Elliott Smith "Roman Candle"

Does anyone else besides me like Roman Candle better than Figure 8, my least favorite Elliott Smith album? My highlights off of Roman Candle are "Condor Ave." and "No Name #1".
 
Elliott Smith "Roman Candle"
41BBH8933EL._AA240_.jpg

Label: Cavity Search
Release Date: July 14th, 1994
Genre: Singer-Songwriter/Lo-fi Folk
Tracklist:
1. Roman Candle
2. Condor Ave
3. No Name #1
4. No Name #2
5. No Name #3
6. Drive All Over Town
7. No Name #4
8. Last Call
9. Kiwi Maddog 20/20


Elliott Smith's debut album, it was recorded on a four track giving it that homemade lo-fi folk sound. The album remains mostly unimpressive much like his band Heatmiser with a few highlights here and there, just like Heatmiser. Who at the time he was the guitarist for, and shared singing/songwriting with Neil Gust (No. 2).

The album doesn't hold much variation which is the main drawback and it seems to be an album that only the fans love. There isn't much to say on it since its all rather similar sounding (except the two last songs) tts a very raw album and the only the fans love part is probably mostly true since you could find a similar sounding album, but much better (by the same artist too) in alot of places.

The lyrics can be great in some places, like one of my favorite songs on here Condor Ave is an extremely well written song (and the picking/strumming is fantastic). While others such as Roman Candle can be a bit lacking with lines like "I wanna hurt him / I wanna give him pain / I'm a roman candle / My head is full of flames", but the way he sings them seems to give them much more meaning and emotion then they appear to hold on first glance.

I think if you're a fan of Nick Drake's Five Leaves Left or Pink Moon, you'd probably like this album though you're better off giving Either/Or or XO a spin instead, since they offer someone more comfortable in their own sound and a much more experienced songwriter.

Rating: 5.5/10
Recommended Songs: No Name #1, Condor Ave., Last Call, No Name #3
 
i have never heard an elliot smith song. several members seem to love this guy. which cd of his could you most recommend to someone who has yet to form an opinion of this guy?
 
well, due to your heated debate i will also be downloading the entire XO album as well as FABOTH and FIGURE 8. I will listen to them all as soon as possible so i can relay my feedback!

EDIT: LOL, i couldnt find the album entitled "FABOTH". it took me a while to realize that it was an acronym
 
Because Elliott wanted it to be on the album, not some producer. And Roman Candle last? Are you serious?! That's like Elliott at his core.
 
It's last because it took the longest to click with me. XO is really the only Elliott Smith album that I loved the first time I listened to it.
 
I kind of had trouble reviewing this album. Since I love the album to death but its not an album i'd recommend. I don't know if that makes sense or not.
 
I actually like Figure 8 more than Roman Candle, but mostly because of the technical aspect of Figure 8. I agree with you though, Figure 8 seemed a bit overdone. I think XO was his pinnacle, most notably, Waltz #2.
 
Um, that really won't give you a good idea of his music. I'd probably go with XO if you want an album to get into because everyone seems to love that one at first or From a Basement on the Hill if you're just curious as to what he sounRAB like.
 
An example:
Roman Candle

he played himself
didn't need me to give him hell
he could be cool and cruel to you and me
knew we'd put up with anything
i want to hurt him
i want to give him pain
i'm a roman candle
my head is full of flames
i'm hallucinating
hallucinating
i hear you cry
your tears are cheap
wet hot red swollen cheeks
fall alseep
i want to hurt him
i want to give him pain
i'm a roman candle
my head is full of flames
i want to hurt him
i want to hurt him
i want to hurt him
i want to give him pain
and make him feel this pretty burn.


you do know what's it's about right?
 
Back
Top