Figure 8 - Elliot Smith

While the instances of stunted creativity abound when an artist decides to go solo, Elliott Smith proves a glorious exception to the rule. Coming from the Dandy Warhols neck of the woods (Portland, Oregan) where infectious hooks seem to habitually blossom on the trees it is no surprise that a cursory listen to Figure 8 reveals a smattering of sweet melodies that would have the makers of marmalade clambering to sign him up for their next ad campaign. Elliot Smith started out as twin singer/songwriting (with Neil Gust) in Heatmiser who went on to release 2 reasonable albums in 'Dead Air', 'Cop and Speeder' before Smith decided that going it alone ...

Sit back, relax, and let the gentle voice of Elliot Smith wash over you. I was given the CD, Figure 8, as a present for my most recent birthday. I had never heard of Elliot Smith before and had no idea what to expect. I liked it almost at once. Its unique blend of original tracks, gentle melodies, and vocal harmonies adds up to 52 minutes of pure aural pleasure! Its also a grower and gets better each time you listen. Figure 8 is classed as a Rock album, but is, in fact, more like folk-rock. It sometimes has a sixties hippie feel to it, reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel, or the Byrds but with a contemporary edge (thank goodness). The CD is a mixture of ...