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Singer/songwriter Elliott Smith dies, aged 34
Not the typical Rantburg subject matter, so feel free to delete, Fred. But itâs the saddest news Iâve heard today. US singer-songwriter Elliott Smith has died, according to reports. Websites and various radio stations are reporting that the singer passed away yesterday (October 21) at the age of 34. A statement from the Los Angeles County Department of the Coronerâs office states that his death was apparent suicide. MTV.com reports, "A single knife wound that appeared to be self- inflicted was evident on the body, though police detectives are investigating the incident for foul play and/or other possibilities." Born in 1969 in Nebraska, Smith started his music career as a member of Portland, Oregon band, Heatmiser, in the early 90s. He earned plaudits for his 1994 debut solo release Roman Candle, with critics comparing his stripped down, melancholic melodies to the likes of Nick Drake and Neil Young. His 1997 album, Either/Or, brought him wider acclaim, though his greatest mainstream success followed the same yearâs Oscar nomination for the song Miss Misery from his score for Gus Van Santâs Good Will Hunting. His music has since featured regularly on other movie soundtracks, including Wes Andersonâs New York disfunctional family drama, The Royal Tenenbaums. Amazon.com hailed his second self-titled album "one of the most understated and incredible albums to emerge from the indie-rock scene in the 1990s." He released five albums during his brief career, and was apparently working on a new album, nominally titled From a Basement on the Hill. Posted by: growler 2003-10-22 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=20213 |