Six years after Elliott
Six years ago, on the 21st of October, singer-songwriter Elliott Smith died at the early age of 34. The details were sketchy. He had two stab wounds to the chest that were thought to be self-inflicted. To this day, some people believe he was killed. But with no solid evidence to merit an investigation, people can only speculate.
Like many others, I did not start listening to Elliott until after his death. I think it was 2005 when I first heard his music. I do not remember much about the experience. Truth is, his music kinda crept up on me. I started listening because I had heard of his struggles with depression and addiction, having many of my own. I liked “Needle And The Hay” and a few other tracks. That was about as far as it went for a while. Then at some point his unflinching lyrics and raw emotion just hit me. With every song, it was like he was pouring his most deep down thoughts and feelings into a creation so beautiful it made me want to cry every time I heard it. After that, I began immersing myself in his music, and have ever since.
I feel as if his music is a part of me now. I often find myself running parallels with parts of his troubled life that he often reflected so well through his music. And at times, his music seems to be the only comfort I can find in such a painful world. I often wonder what it would be like if he had not met his tragic end. Would I have even discovered his music? (Probably) Would it have had such an impact? (I don’t know) Again, speculation. The fact of the matter is, his music has impacted my life in such a great way, I will forever be grateful. Thank You Elliott.
In the memory of Elliott, I have compiled a mix of some of my favorite tracks. I have also put up a tribute video I made a couple of years ago.
why haven’t you learned anything?
As I was scanning through the garbage on the tube recently, I came across a docu-drama called The Revolution based on a fictional news reporter going around interviewing protesters/guerrillas during the 2004 RNC in NY,NY. It had terrible acting and actually the only reason I kept on watching it was because it featured a Underground Hip-Hop artist called Immortal Technique, that has always had the ability to ignite some strong emotions in me. The mix accompanied with this post has some of his tracks.
I would go on and rant and rave about politics, but in reality, politics make me sick… So ill let this mix speak for me.
Sun Is Shining
All this summer sunshine never fails to inspire an intense thirst for Reggae rhythms. Here are a few of my favorites.
The Best Man – Mix
I recently had the pleasure to see my big brother get married to a bride of most favorable mention. Not only did I witness it, I was the Best Man.
Adam (The Groom), has been the best big brother a little brother could have. Children of an early Divorce and a weird (frequent changing from House to House) but ultimately fair custody plan forced my brother and I into a bond that the average sibling personal relationship compared would be that of a stranger. I am happy to say that through the tears and rain a truly beautiful marriage is now in bloom.
For Adam & Cindy:
Mix Numero Uno (I Have Feelings)
This mix is the first of many to come. I made it on a night when I was feeling a bit more melancholic then usual. Or you could also say I was feeling more “Emo” then usual, but you shouldn’t. If you ask me, the whole “Emo Kid” thing is stupid and makes me cringe just thinking about those whiney . . . I’ll stop there to prevent the X mark of death from google. And you probably weren’t asking anyways.
Without further a due…