ELLIOT SMITH
XO
by Leigh Tran

CD Released: 1998

have u ever been so moved by something that u are compelled by a force stronger than the will to act upon the feelings that arise, yet paradoxically paralysed in the struggle to take it all in?

perhaps i have confused already, but such is the plethora of complex emotions derived from this extraordinary individual, that explanation pales in comparison to the experience. no single album has invaded my consciousness as deeply as one mr elliot smith.

it probably says more about me than it does about him, but listening to his softly-softly voice has me spinning on my heels. at his best, i reach an absolute height of dizziness, which would explain why i am unable to physically move myself away from the sounds that emanates from that one disc.

the lyrics exist in this dichotomy, in songs of undying love and lines like "i'm never gonna know you know, but i'm gonna love you anyhow", contrasted against a underpinning sense of hopelessness and even anger in "i wish i'd never seen your face" and "but i'm tired now of waiting for you". perhaps then, not so much a contrast, as a perfect tangent of romanticism.

parallel this to my own journey. fused in this enchantment with the beautiful sounds of acoustic guitars and strings, is almost like a temporarily deep depression that stirs when he comes on. whats more perplexing is that i seem to wallow in the melancholy, as if spellbound. a commotion of sensations, like a centrifugal force that moves me rapidly but remains in one fixed location.

i suppose i should talk about the tracks, but where to start? this album is excessive in its offerings, each track taking you down a different path, but ultimately reaching the destination of heavenly bliss. the half tempo in waltz #2 (xo) is literally a waltz, and the swaying of the tune corresponds with the oscillation of emotion, which moves from despair about someone else, to a more selfish disclosure of despair at his situation [tell mr man with impossible plans to just leave me alone]

clearly defined content is enhanced with such vivid imagery, created by his definite gift with words and an articulation of emotions in terms of colours and actions (a type of synaesthesia) that are juxtapositioned with a scenario that seems well known to the listener (eg. relationships on the rocks, with undefined feelings and without communication). what also gets me with elliot smith is that his own lyrics are intensely personal, as if written, like a letter to someone. so when u hear the lyrics, it as is u are sharing a very private secret between two people, which makes it very special indeed.

this is best heard in oh well, okay, bottle up and explode and i didn't understand (simply outstanding and beautiful songs). there is also one other track, everybody cares, everybody understands, which doesnt really fit into the overall conten, dealing with the euphoria of drugs, but is nonetheless a fantastic track  [my fave line: so here i lay dreaming looking at the brilliant sun].

but my absolute favourite (if there had to be one) is the final song, i didnt understand. an acapella showcase of his angelic voice and gift of the melody, it is extremely haunting and spine-tingling! and even gratuitous use of the word fuck. yah!

one final word: the impression that this album has made on me is not imagined in the same vein that *classic* albums have has on musicians, in that this doesnt inspire me to create music. rather its more about an expression of feelings that already exist in my own head, by someone who is so different in circumstance from myself that it has absolutely floored me.

forgive me for being indulgent, but this is a highly personal experience (as you would've guessed) and one that i hope you will (but in all probability won't) share. a review this is not then? perhaps more like a revelation in the emotions of one being, which i choose to share with you. :)

nonetheless i enthusiastically recommend this album, in fact this artist (in the true sense of the word) to anyone who is searching for the pinnacle of emotional well-being. oops thats just me. LOL if u are into simply stunningly beautiful music (and/or a hopeless romantic) then set your sights on this.

PURCHASE THIS CD @ CHAOSMUSIC - $26.95.