This book focuses on the genius of Smith's 1998 debut that remains his defining album. Many albums could be cited to support the claim that great suffering yields great art. Elliott Smith's "XO" should not be one of them. Smith's 1998 major label debut defies the 'tortured singer-songwriter' stereotype and takes up this defiance as a central theme. At a time when Smith was being groomed for a particular (and particularly condescending) brand of stardom, he produced a record that eviscerated one of the central assumptions of ...
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This book focuses on the genius of Smith's 1998 debut that remains his defining album. Many albums could be cited to support the claim that great suffering yields great art. Elliott Smith's "XO" should not be one of them. Smith's 1998 major label debut defies the 'tortured singer-songwriter' stereotype and takes up this defiance as a central theme. At a time when Smith was being groomed for a particular (and particularly condescending) brand of stardom, he produced a record that eviscerated one of the central assumptions of singer-songwriters: that pain is beautiful. Indeed, "XO" insists that romanticizing personal tragedy can only leave you 'deaf and dumb and done'. It backs up this claim with some of the most artful and intelligent music of its day. While these themes permeate "XO", the record hardly registers like a thesis statement. The album's title cleverly reflects one of its central concerns - the difference between how we present ourselves and the damage we do through such self-denial. It's simple lyrical phrasing and characteristically hesitant vocal delivery have led many to overlook how mean, witty and incisive XO is. It is the product of an artist who could never quite shake off the stigma of his early work. Matthew LeMay writes an original take on a widely beloved album, steering clear of the sensationalist suicide angles that have dogged most analysis of Elliott Smith's extraordinary work. "33 1/3" is a series of short books about a wide variety of albums, by artists ranging from James Brown to the Beastie Boys. Launched in September 2003, the series now contains over 50 titles and is acclaimed and loved by fans, musicians and scholars alike.
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Add this copy of Elliott Smith's Xo (33 1/3 Series) to cart. $17.95, new condition, Sold by Russell Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Victoria, BC, CANADA, published 2009 by Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd..
Edition:
2009, Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Add this copy of Elliott Smith's Xo to cart. $21.17, new condition, Sold by Ria Christie Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Uxbridge, MIDDLESEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2009 by Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd..
Edition:
2009, Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Add this copy of Elliott Smith's Xo (33 1/3 Series) to cart. $23.11, new condition, Sold by Kennys.ie rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Galway, IRELAND, published 2009 by Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd..
Edition:
2009, Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Publisher:
Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Published:
2009
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
17819070648
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Seller's Description:
New. 2009. 0th Edition. Paperback. Focuses on the genius of Elliott Smith's 1998 debut that remains his defining album, "XO". This book provides a take on this widely beloved album, steering clear of the sensationalist suicide angles that have dogged most analysis of Smith's extraordinary work. Series: 33 1/3. Num Pages: 144 pages. BIC Classification: AVA; AVGP. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 166 x 122 x 8. Weight in Grams: 144......We ship daily from our Bookshop.
Add this copy of Elliott Smith's Xo to cart. $23.37, new condition, Sold by Media Smart rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hawthorne, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Continuum International Publishing Group.
Edition:
2009, Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Add this copy of Elliott Smith's Xo (33 1/3 Series) to cart. $33.63, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Continuum.
Edition:
2009, Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Add this copy of Elliott Smith's Xo (33 1/3 Series) to cart. $50.85, new condition, Sold by BetterBookDeals rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Toronto, ON, CANADA, published 2009 by Continuum.
Edition:
2009, Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
