his voice is SO unique, i feel like this is totally him, just an earlier version of his music. not all musicians can make the same sound over and over and over again, like pennywise or social distortion or some shit (not that i'm saying those bands are bad). just sayin', who really "knows" what elliott wanted to write or would have written? it sounds like him. that's all.
anyone who doubts this is elliott should reconsider and to the guy who said it is very un elliott lyrics well elliott said it himself that in high school, aka 1985, he songs were like any other teenagers, about the government and greedy people who work in banks and dress the same, its true he said it himself and of course yes he was extremely modest but i wouldnt be suprised if this was him i mean it sounds like him and it definatly fits into that description i mean its about "the machine"
this is def elliott ... listen to the keyboard/piano its super figure 8.and its obviously his voice and he talks for a second and its his speaking voice
hehe already saw this one a month ago my comments at the bottom which is how i know LOL, shit didnt do the math though dam 16 years old this is awesome what a talent!!
I don't care if people think this song is shit- I love it. It's incredibly addicting. It's obviously different than the Elliott we're used to, but standing alone, the song is awesome. I must have already listened to this 3 times in a row already.
@stellarlove21 I love it, too. And honestly, is it really that different (in emotional tone and musical approach I mean) than Elliott Smith's later work, if we forget about "style" or "genre?" The chord progression is very typical of Elliott in my opinion, and the piano is almost reminiscent of something belonging on XO imo. Just my opinion of course lol. I'm sure other people will disagree. I love hearing this, though.
The song is kind of comical in light of Elliott's other work, but still awesome. The solos are fantastic. It sounds like there's a touch of George Harrison in the lyrics/vocals.
The part that always gets me though is the ending. The rest of the song sounds mechanical (with synths, etc.) and then it pops out into an acoustic guitar. For some reason it conjures up the end of Fahrenheit 451 for me where Montag has left the city for the wilderness and is watching the world's destruction from afar.
The piano line w/ drums is just screaming out for a beat to be made from it. Trying to think of a currently-going hip-hop act that could do it full justice.
I really like the line "You can only drive the length of the street", but the rest isn't even as corny as most 1980s high school bands (or even famous 1980s bands, for that matter).
Yes this is really impressive as far as the piano melody goes. I find it hilarious. He stated before he was embarrassed by his high school band. I think it's excellent for his age. Also in response to the condor avenue thing at 17, the version of condor avenue we hear is one he recorded after college in his girl friends basement. The song obviously changed a lot from when he first wrote it. Things change as you get older, so do styles and songs. His talent is there, just not his knowledge.
sure its cheesy, but written at 16? cmon, i was writing horrible punk-rock songs and thought acoustic guitars were for elevator music. this is incredible!
Same here. In high school, I used to write crappy punk-pop lyrics to simple riffs. I never really appreciated acoustic rock either. What's with the French guy at the end, "From ze Elliot Smith collection."
So this was written at the age of 16 and Condor Awe at 17?
That's a major progress. Maybe he was younger when he recorded this?
Anyways, the song does sound like chocolate rain and the drum machine is killing me. But it's still funny to hear such a weird song sung by such a genius musician.
He didn't get into drugs until he got some serious cash, aka, signed by Dreamworks. Everything else in his songs used drug reference as a vehicle to the idea of addiction and wanting a feeling back that has gone and passed.
How can anyone argue this isnt Smith. I love how progressive they are trying to sound yet their still stuck in the 80's, so highschool. I love it. Deffinately the same old Smith <3
I do think this is legit, as the voice sounds a lot like him. But wow, I totally would not have expected his early music to sound like this. Not that it is bad.
funny and a bit shit, but still a thousand times better than any other high school band i've heard!love the spoken word bit and the cheesy guitar solo at the end haha, i bet he felt so profound, what a total babe.
lol drum machine :)some of it i can see why he didnt want heard ( the spoken word part was kind of .. yeah lol) but it was good :) no one is perfect at the start
Who writes songs this good in high school?? I mean granted, the lyrics are a little trite, but he was probably 16 or 17. When I was 16 or 17 I wrote a song with exactly 3 chords and I thought I was a genius. And it was about a girl. Elliott is a freaking genius.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
As far as I know, the Stranger Than Fiction tape is entirely lost, and there's no verifiable version. Although it would be interesting to find out where the poster found this.
The lyrics seem very un-Elliott to me, though maybe he wasn't writing them. Something about the sound of the recording also doesn't make me think this was recorded in 85'.
I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think this is Elliott.
wow this is amazing! i love it!
manicmarzipan 3 months ago
so good
aniwenzy 3 months ago
Comment removed
stainedglasseyes1 5 months ago
??? they'd be stuck with all the pain
Didn't believe?...
JustinStarbuck 7 months ago
who is in the band?
petsBenham 7 months ago
undoubtedly elliott. you can just feel it in the voice & melodic beauty...i just wished this was remastered
donkeywithsumpizzazz 8 months ago
the part when he SINGS the prejudice part. it really sounds like george harrison.
IARE1031 8 months ago
his voice is SO unique, i feel like this is totally him, just an earlier version of his music. not all musicians can make the same sound over and over and over again, like pennywise or social distortion or some shit (not that i'm saying those bands are bad). just sayin', who really "knows" what elliott wanted to write or would have written? it sounds like him. that's all.
singforlove 8 months ago
anyone who doubts this is elliott should reconsider and to the guy who said it is very un elliott lyrics well elliott said it himself that in high school, aka 1985, he songs were like any other teenagers, about the government and greedy people who work in banks and dress the same, its true he said it himself and of course yes he was extremely modest but i wouldnt be suprised if this was him i mean it sounds like him and it definatly fits into that description i mean its about "the machine"
peacelovemusic2461 10 months ago
I can't believe you have this, that was amazing!. Ahh I wish I go live in the 80s and be in his band.. lol.
nikamiw 1 year ago
The lyrics + music are really fun to listen to. The 80's....
Elliott Smith was always a keen melodist.
burgermikestir 1 year ago
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this is def elliott ... listen to the keyboard/piano its super figure 8.and its obviously his voice and he talks for a second and its his speaking voice
awad420 1 year ago
this is def elliott ... listen to the keyboard its super figure 8.and its obviously his voice and he talks for a second and its his speaking voice
awad420 1 year ago
Beatlesque + Jamiroquai. Just my two cents.
efecp 1 year ago
ah, wow. such a spirit. thank you for sharing this.
skippyrandom 1 year ago
Comment removed
xtoffee92x 1 year ago
wow, what a find. 16? he's always had that ear for melody..
xtoffee92x 1 year ago
:')
cherrycolaaa 2 years ago
I wish I could hear the very end, when the guy starts talking, you can barely hear him still singing in the bg
Soiyak 2 years ago 4
OMG!!! I WANT THE OTHER SONG TOO!!! please help!!
candymiser 2 years ago
wow 16 years old. This is a real gem.
whitestripebuzz 2 years ago
hehe already saw this one a month ago my comments at the bottom which is how i know LOL, shit didnt do the math though dam 16 years old this is awesome what a talent!!
ganuenen 2 years ago
I don't care if people think this song is shit- I love it. It's incredibly addicting. It's obviously different than the Elliott we're used to, but standing alone, the song is awesome. I must have already listened to this 3 times in a row already.
stellarlove21 2 years ago 10
I really like it too
mymayapapaya 2 years ago
@stellarlove21 I love it, too. And honestly, is it really that different (in emotional tone and musical approach I mean) than Elliott Smith's later work, if we forget about "style" or "genre?" The chord progression is very typical of Elliott in my opinion, and the piano is almost reminiscent of something belonging on XO imo. Just my opinion of course lol. I'm sure other people will disagree. I love hearing this, though.
Vamphaery 1 year ago 2
The song is kind of comical in light of Elliott's other work, but still awesome. The solos are fantastic. It sounds like there's a touch of George Harrison in the lyrics/vocals.
The part that always gets me though is the ending. The rest of the song sounds mechanical (with synths, etc.) and then it pops out into an acoustic guitar. For some reason it conjures up the end of Fahrenheit 451 for me where Montag has left the city for the wilderness and is watching the world's destruction from afar.
StoneyMcBongerson 2 years ago
Either way, I still can't help but tear up hearing the acoustic guitar come in. Its really fucking touching.
StoneyMcBongerson 2 years ago
dude you just totally spoiled the book's ending for me ,':- /
sahcnam 2 years ago 2
The piano line w/ drums is just screaming out for a beat to be made from it. Trying to think of a currently-going hip-hop act that could do it full justice.
ThatLovelyEnglishBob 2 years ago
imma make it.
sounds like a hip hop beat to me.
elliot is rapping.
if someone tells you this doesnt sound like hip hop, they are crazy.
lative 2 years ago 3
Doitdoitdoitdoit
ThatLovelyEnglishBob 2 years ago
the piano for sure
ganuenen 2 years ago
@ThatLovelyEnglishBob I agree whole heartedly!
cubesinajar 1 year ago
the melody reminds me a lot of "See you in heaven"
maybe it's just me
futoncat 2 years ago
Wow. That was really good, anyone know where one can find a downloadable version of this?
roxxma 2 years ago
this is so awesome hahahaha.
Still pretty deep lyrics for a 16 year old, clearly Elliott Smith.
The spoken word was funny
hellollove 2 years ago
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top five indie bands
1. elliott smith
2. bright eyes
3. mountain goats
4. fleet foxes
5. kevin m. kirker
but elliott smith will always be #1! we miss you and love you elliott! we'll never forget you! rest in peace
astonishing00 2 years ago
That seriously is quite a tune to make in high school.
Disappearer88 2 years ago
I really like the line "You can only drive the length of the street", but the rest isn't even as corny as most 1980s high school bands (or even famous 1980s bands, for that matter).
SgtSanchez 2 years ago 2
I love the end of this song.
Broan13 2 years ago
he was writing stuff at 11 so this isnt shocking at all he was a genuis
McLovin333 3 years ago 4
Yes this is really impressive as far as the piano melody goes. I find it hilarious. He stated before he was embarrassed by his high school band. I think it's excellent for his age. Also in response to the condor avenue thing at 17, the version of condor avenue we hear is one he recorded after college in his girl friends basement. The song obviously changed a lot from when he first wrote it. Things change as you get older, so do styles and songs. His talent is there, just not his knowledge.
deckz87 3 years ago 3
This is super fantasic great.
label425 3 years ago
ooh, groovy! I especially like the solo section.
hahaha.
random french?
nataliechristine 3 years ago
i kind of love this song, even if it is quite old and the lyrics are a tad bit corny
LemonStirfry 3 years ago
sure its cheesy, but written at 16? cmon, i was writing horrible punk-rock songs and thought acoustic guitars were for elevator music. this is incredible!
hobbsk 3 years ago 5
Same here. In high school, I used to write crappy punk-pop lyrics to simple riffs. I never really appreciated acoustic rock either. What's with the French guy at the end, "From ze Elliot Smith collection."
Phoenixfan77 3 years ago
i want the rest of this! i want to hear all the songs! arg! he gets cut off! nooo! anyway is that elliott talking in the middle? what is he saying?
evillovespell 3 years ago
So this was written at the age of 16 and Condor Awe at 17?
That's a major progress. Maybe he was younger when he recorded this?
Anyways, the song does sound like chocolate rain and the drum machine is killing me. But it's still funny to hear such a weird song sung by such a genius musician.
AcidDookie 3 years ago
Yeah, maybe he worked on it earlier than 16. Maybe the change is when he started getting into drugs.
delphian 3 years ago
He didn't get into drugs until he got some serious cash, aka, signed by Dreamworks. Everything else in his songs used drug reference as a vehicle to the idea of addiction and wanting a feeling back that has gone and passed.
ramblesocket 3 years ago
he was smoking weed in jr. high... but yes the major drugs came with the money
RaCeRx197814 2 years ago
haha, strange.
it still definitely has those smithesque chord progressions and melodic movements.
hey, look what everyone else was putting out in 1985. this don't look so bad next to all that.
mark1800 3 years ago
I can't believe anyone has doubt this is legitimate.
MrTsBastardChild 3 years ago 5
Agreed. It is really obvious.
CameronMeyers 3 years ago
Not to mention there is legitimate proof.
sk8tolive123 3 years ago
How can anyone argue this isnt Smith. I love how progressive they are trying to sound yet their still stuck in the 80's, so highschool. I love it. Deffinately the same old Smith <3
ShokyShrox 3 years ago
its from his band stranger then fiction, his Jr. high band or high school band i cant remember which one. It is defently elliott though.
hollaholla77 3 years ago
i like the starting piano, dude he must have been born with talent, i mean he was 16 in this
onlyeyesabove 3 years ago 3
ha this song is pretty cool, its so long though, the synth is funny too
knivesout1234 3 years ago
The radio host says its elliott and it really sounds like him.
Bad song but great for a teen band and still better that any rap shit you hear everyday on the radio.
allafleche 3 years ago
haha, this is awesome.
I do think this is legit, as the voice sounds a lot like him. But wow, I totally would not have expected his early music to sound like this. Not that it is bad.
PinkCloud37 3 years ago 2
The piano is fucking awesome.
sk8tolive123 3 years ago
Hahahahahah thankyou so much for this!
...and here we have the sexual prejudice
funny and a bit shit, but still a thousand times better than any other high school band i've heard!love the spoken word bit and the cheesy guitar solo at the end haha, i bet he felt so profound, what a total babe.
LightsFadingEast 3 years ago 4
lol drum machine :)some of it i can see why he didnt want heard ( the spoken word part was kind of .. yeah lol) but it was good :) no one is perfect at the start
Eyedea 3 years ago
where the hell did yo find this???
awesome song i actually dig it alot...
Mrbungleface 3 years ago
Who writes songs this good in high school?? I mean granted, the lyrics are a little trite, but he was probably 16 or 17. When I was 16 or 17 I wrote a song with exactly 3 chords and I thought I was a genius. And it was about a girl. Elliott is a freaking genius.
And yes, there is no doubt that this is him.
roark0806 3 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
As far as I know, the Stranger Than Fiction tape is entirely lost, and there's no verifiable version. Although it would be interesting to find out where the poster found this.
The lyrics seem very un-Elliott to me, though maybe he wasn't writing them. Something about the sound of the recording also doesn't make me think this was recorded in 85'.
I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think this is Elliott.
ICantAnswerYou 3 years ago
Check out Sweet Adeline and sweetaddy.
mymayapapaya 3 years ago
I have.
ICantAnswerYou 3 years ago
It is.
sk8tolive123 3 years ago
yes it is.
fakeconcerns 3 years ago
Sounds like Chocolate Rain!:D
Luv Elliott!
geldii 4 years ago 4
hahhahahaha!
Stillillgal 4 years ago
hahhahahaha!
Stillillgal 4 years ago
the end is clearly elliott style...and you can hear his genius ear for melody in this entire song...elliott's truly badass
alamedaxo 4 years ago 12
so do we know if this is actually elliott singing?
aca94030 4 years ago
I don't know for sure but I really think it is.
mymayapapaya 4 years ago 4
@mymayapapaya I think it is too. Plus he was only like 16 here wasn't he? Which could attribute to the fact he sounds different..
atwagrl 1 year ago
it is
Stillillgal 4 years ago 7
Agreed.
puldwnclaw 3 years ago
so cool to hear this
tyleragnew 4 years ago 2
yes but you have to consider this is high school and he hasnt developed his singing, its him
TEisman 4 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
i dont think this is legit...
always6or7 4 years ago
Go to Sweet Adeline - the ES fansite.
mymayapapaya 4 years ago
check under multimedia on that website
mymayapapaya 4 years ago
gotta love the synths and that clap. lol :p
hserokdivad 4 years ago 3
his voice sounds oddd
midnight260 4 years ago
But what about his mad piano skills? :)
mymayapapaya 4 years ago
??? he says " it is believed theyd be stuck with all the pain"
TEisman 4 years ago
Thanks! :) I'll have to fix that.
mymayapapaya 4 years ago
actually thats wrong i just checked sweet addy so if you need better lyrics just go there
XO
~Tim
TEisman 4 years ago
wow! what a find
id say hes playing piano, sounds like his style
nosis106 4 years ago 3
wow. what a find
cwruomar 4 years ago 2
he's so cute :]
Stillillgal 4 years ago 4