Customer Reviews

Figure 8

5 star:		(102)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

A lot of fans like to dog this album. I have a theory for why this is.

It's not that the album is bad, at all, but that it's not the Elliott that THEY want Elliott to be. They fell in love with the man behind either/or, or the self-titled, or (gasp) the barely audible Roman Candle. They swoon for the quietness, the starkness, the nakedness, bitterness, intimacy. They think "hi-fi" is a four-letter word, not to mention "production", and dare I even say it, "pop."

They were willing to accept XO as a temporary stray from the purity of their vision for his career. In their forgiving state of mind, the music was able to seep into their brains and they saw its brilliance. Hence, XO = good. And, surely Elliott will get back on track next time.

Figure 8 comes along and dashes their hopes. Their beloved tortured soulmate actually knows his way around modern expensive studio technology - AND HE LIKES IT!!! Traitor!

Man, I love E.S. and E/O as much as anyone. Love em. Love em love em love em. But I'm one of those who believe that Elliott broke through into an altogether new plane of genius with XO. And Figure 8 is absolutely a worthy continuation of the path he was on.

Put it this way - if I'm taking ten to the desert island, XO is in the bag for sure. Figure 8 will be really, really hard to leave out. The others, I'll miss a hell of a lot.

"Figure 8" sounds like what would have happened if Nick Drake had been asked to join The Beatles after Paul died in that horrible car accident. Elliott Smith's voice falls into the haunted, ethereal category currently helmed by Drake during his post-VW resurgence. And this album carries any number of Sgt. Pepper-like arabesques and musical pirouettes, all of which serve to nearly disguise the raw emotional content.

This is my introduction to Elliott Smith so I have no background in his earlier, less-lush work, and maybe I'm the better for it. ... since I have no basis of comparison, I'm prefectly free to get lost in the spider web of sound spun on "Figure 8". And, perhaps because I've recently had my heart broken, all the lyrics make sense instead of being maudlin or overwrought. I will, of course, reexamine this in a year or so when I feel better, but I have a feeling that this record will stand the test of time.

Standout tracks are the opener, "Son of Sam", a deceptively-jaunty song that sounds almost like Klaatu at a high-school carnival. "Everything Reminds me of Her" and "Everything Means Nothing to Me" are fraternal twins, each with a different sound, but inseperable - they should be played hand in hand in perpetuity. "Somebody that I used to Know" is heartbreakingly simple, deceptively upbeat and captures perfectly the sound of a man on the edge of regaining himself. The rest of the album is wonderful, but these are the tracks that pierced me.

I am grateful to the friend who introduced me to Elliott Smith and I can only hope that, if you buy "Figure 8" after reading this review, you will be grateful, too.

I truly believe that Elliott Smith will, in the next few years, release a record that will transcend genre and taste and be universally recognized, like "Revolver" or "Pet Sounds", as one of the greatest pop recordings ever issued. Yes, even greater than "Either/Or", which I still consider Elliott's greatest accomplishment to this point. "Figure 8" is not the future magnum opus of which I speak, but by any standard, even as a holding pattern it is a masterful record. "Figure 8" reconciles and has elements of the three stages of Elliott's career to this point: 1. the indie rock of his first band, Heatmiser; 2. the hushed, fragile, minimalist 4-track recordings that made his reputation; 3. the semi-famous pop troubadour making big-sounding records for a corporate record label. Elliott sounds much more comfortable in the big studio element than on "XO," and if "Figure 8" isn't as passionate and desperate as his earlier recordings, its comfortable feel enables the listener to simply sit back and enjoy Elliott's abilities as a songwriter, singer, and musician (he is an extremely underrated guitarist and piano player). The least compelling moments of "Figure 8" (in my opinion, "LA" and "I Better Be Quiet") still run rings around 98% of major-label rock. The best songs on "Figure 8" are jaw-dropping in their low-key excellence and sincerity. Some of the highlights: "Son of Sam": A stunner. It starts off quiet, then builds slowly on a solid backbeat and some glorious background "a-hhhhhha"s. And then the electric guitars kick in, and the song really takes off. Musically, it's truly inspiring. It's up there with "Speed Trials" as Elliott's best album opener. "Everything Means Nothing to Me": Just a slip of a song, kind of reminds me of "Waltz #1" from "XO", but much better. Love the piano, angelic harmonies and the wonderful, sadly ascending (unusual) melody. And when the far-off drums and strings kick in...wow. Beautiful. "In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach)": This song shows a real growth in Elliott's songwriting and musical chops. It's based on a rolling, tack piano (think 1880s saloon) part that has a little bit of classical in it. This is a very cinematic piece of music, one of my favorites. "Happiness": Very George Harrison. In fact, this whole album seems to be the heir to G.H.'s "All Things Must Pass" in spirit, if not in sheer volume of tuneage. What can I say? "All I want now is happiness for you and me" is "Figure 8"'s version of "I'm never gonna know you now, but I'm gonna love you anyhow." More insanely good pop music, with a long, anthemic ending reminiscent of "Hey Jude" (though the song is only 5 mins. long). This is probably the most memorable (if not complex) melody on the whole album. "Can't Make a Sound": It starts off pretty low-key and downcast, but by the end, like "Stupidity Tries," has built into a gigantic, crashing, monolithic piece of music. This fills the role of "XO"'s "Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands" - the BIG, dramatic song right before the quiet ending. But I think "Can't Make a Sound" is a much better song. I've gone on long enough. Buy "Figure 8", love it, and wait for Elliott's masterwork -- it's coming sometime soon.

Critics are falling all over themselves to praise this album. But for some reason, many long-time Elliott fans have many less than kind things to say about Figure 8. I consider myself a relatively long time fan of Elliott (I have all five of his albums), and I think I understand why many feel that this album is below par (although I steadfastly disagree with them as you'll realize by the end of this review). The first time I heard Figure 8, I thought it was great, but a great album for Elliott would, for me, be on the bottom of a list of exemplary albums that he has previously released. I loved the production though, and I knew if I gave it a chance I would love it equally as much if not more so than his other albums. I think this production that drew me closer to it, repelled many Elliott fans. People who adore Roman Candle and the s/t (of which I am one) may think this is "overproduced" and as a result, not as passionate. I am here to tell you why that is not true and why, track by track this may be Elliott's finest album to date.

1. Son of Sam - Fabulous, the piano gets me going every time (boy can Elliott play that thing). The melody is great (as usual) and have you ever enjoyed hearing about a serial killer so much?

2. Somebody That I Used to Know - Very early Elliott, and the one that people who don't like this album generally name this track as their favorite. Terrific, Elliott and a guitar and a great vertical melody.

3. Junk Bond Trader - OK, it took me a while to get into this one, I don't know why, it's a great track. I love the keyboard at the intro, and the bells throughout the track. Very Elliott lyrics (even though I don't know them all yet). I love the guitar as well.

4. Everything Reminds Me of Her - very Passionate song with passionate vocals, great shimmering guitar work. Terrific lyrics. You can almost see the sun on the steeple. Beautiful.

5. Everything Means Nothing To Me - Perhaps my favorite on the album, perhaps my favorite Elliott song period. Imagine Brian Wilson during Surf's Up, and there's the opening melody. Absolutely gorgeous piano and vivid, heart-breaking words. I cannot say enough good things about this song to do it justice so I will move on.

6. L.A. - Perhaps the first Elliott song ever that can be described as "fun". This song has lots of musical ideas in it. Very very catchy, great harmonies, great words. Another one of my favorites. And he saves it all with "last night I was about to throw it all away."

7. In the Lost and Found (Honkey Bach) - another candidate for favorite track on the album. Very McCartney-esqu piano lick, with soaring harmonies. Mind-numbing (in a great way) bridge. Makes you want to repeat it, but you want to go on to the next tracks even worse.

8. Stupidity Tries - OK, so I had heard the live version of this about a million times before getting it on Figure 8, but it still rocks. Great chromatic melody, great lyrics, and I love the changes in dynamics. Fab.

9. Easy Way Out - Possibly the most gorgeous melody on figure 8. Soaring melody, absolutely biting lyrics, and a great arrangement with an instument I can't quite identify.

10. Wouldn't Mama Be Proud - Another one that took me a while to get into. But well worth the wait, fan-freakin'-tastic harmonies. Great lyrics. The instrumental reminds me a little of With a Little Luck (in a good way).

11. Color Bars - Great, great, great, fabulous piano, great words, and strig section that really adds.

12. Happiness - Have to admit, that I'm still getting into this one. I think it's because I had heard it a couple times before the album came out (broke my own rule) and that kind of ruined it for me. Still, I know it's a great song, I sure thought so before Figure 8 came out.

13. Pretty Mary K - another contender for favorite. Probably the best harmonies on the album. Great production. I love the lyrics too. Great track.

14. I Better Be Quiet Now - Great Melody, I just like this one a ton. A song you can really relate to.

15. Can't Make a Sound - Reminds me a little of Oh Well Okay, turned into a mini pop symphony. Love it. Another one of the best. Great semi - album closer. Takes the place of Everybody Cares Everybody Understands (which I also love).

16. Bye - I can't even listen to this track without feeling a little uneasy. I mean that in a good way. I really wish I could play piano that well. Fabulous way to end an album.

Well, there you have it. My very long winded review of Figure 8. I leave the album in a sense of awe (that may just be my fascination with "bye" but I don't think so). Please, please check this album out if you haven't already. If you have it and have already taken it off your rotation list, please put it back on and give it another chance. It is al miraculous album, truly Elliott is a work of art in progress and I hope he continues to be that way. If he does, every album he every puts out will be well worth owning.

This is, plain and simple, a fantastic album. A lot of people are complaining because it's "overproduced", which I don't find to be the case at all. It's produced more, but that doesn't mean it's produced too much. That's like saying Abbey Road is the worst Beatles album because it has too much production. The songs here are all gorgeous, and to be honest, it I was asked my top five off this album I really wouldn't be able to give them cause I like them all so much. This album is definetely a grower. Although I realized it was fantastic the first time I heard it, with each subsequent hearing, it has become much more like a whole. I honestly can't imagine, with songs like Son of Sam, Somebody I Used to Know, Junk Bond Trader, Everything Reminds Me of Her, Everything Means Nothing To Me (....read rest of album titles), how anyone can see this album as "below-par". I would and do recommend this album to anyone who comes across this site. This album IS different than Roman Candle, Elliott Smith, Either/OR, and XO, it is in NO WAY WHATSOEVER a bad change. It is a step foward. This may well be his best album up to this date (and I have a HUGE affinity for XO). So, please please please don't let the people here who feel that this is "definetly not Elliott's best" sway you, because it just may be.

After just learning the news of Elliott Smith's passing yesterday, I felt compelled to share the fact that his songwriting is on a higher caliber than most others, and it is unfortunate that his talent will probably remain a silent wonder to those of use who have had the pleasure of being introduced to his songwriting craft. This album is simply excellent. It can play over and over without getting old. It is a significant stride from the straightforward acoustic tracks that you may have heard from past records. Each record has its own unique aspects that make them worthwhile.

Figure 8 is an excellent compliment to the other Elliot Smith song collections. If you are even a remote fan of his style, yet enjoy a bit more production than most of his acoustic songs, this is the record for you. The melodies remain strong. The balance between some electric guitars, drums, and hooks are a welcome addition to this talented songwriter's acoustic folk-like melodic, slightly pop-rock influenced style.

Elliott Smith, thank you for your music while you were with us. Rest in peace. - Dave B., Chicago.

I believe that people who have been a fan of Elliott Smith's music for years and years are going to have a harder time accepting this album for what it is than new fans will. I've been listening to Elliott Smith for years, and have always treasured his music for the rough, raw guitar, voice, instruments.

XO was, as some have said, pushing it, but it grew on me, and I have come to love it. It can never have the same intimacy of "elliott smith" and "roman candle" and "either/or," but it has something that was hovering between old and new, as you would expect, maybe, for an indie musician just becoming signed.

I got a promo copy of Figure 8 and listened to it for months, waiting, waiting, waiting for it to seep in. Figure 8, while being a terrific album, is not what one might be expecting when picking up a new Elliott Smith disc, and certainly requires an open mind, allowing him to evolve from raw to polished, from East coast to West.

I worry that this album, being publicized rather well on the Internet, will introdude Elliott Smith to a whole group of people that won't neccessarily appreciate what came before it, when they seek out other music by him. I don't want to see him embraced for his new disc, then scorned for his older, more raw, personal music.

If you're new to Elliott smith, i suggest buying either/or first, then working back, then forward. If you're an old hat at this, tread lightly, and with an open mind. Put all 5 discs in a cd changer, hit random play, and let Figure 8 mix in, because it might have a hard time doing it on it's own.

Steven Paul Smith was born on August 6, 1969 in Omaha. He later changed the name Steven to Elliott. He felt it sounded less "jock-like."
I do believe Elliott Smith had a really amazing if not sad and lonely kind of voice. I can feel a bit more uplifting type of mood coming from Elliott Smith's Figure 8, his best and last studio record before he died. Ever since the end of his band Heatmiser, his solo work became more personal and less abrasive. It's hard to imagine at one point he was part of just another small punk/grunge band, who not many have heard of.
Many would prefer "Either/Or." Which seems optimistic at times, but kind of sad to me. At this time few singer/songwriters could match Elliott's level of intensity through lo-fi "folk-punk" intimacy. That release sparked interest in the director of Good Will Hunting, Gus Van Sant- who used some of Elliott's songs for his picture. They met while Elliott lived in Portland. Also this exposure proppelled Elliott Smith to major-label status from Kill Rock Stars to Dreamworks. And then came XO in 1998. And Figure 8 in 2000. In my opinion this is his best. It flourishes with rich, multi-layered and more lush tracks. Not as intimate as his earlier solo works w/ the exception of "Everything Means Nothing to Me." This does seem happier though, at least compared to his other works. Definately one of the best solo albums and one of my favorites of this millenium. A wonderful timeless album from one of the better singer/songwriters after those "grunge era" days. My favorites here include: "Son of Sam"- "Junkbond Trader" -"Stupidity Tries" - "Easy Way Out" - "In the Lost & Found" -(for this song Elliott uses the same Abbey Road piano Paul McCartney played on "Penny Lane")
Elliott Smith has always been a long time Beatles fan. Even covered their song "Because"- which is on a import of Figure 8. I really do feel he approaches a kind of greatness w/ this almost perfect solo work. I just wish he was still alive creating more.
It's just really sad the way Elliott Smith died. Two stab wounds in his chest from a kitchen knife. And I believe the coroner at the time never came to a conclusion whether it was a homicide or a suicide. His death was on October 21 2003.
I give Figure 8- 5 stars. It is my favorite Elliott Smith album, if you haven't heard Elliott Smith before you really should give this a listen. Or pick up "Either/Or" if you like a softer sound, but both are essential from him.

I would agree with Patrick Burnett's comments from 5 years ago. I recently ended a relationship and Elliott has been on repeat since the summer. His music fits perfectly with those moments where you feel like there is nothing left. But in a way, the beauty behind his music lifts your spirit like nothing else. "Everything Means Nothing To Me" was the first song I ever heard from Elliott just last year and it is a small portion of the brilliance found throughout this whole album.

The acoustically amazing "Somebody I Used to Know" and "I Better Be Quiet Now", the very Beatlesque "Pretty Mary K" and "Happiness" are just a few of the standouts in my mind. "Bye" is such a haunting album-ender that gives me chills everytime I hear the echo of the piano.

"Figure 8" has such a wide variety of sound that only a musical genius like Elliott Smith could create. His soft angelic voice along with beautiful melodies make this an album that will forever be labeled "perfection" in my mind. Rest in peace Elliott, your spirit lives on.

Many "hardcore" Elliott Smith fans seem quick to judge and often pass this record off as "too over-produced", or the lyrics aren't as personal as past records. It couldn't be farther from the truth.

This record is the sound of an artist coming into his own, maturing, experimenting. It's still Elliott Smith through and through, there's no doubt about that. Some of the lyrics are a little more abstract- but they just require more patience and repeated listens to truly appreciate.

Elliott Smith crafted some of his best works of art on this album. He really accomplished some beautifuly constructed songs. I first heard this album after Either/Or and Self-titled, and my first impression was that it sounded more plugged in, obviously. But upon really listening to the album, it opens up and becomes so much more. Songs like 'Junk Bond Trader' or 'Can't Make A Sound' become amazing pop masterpieces. There are also enough songs similar to Elliott's past minimalist approach, just more polished than before.

Smith himself had stated that he didn't prefer big studios with high-tech recording equipment to stripped down efforts, or vice-versa... just that they were two different styles each unique to themselves, and that he enjoyed experimented with both. He really accomplishes that here and it's worth owning.