Elliott Smith

Billy Ruane, storied impresario of the 90s Boston indie music scene. Billy promoted shows and inspired cult-like followings of bands by the likes of The Lemonheads, Dinosaur Jr., Pixies, Superchunk, Buffalo Tom, Elliott Smith, Pavement, and Sonic Youth. His gracious treatment of artists set new standards in music. But underneath Billy’s exuberant cartoon-like demeanor and Harvard education, was the pain of a man with deep trauma, who struggled with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, and was confounded by the weight of an endless supply of money.

Heaven Adores You is an intimate, meditative inquiry into the life and music of Elliott Smith. By threading the music of Elliott Smith through the dense, yet often isolating landscapes of the three major cities he lived in -- Portland, New York City, Los Angeles -- Heaven Adores You presents a visual journey and an earnest review of the singer's prolific songwriting and the impact it continues to have on fans, friends, and fellow musicians.

The unauthorized biography of the Patron Saint of Indie Rock.

A homage to the late American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, Elliott’s Suicide is a sentimental 15 minute tribute, lacking Anger’s usual irony for obvious reasons. The film begins with shots of friends’ and fans’ last words written on Smith’s memorial on Sunset Boulevard, then to footage of a Macy’s parade, focusing closely on the oddly outfitted participants, some in renaissance attire, cowboys with lassos, and beauty queens. The film is scored with Smith’s music, resulting in a melancholy effect, especially in the segment that follows Smith through the woods and films him as he digs up a guitar, then plays a song. This footage is repeated in the end of the film, but in a negative reversal print, suggesting pretty damn clearly that the subject matter has moved beyond the veil.

Live performance from Elliott Smith 1. Son Of Sam 2. Angeles 3. Rose Parade 4. Happiness 5. Easy Way Out 6. Southern Belle 7. Wouldn't Mama Be Proud 8. Division Day 9. The White Lady Loves You More 10. Stupidity Tries 11. See You Later 12. Independence Day

On June 20, 2005, in conversation with a LMA curator, Dr. Smith gave his go-ahead for Elliot's shows to be hosted at the Archive. More notes: Quotes from sweet adeline faq: what did elliott think about places where i download music (like napster)? "i like the idea...sure, people should be able to trade musically with each other, i mean people do anyway...there's arguments to be made...but i don't really have an opinion...i'm not one of those bands that sells millions of records and then gets mad at napster"

Elliott Smith's final concert at Redfest, at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on September 19, 2003. Just a month later, on October 21, 2003, Smith passed away. Smith's final concert was described by some as upbeat and even happy. One attendee noted he seemed comfortable, happy, sober, well-rested, and smiley.

Chance, a hapless Los Angeles musician is searching for the coveted Moletron synthesizer through the classified ad paper the "Southlander", and meeting interesting characters along the way.

Filmed on the 2nd of September, 2000, Live at Bumbershoot Festival is one of Elliott Smith's most notable live performances to date.

LIVE 7/28/2000 Fuji Rock @ Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata, Japan