Elliott Smith's XO (33 1/3 series) (Paperback)

~ Matthew Lemay (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It was only a matter of time before a clever publisher realized that there is an audience for whom Exile on Main Street or Electric Ladyland are as significant and worthy of study as The Catcher in the Rye or Middlemarch... freewheeling and eclectic, ranging from minute rock-geek analysis to idiosyncratic personal celebration - The New York Times Book Review Ideal for the rock geek who thinks liner notes just aren't enough - Rolling Stone A brilliant series...each one a word of real love - NME Religious tracts for the nock 'n' roll faithful - Uncut"

Product Description

This book focuses on the genius of Smith's 1998 debut that remains his defining album. Many albums could be cited to support the claim that great suffering yields great art. Elliott Smith's "XO" should not be one of them. Smith's 1998 major label debut defies the 'tortured singer-songwriter' stereotype and takes up this defiance as a central theme. At a time when Smith was being groomed for a particular (and particularly condescending) brand of stardom, he produced a record that eviscerated one of the central assumptions of singer-songwriters: that pain is beautiful. Indeed, "XO" insists that romanticizing personal tragedy can only leave you 'deaf and dumb and done'. It backs up this claim with some of the most artful and intelligent music of its day. While these themes permeate "XO", the record hardly registers like a thesis statement. The album's title cleverly reflects one of its central concerns - the difference between how we present ourselves and the damage we do through such self-denial. It's simple lyrical phrasing and characteristically hesitant vocal delivery have led many to overlook how mean, witty and incisive XO is. It is the product of an artist who could never quite shake off the stigma of his early work. Matthew LeMay writes an original take on a widely beloved album, steering clear of the sensationalist suicide angles that have dogged most analysis of Elliott Smith's extraordinary work. "33 1/3" is a series of short books about a wide variety of albums, by artists ranging from James Brown to the Beastie Boys. Launched in September 2003, the series now contains over 50 titles and is acclaimed and loved by fans, musicians and scholars alike.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (April 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826429009
• ISBN-13: 978-0826429001
• Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #27,620 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Was Done Properly!, April 6, 2009

By	Larry Crane "Larry Crane" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was allowed to fact check and was interviewed for this book and I feel it's one of the better things to come out about my friend. The second half, examining Elliott's portrayal in the media, is a great "setting the record straight" for this amazing artist.
-Larry Crane, Archivist for the Estate of Elliott Smith/recording engineer/producer

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changed the way I listen to XO/Elliott Smith!, April 12, 2009

By	Jason Li (Barcelona, Spain) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

XO is one of my favorite albums, and after reading this book, I am able to appreciate it in a new, deeper and more nuanced way. Lemay strategically employs Smith's own words, whether it be in an interview or in his lyrics, to steer us to an interpretation of XO that seems closer to what Smith had originally intended. (Larry Crane's review above affirms this idea.)

The book is split into two parts: Part one is a guided tour of the subtleties buried within XO (both lyrical and musical). Part two is about why we, as listeners, should free ourselves from the romanticized yet simplistic image of Smith painted by the popular press.

Both parts are extremely well researched and it shows: Lemay has amassed and analyzed quite a back catalog of Elliott Smith demos, live shows, interviews, reviews, on top of having conducted his own interviews with Smith's friends/collaborators.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to enjoy this album more, and to understand Elliott Smith as a human being who is more than just a "sad guy singing sad songs."

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Either this book is great, OR..., April 8, 2009

By	Timothy J. Thomas "Corn Cob" (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you got the joke in my review title, than this book is DEFINITELY for you. The best thing about LeMay's criticism (and in this case, defense) is that he so clearly loves the man's records. He delves deep into the Elliot S(myth) without getting stuck in the mucky muck. A serious book, from a serious writer, with a serious command of his subject matter. Highly recommended for music geeks, indie-rockers, studio-nuts, and lovers of great music of any era.