The Ultimate Elliott Smith Listening Guide for Fall/Winter

Photo from the Los Angeles Times

It’s that time of year again, when summer ends and fall begins to settle in. Now that the days are getting shorter and the temperature is getting colder, this is the time I love to return to slow, wispy, and melancholic music. Elliott Smith’s discography was meant to be listened to during these months, when the leaves fall down, the air is crisp, and you can see your own exhale outside. Here, I’m going to be sharing my opinion on the ultimate ideal time to listen to each Elliott Smith album this fall and early winter.

Album Cover: Either/Or by Elliott Smith

First Day of Fall - Either/Or

This September 22^nd is the first day of fall, and the day sweater weather kicks into full action. Either/Or feels like the perfect album to start fall. Elliott’s voice on the record is soft and warm, and his lyrics yearn for love. Either/Or is tender, but also carries a touch of melancholy, making it a nice sign that the days are starting to get colder

Album Cover: Elliott Smith by Elliott Smith

Peak Foliage – Elliott Smith

The self-titled Elliott Smith album pairs beautifully with peak foliage, when the leaves are at their most vibrant state. I personally think that many songs on this album are so colorful, raw, and descriptive, and it reminds me most of walking through orange, yellow, and red trees.

Album Cover: XO by Elliott Smith

Halloween – XO (Deluxe Edition)

XO (Deluxe version) is great to listen to around Halloween time because the many string, piano, and vocal lines sound very theatrical, and it reminds me of the whimsicalness of dressing up in costume. Early November is also when the leaves start falling off trees, and nature switches from warm and orange to a darker grey state. Just like the album art on XO, the album gives me a similar vibe of seeing the world in a black and white gradient.

Album Cover: Roman Candle by Elliott Smith

Late November – Roman Candle

In my opinion, nothing very special really happens in November, and it feels like a waiting room before the holidays. I think Roman Candle is a good choice to listen to during this cold and grey time. The guitar on this song is simple and raw, as you can hear the scratchiness of moving on the guitar strings, and it reminds me of the sting of frost on your face or seeing your own breath outside.

Album Cover: New Moon by Elliott Smith

First Real Powder Snow – New Moon

I think New Moon is just the perfect pick for the first snowfall that sticks. The acoustic guitar on this album is warm and bright, while the vocals are quiet, strongly reminding me of untouched powdered snow on the ground. The opening track, “Angel in the Snow,” makes the pairing almost too perfect.

Album Cover: From A Basement On The Hill by Elliott Smith

Winter Solstice – From A Basement On The Hill

On December 21st, the darkest day of the year, From A Basement On The Hill feels most fitting for the winter solstice. This collection of songs after Elliott Smith passed is heavy, dense, and holds a lot of weight to it, good for the longest night of the season and the depth of winter.

Album Cover: Figure 8 by Elliott Smith

Post Christmas and New Year’s Eve – Figure 8

Figure 8 is the last Elliott Smith album to listen to, great for the end of December, as its expansive sound expresses feelings of celebration but also reflection, similar to emotions stirred around Christmas and the New Year. There is a great sense of bittersweetness to this, reminding me of being pulled back into reality after the holidays, and now looking ahead to the uncertainty of life.

Let me know, do you agree with my list?

Thank you for reading my blog!

Caleb G / Indsutry Insider