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.
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