There’s absolutely no disputing this album provided the former Heatmiser frontman with the most pivotal moments for his career. Indeed, Either/Or was a big deal before the new millennium eventually gave way to Smith’s final days. More recently, Rolling Stone named Either/Or the 216th greatest record of all-time, praising its “low-fi whisper and gritty, sepia-toned lyrics.” “It’s dreamy and extreme,” said NME’s Stuart Baillie at the time. “The Portland singer-songwriter's tunes are luminously orchestrated within a fragile framework of voices, guitars and percussion,” wrote Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune upon the album’s release. His double-tracked vocals lend a hauntingly harmonic atmosphere to “2:45 AM” and “Angeles,” while a delicate sweetness pervades finale “Say Yes.” Despite Smith’s simplistic reputation as a wordy folkie, there’s plenty for six-string slingers to appreciate - like the radio-friendly “Cupid’s Tale” or the crawling, understated “Alameda.” Either/Or is a marked step up in musical craftsmanship from 1994’s Roman Candle and 1995’s Elliott Smith, both incredible records in their own right. It’s worth noting, though, that Smith’s third solo effort was treasured by critics and fans from the moment it was unveiled in February ‘97.įor good reason.

As is often the case with great works by artists taken from us at a young age, the songwriter’s final record for seminal PNW indie label Kill Rock Stars has seen its cultural appreciation grow tenfold in the 17 years since his passing. It's understandable to now view Elliott Smith's 1997 breakthrough LP, Either/Or, through a tragic filter.

Elliott smith either or release date