1997. Either/Or is an album by the late Elliott Smith. Generally considered to be his crowning achievement, the 12 cuts range from intimate, lo-fi arrangements to jaunty alt-pop (though the latter type is less prevalent than the former.) The album is perhaps united by Elliott’s observational technique and anger, confusion or disdain that usually follows.
Such disdain perhaps peaks on Cupid’s Trick, including lyrics Elliott was reportedly embarassed with (as a result they aren’t in the CD booklet) where he beckons “Should’ve lit me up, it’s my lie.” On Punch & Judy he maligns a figure with “Can’t you ever treat anyone nice?” Angeles – probably my favourite track – is sinister and eerie and yet extremely hummable and memorable, on one listen it can appear to be a strange ode to a lover, but on another it seems to be a psychotic attachment. “Ballad of Big Nothing” and “Pictures Of Me” are perhaps the forays into the ‘jaunty alt-pop’ I described, and are arguably the most accessible tracks on the album, with “Pictures Of Me” also being one of Smith’s more overt declarations of anger on the album. There isn’t really a track which compromises the high-standard of the first side, and though Cupid’s Trick is perhaps the most throwaway, its bombastic refrain is likely to repeat in the annuls of your mind. Smith shows with this album that he a terrific gift, and is not just merely an alternative artist who has been romanticized because of his early passing.
8.9/10
Tracklist (Picks in bold)
Speed Trials
Alameda
Ballad Of Big Nothing
Between the Bars
Pictures of Me
No Name No.5
Rose Parade
Punch & Judy
Angeles
Cupid’s Trick
2:45 am
Say Yes
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