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" Needle in the Hay", the album's only single, was released in early January 1995. Thematically, Smith said that he "personally can't get more dark" than his self-titled album. The song "Christian Brothers" was also performed with Heatmiser in a full-band arrangement, recorded around the same time as the version featured on Elliott Smith Heatmiser's version was released on the soundtrack of Heaven Adores You, a 2014 documentary about Smith's life and music. The song "Clementine" is a reworking of the 19th century American western folk ballad " Oh My Darling, Clementine", which Smith would reference again in a later song, "Sweet Adeline", released in 1998 on XO. Ides malt liquor and the borough of Queens in New York City. The lyrics also contain references to Portland's neighborhood Foster-Powell and Alphabet Historic District, St. Gonson also photographed the cover for Roman Candle. Gonson of a 1992 art installation at the former Museum of Modern Art at 17 Husova Street in Old Town, Prague. It is a xeroxed copy of a photograph taken by J.J. The album cover depicts two figures falling or jumping from a building. The album's lyrics contain many references to drug use, which Smith claimed were merely metaphorical. Rolling Stone wrote of the album, "the music burrows, digging up gems of structure, melody and lyrical vividness that belie his naïve delivery the sound is hummable pop, slowed and drugged, with tricky but unshowy guitar work driving the melodies forward". Smith mostly appears alone on his acoustic guitar, although he is occasionally backed up by the odd musical instrument, such as a harmonica and drums. The album is of a similar musical style to Roman Candle in its minimalist, acoustic folk sound.
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It was preceded by the single " Needle in the Hay", released in early January 1995.Īfter being impressed by Smith, Mary Lou Lord invited him to tour with her, and helped him to sign to Kill Rock Stars. It was recorded from late 1994 to early 1995, and released on July 21, 1995, through Kill Rock Stars, his first album on the label. Elliott Smith is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith.
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