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Bright Eyes Share Cover of Elliott Smith’s “St Ides Heaven”

Letting Off the Happiness: A Companion Due Out May 27 via Dead Oceans

Mar 22, 2022

Bright Eyes (Conor Oberst, Mike Mogis, and Nathaniel Wolcott) have shared a cover of Elliott Smith’s 1995 song “St Ides Heaven.” The cover will be featured on the companion EP to the upcoming reissue of Bright Eyes’ 1998 album Letting Off the Happiness, which will be out on May 27 via Dead Oceans. More

Oceanator Shares New Song “Stuck” and Covers Elliott Smith’s “The Biggest Lie”

Nothing’s Ever Fine Due Out April 8 via Polyvinyl; Her Elliott Smith Cover is from our Covers of Covers Album

Mar 08, 2022

Oceanator, aka Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter/guitarist Elise Okusami, is releasing a new album, Nothing’s Ever Fine, on April 8 via Polyvinyl. Now she has shared another song from it, “Stuck,” via a lyric video. Oceanator is one of the artists on our Covers of Covers album, which came out last Friday via American Laundromat. She covers Elliott Smith’s “The Biggest Lie.” More

Elliott Smith – Reflecting on the 25th Anniversary of “Either/Or”

The Album First Came Out on February 25, 1997

Feb 25, 2022

Few artists have been able to fully embody the nature of Portland in its heyday as influential cult singer/songwriter Elliott Smith did on his classic third album. Recorded in Heatmiser’s twilight and released after its dissolution, the impending separation of Smith from his group can be discerned in the sound of Either/Or, which sees the guitar balladeer embracing a more pop-friendly style. Greeted with critical acclaim upon its release, Either/Or was by no means a Smith sellout, as his music remained as raw and vital as on Roman Candle and Elliott Smith. More

Dec 14, 2021

Ruth Radelet (former frontwoman of Chromatics) has shared a cover of Elliott Smith’s 2004 song “Twilight.” It is the latest release in label Kill Rock Stars’ 30th anniversary cover singles series. More

Feb 02, 2021

Palehound (aka Ellen Kempner) has shared a new single titled “How Long.” It is out now via Polyvinyl. More

Oct 20, 2020

British singer/songwriter Marika Hackman is releasing a new covers album, simply titled Covers, on November 13 via Sub Pop. Now she has shared two of its tracks, covers of Elliott Smith’sBetween the Bars” and Beyoncé’sAll Night.” More

Palehound Covers Elliott Smith’s “Southern Belle” For Reissue of His Self-Titled Album

Elliott Smith: Expanded 25th Anniversary Edition Due Out August 28 on Kill Rock Stars.

Aug 06, 2020

For our My Favorite Album print issue last fall, Ellen Kempner of Palehound wrote about her favorite album: Elliot Smith’s Either/Or. Coincidentally, Kempner has just released her cover of Smith’s “Southern Belle.” It’s from his 1995 self-titled album, though, not Either/Or. But that doesn’t matter because it’s a lovely ode to the magnificent songwriter, More

Elliott Smith’s Self-Titled LP to Be Reissued With Unreleased Live Album; Hear Bonus Track

Elliott Smith: Expanded 25th Anniversary Edition Due Out August 28 via Kill Rock Stars; Listen to “Big Decision (Live at Umbra Penumbra)”

May 21, 2020

From the crushing melodies of Either/Or to the raw honesty of XO, Elliott Smith’s music lives on in hearts of millions. But Kill Rock Stars is giving fans something extra special on August 28: the Expanded 25th Anniversary Edition of Smith’s self-titled second solo album. More

Watch Ben Gibbard Cover Phoebe Bridgers, Elliott Smith, Rilo Kiley, The Shins, and More

His Latest Live From Home Concert Also Featured Covers of The Flaming Lips, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Big Star, and Def Leppard

Mar 23, 2020

In response to the COVID-19 Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie has been live streaming solo concerts from his home studio. His latest concert was yesterday and it was an all-covers set in which he covered songs by Phoebe Bridgers, Elliott Smith, Rilo Kiley, The Shins, The Flaming Lips, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Big Star, and Def Leppard. More

Elliott Smith – Stream Deluxe Reissues Surprise Released in Honor of His 50th Birthday

XO and Figure 8 Reissues Out Now Digitally via UMe; Include Rare Tracks Making Digital Debut

Aug 06, 2019

If Elliott Smith hadn’t tragically died on October 21, 2003 at age 34, today he would have turned 50. In honor of his birthday, UMe have digitally surprise released deluxe reissues of 1998’s XO and 2000’s Figure 8. Each comes loaded with bonus tracks, including many that haven’t been officially released digitally before. You can stream the reissues here. More

Sufjan Stevens to Perform “Mystery of Love” at the Oscars

Song Written for Call Me By Your Name; Mary J. Blige, Common, and Miguel to Also Perform at this Year's Academy Awards

Feb 23, 2018

There’s not a strong history of indie rockers performing at the Oscars, simply because they aren’t often nominated for Best Original Song. But it’s been announced that Sufjan Stevens, who is nominated for Best Original Song for “Mystery of Love” from Call Me By Your Name, will perform the song at the ceremony on March 4. More

Soundtracking the Resistance - The Trump Testimonials

Featuring Sharon Van Etten, Hercules & Love Affair, Radiohead, The Regrettes, and The War on Drugs

Jun 16, 2017

The problem with politics, like too many other things, is that it moves so fast. This is exacerbated by a presidency that seems to go through crises like the average person goes through socks. More

Björk, CHVRCHES, Feist, Etc. Part of Planned Parenthood 7-Inches; Watch Video Feat. St. Vincent

Video Also Features Zach Galifianakis and John Legend; Project Also Features Bon Iver, Elliott Smith, Sharon Van Etten, and More

Apr 10, 2017

7-Inches for Planned Parenthood is a new 7-inch box set with 100% of the proceeds being donated to Planned Parenthood. More

Listen to the Previously Unreleased Elliott Smith Track - “Pictures of Me (Live)”

Either/Or: Expanded Edition Due Out March 10 via Kill Rock Stars

Feb 16, 2017

Elliott Smith‘s 1997 classic Either/Or is getting a 20th anniversary reissue. The Expanded Edition is due out March 10 via Kill Rock Stars and includes five live tracks and four unreleased and rare tracks. More

Listen to Previously Unreleased Elliott Smith Track - “Angeles (Live)”

Either/Or: Expanded Edition Due Out March 10 via Kill Rock Stars

Jan 24, 2017

Elliott Smith‘s 1997 classic Either/Or is getting a 20th anniversary reissue. The Expanded Edition is due out March 10 via Kill Rock Stars and includes five live tracks and four unreleased and rare tracks. More

Listen to Previously Unreleased Elliott Smith Song - “I Figured You Out”

Either/Or: Expanded Edition Due Out March 10 via Kill Rock Stars

Jan 04, 2017

Elliott Smith‘s 1997 classic Either/Or is getting a 20th anniversary reissue. The Expanded Edition is due out March 10 via Kill Rock Stars and includes five live tracks and four unreleased and rare tracks. Below is the previously unreleased song, “I Figured You Out.” More

Listen: Amanda Palmer - “Pictures of Me” (Elliott Smith Cover)

Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith Due Out Tomorrow via American Laundromat Records

Oct 13, 2016

American Laundromat Records are releasing Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith tomorrow (October 14). The Elliott Smith tribute album will feature newly recorded covers of Smith’s songs by Jesu/Sun Kil Moon, Waxahatchee, Lou Barlow, Adam Franklin of Swervedriver, Tanya Donelly, and others. More

Listen: J Mascis - “Waltz #2 (XO)” (Elliott Smith Cover)

Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith Due Out October 15 via American Laundromat Records

Oct 05, 2016

American Laundromat Records are releasing Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith on October 15. The Elliott Smith tribute album will feature newly recorded covers of Smith’s songs by Amanda Palmer, Jesu/Sun Kil Moon, Waxahatchee, Lou Barlow, Adam Franklin of Swervedriver, Tanya Donelly, and others. More

Listen: Yuck - “Bled White” (Elliott Smith Cover)

Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith Due Out October 15 via American Laundromat Records

May 05, 2016

American Laundromat Records are releasing Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith on October 15. The Elliott Smith tribute album will feature newly recorded covers of Smith’s songs by Amanda Palmer, Jesu/Sun Kil Moon, Waxahatchee, Lou Barlow, J Mascis, Adam Franklin of Swervedriver, Tanya Donelly, and others. More

Listen: Julien Baker - “Ballad of Big Nothing” (Elliott Smith Cover)

Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith Due Out October 15 via American Laundromat Records

Apr 04, 2016

American Laundromat Records are releasing Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith on October 15. The Elliott Smith tribute album will feature newly recorded covers of Smith’s songs by Amanda Palmer, Jesu/Sun Kil Moon, Yuck, Waxahatchee, Lou Barlow, J Mascis, Adam Franklin of Swervedriver, Tanya Donelly, and others. More

Elliott Smith Tribute Album to Feature Julien Baker, Amanda Palmer, Jesu/Sun Kil Moon, and Yuck

Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith Due Out October 15 via American Laundromat Records

Mar 03, 2016

American Laundromat Records have announced Say Yes! A Tribute to Elliott Smith, which is due out October 15. The Elliott Smith tribute album will feature newly recorded covers of Smith’s songs by Julien Baker, Amanda Palmer, Jesu/Sun Kil Moon, Yuck, Waxahatchee, Lou Barlow, J Mascis, Adam Franklin of Swervedriver, Tanya Donelly, and others. More

Feb 22, 2016

DIIV released their sophomore album, Is the Is Are, back at the beginning of the month via Captured Tracks. Now the band have announced some new tour dates, which are below. Also DIIV (frontman Zachary Cole Smith and Colin Caulfield) have covered the late Elliott Smith’s “Ballad of Big Nothing,” from Smith’s 1997 album Either/Or. More

Jan 29, 2016

The Elliott Smith documentary Heaven Adores You got a limited theatrical release last May and was released on DVD and Blu-ray last July via Eagle Rock Entertainment. The soundtrack features some unreleased and rare songs by the late singer/songwriter and is due out February 5. Now you can stream the whole soundtrack below via NPR First Listen. I More

Listen to Rare Elliott Smith Song “True Love”

Featured on Heaven Adores You Documentary Soundtrack Out February 5

Jan 26, 2016

The Elliott Smith documentary Heaven Adores You got a limited theatrical release last May and was released on DVD and Blu-ray last July via Eagle Rock Entertainment. The soundtrack features unreleased songs by the late singer/songwriter and is due out February 5. Below is the rare song “True Love.” More

Sep 02, 2015

The Elliott Smith documentary Heaven Adores You got a limited theatrical release on May 7 and was released on DVD and Blu-ray on July 17 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. Now it’s been revealed that a soundtrack is on the way and that it will feature as many as 16 unreleased Elliott Smith songs (the documentary did feature a bunch of unreleased Smith music). More

May 20, 2015

The Elliott Smith documentary Heaven Adores You got a limited theatrical release on May 7 (info on where you can still see it can be found here). It’s now been announced that the film will be released on DVD and Blu-ray July 17 via Eagle Rock Entertainment. A press release lays out the release’s special features: More

Mar 25, 2015

Premiering back in 2014 at the San Francisco International Film Festival, Heaven Adores You, the Nickolas Rossi-directed documentary on the life and music of Elliott Smith has finally landed itself a commercial release date. More

Jun 16, 2014

Last month the San Francisco International Film Festival hosted the world premiere of Heaven Adores You, a new documentary about the life and work of Elliott Smith. More

Read Elliott Smith’s Last Ever Interview

Respected Musical Artist Died 10 Years Ago Today

Oct 21, 2013

Today marks ten years since the tragic passing of Elliott Smith. An incredibly talented songwriter, he would have been 44 this August. More

Watch: Madonna Covers Elliot Smith’s “Between the Bars”

Sung at Launch of Protest Film "secretprojectrevolution"

Sep 25, 2013

Last night Madonna released a new short film titled secretprojectrevolution, kicking Art for Freedom, an artist campaign described as being “an online global initiative to further freedom of expression.” More

Ranked: Elliott Smith

Elliott Smith's Albums Ranked from Most Essential to Least Essential

Aug 30, 2013

Welcome to Ranked, our recurring series in which one of our writers takes an artist’s catalogue and ranks all of their official studio albums from most essential to least essential. The order is decided by the individual writer, rather than our editors. If you disagree with our ranking then please let us know in the comments section. This time Chris Drabick ranks Elliott Smith. More

Oct 24, 2012

The iconic Los Angeles mural featured on the cover of Elliott Smith‘s Figure 8 album has been repainted, honoring the ninth anniversary of the songwriter’s tragic death. More

Aug 23, 2012

Kill Rock Stars releases another rare Elliott Smith cut with an alternative take of “Ballad of Big Nothing” in honor of his 43rd birthday month. More

Aug 16, 2012

Seattle label Kill Rock Stars have been releasing rare Elliott Smith songs that are previously unheard throughout August. More

Aug 09, 2012

Kill Rock Stars has released another rare Elliott Smith track in honor of his birthday, August 6. More

Aug 02, 2012

On August 6, Elliott Smith would have turned 43. In honor of the occasion, Kill Rock Stars is sharing a series of rare Elliott Smith tracks. More

The Digital Version of Under the Radar’s 10th Anniversary Issue Features 70 Extra Pages of Content

Includes Bonus Joanna Newsom vs. Robin Pecknold Interview, Plus Articles on The Dears, Dntel/The Postal Service, The Fiery Furnaces, of Montreal, Okkervil River, Saint Etienne, Elliott Smith, Sonic Youth, and more

Nov 23, 2011

The digital version of Under the Radar‘s 10th Anniversary Issue includes the same articles that appear in the printed version—plus 70 extra pages of editorial content not found in the print version, including extra full page photos, 13 bonus articles, and 11 bonus reviews. The digital version includes exclusive bonus articles on Arab Strap, Clinic, The Dears, The Delgados, DNTEL/The Postal Service, The Fiery Furnaces, Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes vs. Joanna Newsom, Mogwai, of Montreal, Okkervil River, Saint Etienne, Elliott Smith, and Sonic Youth. More

Listen to an Unreleased Song by Elliott Smith Called “Misery Let Me Down”

From His 1997 Performance on WMUC-FM at the University of Maryland

Nov 21, 2011

A recording of an Elliott Smith song few people have heard of, “Misery Let Me Down,” has been found after being missing for more than a decade. More

Nov 11, 2011

Under the Radar‘s 10th Anniversary Issue features a new in-depth look at the life and work of Elliott Smith. Under the Radar was the last publication to conduct an interview and photo shoot Smith before his untimely death. The article focuses mainly on the creation of From a Basement on a Hill and Smith’s final years. More

Under the Radar Magazine Announces 10th Anniversary Issue Featuring Joanna Newsom and Fleet Foxes

Plus: Paul Rudd vs. The Divine Comedy, plus interviews with Broadcast, Grandaddy, The Flaming Lips, Bat For Lashes, Rilo Kiley, Broken Social Scene, and much more

Oct 19, 2011

Under the Radar is excited to announce the release of the indie music and entertainment print magazine’s 10th Anniversary Issue which hits newsstands next week. The extra-sized 10th Anniversary Issue features cover artists Joanna Newsom and Fleet Foxes Robin Pecknold together in an exclusive photo shoot and joint interview. Exclusive video taken during the cover shoot of Robin Pecknold and Joanna Newsom arm wrestling can be found here. More

Elliott Smith Memorial Wall Cleaned Up

Image of the Artist Added

Aug 12, 2011

On Saturday, Elliott Smith would have turned 42. In honor of the late musician’s big day, a group of anonymous artists took it on themselves to clean up the iconic mural in Silver Lake. More

Premiere: Live From Nowhere Near You: Volume Two Full Album Stream

Rare and Unreleased Songs from Elliott Smith, Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes, James Mercer, Modest Mouse, Wilco, and much more

Jul 19, 2011

Last week Under the Radar premiered an unreleased Ryan Adams song, “Shine Through the Dark,” and now we’re pleased to premiere a full stream of the album it’s taken from —the 64-track charity compilation Live From Nowhere Near You: Volume Two, which is out today via Greyday Records. The album features rare and unreleased tracks from the likes of Elliott Smith, Bright Eyes (featuring Spoon’s Britt Daniel), The Shins’ James Mercer, Modest Mouse, Wilco, Daniel Johnston, The Helio Sequence, Blue Giant (featuring members of Sleater-Kinney, The Decemberists, and Viva Voce), and much more. More

Hear an Unreleased Elliott Smith Song

Part of a Homeless Benefit Compilation

Jul 08, 2011

Homeless benefit album Live From Nowhere Near You (due out July 19 from Greyday) features an unreleased track from late LA-Troubadour, Elliott Smith. More

Ira Glass Covers Elliott Smith

Duets With Lucy Wainwright Roche on Singer’s Album

Oct 22, 2010

And now, for weird news of the day. Ira Glass, beloved, bespectacled host of This American Life…is making his singing debut. It only gets stranger from here. More

Elliott Smith Memorial Wall Defaced In Roger Waters’ Promotion

"It's My Guess That He Would Have Been Sympathetic To That Message."

May 05, 2010

As reported by LA Weekly, former Pink Floyd leader Roger Waters paid street artists to promote his upcoming tour by posting a Dwight Eisenhower quote in strategic locations. Clever marketing, right? That is, until one street artist defaced the Elliott Smith memorial wall. He has now responded to the incident. More

Kill Rock Stars Adds Two Elliott Smith Albums to the Catalog, Reissues Coming

Roman Candle and From a Basement On the Hill Join Smith's Independent Releases

Dec 15, 2009

As of April 6th, 2010, Seattle-based Kill Rock Stars Records will be adding two Elliott Smith albums to their catalog: Roman Candle, Smith’s first album (originally released on Cavity Search), and the posthumously-released From a Basement on the Hill (originally released by ANTI-). With this move, KRS will have acquired all of Smith’s independent releases. More

Elliott Smith’s Car is Up For Sale In Austin

The 1999 Passat for $4000 is Listed on Craigslist with All Proceeds Going to Benefit Local Musicians

Jun 26, 2009

According to this Pitchfork news item, it appears as though a car once belonging to late singer/songwriter Elliott Smith is up for sale. The 1999 VW Passat GLX was listed-with perks and flaws outlined in detail-on the Austin area Cragislist auto page and is being offered at $4000 with all of the proceeds going to the SIMS Foundation. SIMS is an Austin-based organization which helps to provide local musicians with access to mental health and addiction recovery. More



Interviews

My Favorite Album: Ellen Kempner of Palehound on Elliott Smith’s “Either/Or”

“What struck me then and continues to strike me now is the sheer honesty of the entire record, down to how it’s recorded.”

Jun 24, 2020

I grew up on a steady diet of classic rock. My dad, who was a teenager in the ’70s, would tell me all about the times he was first in line to see The Rolling Stones, the night he saw John Lennon join Elton John on stage at Madison Square Garden, and many other dazzling stories. More

Elliott Smith

Better Off Than Dead

Mar 20, 2003

“This is the first interview I’ve done in a long time,” mumbles a slouching Elliott Smith. “I wondered if I would talk about drug use. But I guess, why hide it? It’s a lot easier to tell the truth usually.” More