Yeah he's the "sad guy" songwriter, but does Elliott Smith simply wallow in his misery, or does he transcend his depression through incredibly meticulous, masterful artistry? Maybe a little of both?

In any case, 1998's "XO" is full of beautiful melodies, lyrics, instrumentation, and melancholy. If anyone ever was deserving of the "one-man Beatles" title, it's this guy. And who better to discuss him with than Smith devotee and amazingly prolific SoCal songwriter Eric Davis?

https://www.niagaramoonmusic.com

https://edavis.bandcamp.com/