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"I’m never gonna know you now
But I’m gonna love you anyhow…"
I could reprint the Elliott Smith fact sheet here. I could talk about his
involvement in Heatmiser and his prolific solo career. I could go on and
on about all of the other musicians he has influenced. I could; but I
won’t. I really want to talk about how he made me feel when I listened to
his music. Those lovely harmonies, quiet chord progressions, and soft
lyrics…there isn’t anyone to fill the space. Elliott made the music we
listened to when we were alone, lonely, dumped, or sad. It wasn’t music to
make you feel better. It was music to make you feel less alone in your
pain. He took something ugly and hulking that lurked in the shadows of the
person-shaped crease on the bed next to you and turned in into a starry
sky. Security banket music. I know that sounds lame; but that’s how I
felt. Fear and sadness reduce you to a child. His music was a loving
parent singing you to sleep. I don’t think I can tell you as well as I’d
like. It’s too subjective. Too close to the heart for words. I had hoped
to get to see him play at least once. Death was the last thing I would
have expected to get in the way…but it always is, isn’t it? I only pray
that he is happy, wherever. He deserves it.
- Neil R.
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