Although my freestyle choice seems morbid, I consider it a celebration of the strength and endurance music has beyond an artist’s death. I’ve always thought that suicide is a particularly tragic end, and several of my favorite artists chose it for their own demise. This list is a tribute to their work.
All Cleaned Out - Elliott Smith
I don’t have a favorite Elliott Smith song. It’s impossible to choose. The lyrics to this uncomplicated melody reach out to me. My makeup runs when I cry. I pretend to be more composed than I really am when I’m drunk. And, yes, my clothes do occasionally clash. In short, sometimes I just feel all cleaned out.
Man Who Sold The World – Nirvana/Kurt Cobain
It almost sacrilegious to say, but I like Cobain’s rendition better than the Bowie original. It feels especially intimate when his voice cracks.
Things Behind the Sun – Nick Drake
Two artists on this list, Elliott Smith and Jeff Buckley, cite Nick Drake as an influence. It’s easy to see the correlation.
Dream Brother – Jeff Buckley
It’s debated whether Jeff Buckley committed suicide by drowning or was swimming in his shoes. By including him on this list I’m stating my opinion.
Lush is one of my obscure favorites from the “shoegaze” genre. Sadly, drummer Chris Acland ended his life by hanging himself in his parents’ home. On a better note, this song is one of my most empowered "break up" songs, and the male vocals are that of by my biggest crush, Jarvis Cocker of the band Pulp.
One of my regrets is that I didn't find out about Elliott Smith until after he'd killed himself. I guess now I have to say the same about Nick Drake.
ReplyDeleteInteresting list, good selections. 20/20