The best album to listen to in the rain is Elliott Smith’s second posthumous album: a two-disc compilation of B-sides and early versions written and recorded from 1994-1998. Titled New Moon, this album is perfectly melancholy for the rainy monsoons. Yet, it’s blissfully reminiscent of a time when Smith had his shit together, and before his untimely death in 2003, it reminds us that this may be the last of his brilliant work we might ever hear.
There really isn’t much more to say. It deserves a listen.
This article appears in Jul 19-25, 2007.
Amen.
Bright Eyes’ “I’m Wide Awake it’s Morning” is also very appropriate for rainy days.
Why did he commit suicide? Didn’t he stab himself in the heart with a knife?
Apparently he did so. He struggled with drugs for the majority of his adult life. Some people believe that he didn’t commit suicide and that his girlfriend at the time killed him, because they were in a big fight or something. I really do recommend his music though. And keep in mind, if the songs on this two disc set were songs he didn’t release, check out the songs he did release. He really was brilliant.
I like those Bright Eyes songs. Whenever I’m feeling a little down, they cheer me right up!
I had tender feelings that you made hard,
But it’s your heart, not mine, thats scarred.
So when I go home, I’ll be happy to go –
You’re just somebody that I used to know.
You don’t need my help anymore,
It’s all now to you, there ain’t no before,
Now that you’re big enough to run your own show
You’re just somebody that I used to know.
I watched you deal in a dying day,
And throw a living past away,
So you can be sure that you’re in control,
You’re just somebody that I used to know.
I know you don’t think you did me wrong,
And I can’t stay this mad for long,
Keeping a hold of what you just let go –
You’re just somebody that I used to know.