rock nyc has been ground zero for Justice For Elliott Smith -a request for the LAPD to remove the Smith death from a world of limbo and figure out once and for all how he came to end up with two stab wounds to the heart.
It is a question closer to my heart than his actual music though I am an exception and as the bearer of all things Smith, Alyson Camus, would be sure to remind us, my ears let me down when it comes to Elliott. I guess it does, I wish his melodies were a little sturdier and his sound had more shading. But having said that, I can see why people are fanatical in their appreciation. Put aside everything and turn it on the side and Smith communes very well with troubled souls; his is the music for the emotionally disenfranchised as surely as Strummer is the music for the politically disenfranchised.
The other night, Alyson emailed with news of a tribute show at Largo to honor ten years since Smith’s death and what would have been his 44th birthday if, and amended it with information about a New York show.
I’ll leave Alyson to write about the L.A. show but here is what the “Bowery Presents” website has on the New York Tribute (a benefit):
“Friends and Family of Elliott Smith proudly present No Name #1: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Elliott Smith. No Name #1 is a four-city celebration for charity of Elliott’s incredible music, performed live in concert by his biggest fans and closest friends and collaborators.
Between Aug. 4 and Aug. 10, corresponding to Elliott’s 44th birthday, over 100 musicians and artists from Portland to Los Angeles, Austin to New York City, will join together to play the songs that thrilled, comforted, inspired, and made the pre-smartphone generation feel a little less alone. Each event is benefitting a local charity, and together the evenings will feature members of Grandaddy, Gus Van Sant, Jon Brion, Chris Thile, and dozens of other very special guests.
It has been 10 years since Elliott’s passing, but his spirit and influence remain as powerful as ever. So Drink Up, Baby, Say Yes, and come join us as we re-light the Roman Candle that is the magical music of Elliott Smith.”
A little b- List it seems to me and I am not sold on Rhett Miller as the center of festivities but will I go. Yes, it is Saturday, August 10th at Bowery Ballroom, $35 but figure $50 after Ticketmaster have stopped picking your pockets. I wonder why it isn’t benefiting the Smith Charity? And I wonder if Jennifer Chiba is invited. If she isn’t, why isn’t she? If there is doubt cast over her, why is there doubt cast over her and what should be done to alleviate it?