Either/Or

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Either/Or · Elliott Smith recorded his third album in 1995 and 1996, at several locations, mainly in Portland, while he was still a member of Heatmiser. He made it with producers Tom Rothrock and Rob Schnapf and released it in 1997 on Kill Rock Stars, after Heatmiser had split up. The title comes from a book by Søren Kierkegaard. Places in Portland turn up in the lyrics, such as the Alameda neighbourhood and Division Street.

The sound forms a bridge between the sombre lo-fi of his first records and the smoother studio sound of later albums. One reviewer heard more clarity and pop feeling in it than on the acoustic confessions of the previous album. The record did not reach the American charts, but critics were full of praise. Director Gus Van Sant used Between the Bars, Angeles and Say Yes in the film Good Will Hunting, and as a result Smith was briefly in the spotlight.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Speed Trials3:03Apple Music ↗
2. 2Alameda3:43Apple Music ↗
3. 3Ballad of Big Nothing2:48Apple Music ↗
4. 4Between the Bars2:21Apple Music ↗
5. 5Pictures of Me3:47Apple Music ↗
6. 6No Name No. 53:43Apple Music ↗
7. 7Rose Parade3:28Apple Music ↗
8. 8Punch and Judy2:25Apple Music ↗
9. 9Angeles2:57Apple Music ↗
10. 10Cupid's Trick3:05Apple Music ↗
11. 112:45 Am3:19Apple Music ↗
12. 12Say Yes2:21Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗