alcohol and drugs. Smith's mental health issues and addiction affected his personal life and his career.

In 2001, Smith released his fourth solo album, Figure 8. The album was a critical and commercial success, but it was also a reflection of Smith's personal struggles. The album's lyrics were dark and introspective, and they dealt with themes of depression, addiction, and suicide.

Death

On October 21, 2003, Smith was found dead in his Los Angeles apartment. He had died from two stab wounds to the chest. The coroner ruled his death a suicide. Smith was 34 years old.

Legacy

Elliott Smith was a talented singer-songwriter who left behind a legacy of beautiful and haunting music. His music has been praised for its honesty, rawness, and emotional depth. Smith was a major influence on a number of other musicians, including Conor Oberst, Sufjan Stevens, and Joanna Newsom.

Smith's death was a tragic loss for the music world. He was a gifted artist who had so much more to give. His music will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.

Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing

In 2004, a documentary film about Elliott Smith's life and career was released. The film was titled Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing. The film featured interviews with Smith's family, friends, and collaborators, and it provided a rare glimpse into the life of one of the most talented and troubled musicians of his generation.

Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing is a powerful and moving film that explores the complex relationship between art and mental illness. The film is a must-see for anyone who is interested in Elliott Smith's music or in the human condition.

Elliott Smith was a brilliant musician who left behind a legacy of beautiful and haunting music. His music has touched the lives of millions of people, and it will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come. Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing is a powerful and moving film that explores the complex relationship between art and mental illness. The film is a must-see for anyone who is interested in Elliott Smith's music or in the human condition.

Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing

by Benjamin Nugent

4.2 out of 5