It’s time for the first episode of Love That Album podcast
in 2013, and I thought I’d start the year with a depressing album to discuss….sort
of.
For episode 36 of LTA, I’m joined by JuanJose De laCruz of
The List Music Podcast to talk about Elliott Smith’s 1998 album, XO. This was Smith’s
first major label release, and he was able to sonically expand on the sound he’d
created on previous albums like Either/Or. This had beautifully tasteful
arrangements with piano, mellotron, occasional string arrangements and breathy
vocal harmonies, as well as the standard band structure of guitar, drums and
bass – and Elliott is playing most of it himself. The beauty of the music is in
contrast to the lyrics that are often angry and show signs of depression. Did
Smith (whose cause of death has never been fully substantiated) really have strong
depression or are these songs just him getting feelings out of his system.
There are moments on the album that have positive spins that appear to
contradict the common wisdom that Smith suffered from depression. It was truly
wonderful having such a great chat with Juan and getting his insight about an
album we both love.
Eric Reanimator returns to LTA in 2013 to discuss Mark
Lannegan’s album Whiskey for the Holy Ghost. It’s another great segment from
Eric.
Download the show either from
http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com or search for "love that album" in
the itunes store.
Send me any feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or
mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook
group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum
and start a discussion on your favourite sad songs.
Right click to download and save Episode 36 here
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