The Philadelphia Globe Sounds Off On Their Favorite Elliot Smith Covers
“The Philadelphia Globe Sounds Off ,” is a new series that brings together our staff to talk about the things we love! To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Elliot Smith’s self-titled release, we sound off on… Our Favorite Elliott Smith covers in anticipation of Kill Rock Stars reissue – set for release on August 28th! Pre-order the deluxe reissue and 25th anniversary photo book + double LP now.
Phoebe Bridgers – “Whatever (Folk Song In C)”
Phoebe Bridgers has always been an outspoken fan of Elliott Smith (her last album Punisher’s title track was an ode to him), so it makes sense that she would cover one of his songs with love and grace. Her performance of the New Moon track, “Whatever (Folk Song In C),” is as haunting as the original, with Bridgers putting true understanding to the question, “What are you doing hanging out with me?” –Tyler Asay
Kevin Devine – “Between the Bars”
Kevine Devine describes his music as a combination of Nirvana and Elliot Smith in many interviews. As a musician I have been heavily influenced by Kevin and by proxy also influenced by Elliot and Nirvana. “Between the Bars” might be considered one of Smith’s most popular songs and most covered songs on Youtube. I find that Kevin catches emotions most accurately more than any artist. What’s also great about this video is Kevin doesn’t just play the song, he breaks down the harmonic sequence of the song and explains why he enjoys the song. – Brian Walker
Ben Folds – “Say Yes”
Good Will Hunting is a watershed moment for Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, but Elliott Smith left his own mark on their film. He contributed several songs to the movie’s soundtrack, including the Academy Award-Nominee “Miss Misery.” The song eventually lost to Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” although the track was not the only Smith standout on the soundtrack.
“Say Yes” plays as Will and Skyler go to a novelty shop and eat burgers. Ben Folds covered the track with his record Vault Volume III. His version of “Say Yes” was recorded at a session for The Onion in 2010. Even though the Folds version lacks the delicacy of the original, the upbeat take on the Smith song maintains the essence of the track through its sweet simplicity. – John Saeger
Juliana Hatfield – ”Needle in the Hay”
With her own acoustic flair, Hatfield takes the opening jam to Smith’s celebrated self-titled set to a whole new level. While her cover is a bit more uptempo than its predecessor, it still hits the mark while making you truly wish the dearly departed crooner was still gracing the world with his magnetic presence. Turn it all the way up. -Patrick DeMarco
MAITA – “Coming Up Roses”
I stumbled across MAITA’s cover of “Coming Up Roses” and loved it. Historically, I haven’t loved Elliot Smith covers made by female artists, but this one definitely did it for me. With her strong but soothing vocals, she has a distinctive melodic sensibility that definitely does the song justice in my eyes (and ears) – Jen Strogatz
Bright Eyes – “The Biggest Lie”
Dressed in a skeleton costume for Halloween, Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst covered “The Biggest Lie” days after Smith’s death in 2003. Though the two were never close friends, Oberst has spoken about Smith’s influence on his music on more than one occasion. In the cover, his quivering vocals haunt and memorialize, and the live recording retains a hazey, underwater quality. I can’t help but be hypnotized by the performance. – Kelly Liu
Mikaela Davis – “Twilight”
I love when females cover Elliott Smith’s songs because they often capture that same sensitivity and emotional honesty he demonstrated in his lyrics. Davis is an accomplished singer, songwriter and harpist, and her harp performance elevates this song in ways I could not have imagined. – Lauren Silvestri
Bad Astronaut – ”Needle In The Hay”
It’s “Needle In The Hay,” again! I always saw parallels between Elliott Smith and Kurt Cobain. Both could write simple, brooding melodies that translated well acoustically or full band. Lagwagon’s Joey Cape did just that in 2000 when he formed Bad Astronaut and covered it for their Acrophobe album. It is exactly what a rocked out Elliot Smith track should sound like. –Kevin McCall
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