Elliott Smith (1969–2003) was an American singer-songwriter from Portland known for intimate, melancholic songs and sparse arrangements. He released acclaimed albums including Roman Candle, Either/Or, XO and Figure 8, and received an Academy Award nomination for "Miss Misery" from Good Will Hunting.

Born August 6, 1969; died October 21, 2003. Associated with the Portland scene and the band Heatmiser before his solo career. Academy Award nominee for the song "Miss Misery" (Good Will Hunting). Notable solo albums include Roman Candle (1994), Elliott Smith (1995), Either/Or (1997), XO (1998), Figure 8 (2000) and the posthumous From a Basement on the Hill (2004).

DeBaser's reviews consistently praise Elliott Smith's intimate, finely wrought songwriting and melancholic voice. Critics highlight albums like Either/Or, XO, Figure 8 and the posthumous From a Basement on the Hill. Reviews frequently note his struggles with addiction and his tragic death in 2003. Many pieces draw comparisons to Nick Drake and the Beatles' melodic influence.

For:Fans of intimate singer-songwriter music, listeners of indie folk and melancholic songwriting.

 I loved the soul and sensitivity of Elliott Smith, because through his songs, his art, it was possible to glimpse all of his crystalline delicacy, as clear as a mirror of water gently rippled by the wind.

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 Listening to these twelve tracks is the emotional equivalent of a night swim in the murky waters of a river.

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 On October 21st, Elliott Smith, the Portland singer-songwriter acclaimed in the USA as the Oscar winner for the song "Miss Misery," the soundtrack of the film "Good Will Hunting," committed suicide by stabbing himself in the chest with a kitchen knife.

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