Elliott Smith was a giant talent. His music combines gorgeous Beatles melodies with sensitive, highly intelligent Sylvia Plath/Leonard Cohen like lyrics. There are very few singer songwriters who even come close.
Without going into too much detail as to how I know this, I have some ideas regarding the meaning of this song. Elliott Smith's Achillies heel was his self-loathing. He was viciously self-critical and sadly, this loathing was based largely on his outer appearance. Despite having tremendous inner beauty which is clearly reflected in his music, Elliott just couldn't stand looking in the mirror - literally. This was likely one of the main reasons (but not the only one) behind his depression, recurring drug addiction and eventual suicide. He leaves behind his art, which along with the circumstances of his death, make him a singularily tragic figure.
In my opinion, Elliott Smith the only artist I would place above the Beatles.
Elliott Smith was a giant talent. His music combines gorgeous Beatles melodies with sensitive, highly intelligent Sylvia Plath/Leonard Cohen like lyrics. There are very few singer songwriters who even come close.
Without going into too much detail as to how I know this, I have some ideas regarding the meaning of this song. Elliott Smith's Achillies heel was his self-loathing. He was viciously self-critical and sadly, this loathing was based largely on his outer appearance. Despite having tremendous inner beauty which is clearly reflected in his music, Elliott just couldn't stand looking in the mirror - literally. This was likely one of the main reasons (but not the only one) behind his depression, recurring drug addiction and eventual suicide. He leaves behind his art, which along with the circumstances of his death, make him a singularily tragic figure.
In my opinion, Elliott Smith the only artist I would place above the Beatles.