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There's no disputing that the late, great Elliott Smith had a knack for catchy, pretty tunes. Unlike the average pop song, though, their beauty goes way more than skin deep. You can't move these days for melancholy guys and their guitars... goodbye, my lover, blah blah. But if you're looking for music to nurse you through breakdowns as well as break-ups, then you've come to the right place.

Yeah, these are mostly love songs but so much more. It's hard to explain, but some music you don't just listen to, you kind of absorb it. His fragile, unassuming voice gently shuffles its way into your subconscious and takes root. `Between the Bars' is so beautiful, you could listen to it a million times and never tire of it. Elliott Smith fans generally come in two camps- you either like this one best or you like `XO'. As for me, I'm most attached to his posthumous album `From a Basement on a Hill' so as an impartial advisor I suggest you buy all three and then `Roman Candle' as well. If you already own any of these, you don't need me to tell you that `Either/Or' is essential listening. Highly, highly, highly recommended.

Rating: 5 out of 5

The impossibly exquisite tenderness with which Elliot sings songs such as " Say Yes, " " Angeles," and " Rose Parade, " have endeared him to millions of people. His songs have a melodic simplicity, purity and honesty that recall the folk-pop classics of the 60's and 70's such as George Harrisons " All Things Must Pass," Led Zeppelins " Thats The Way," and Paul Simons " April Come She Will. " If you liked those tracks then Elliot is the man for you. RIP.



Rating: 4 out of 5

I think it's a little insular to be suggesting that a reference from James Blunt could be an insult to the memory of anyone. If anything, those genuinely interested in Elliot Smith's memory should be grateful that a mention form any pop star should bring new listeners to his catalogue. Elliot Smith was an exceptional songwriter and less is definitely more where his production is concerned. It's a real shame he's not still with us but at least we still get to listen to his inspirational music. Thanks James Blunt for uttering the name Elliot Smith.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Referring to the reviewer below who told of buying this album on the back of seeing Elliott's name mentioned on a James Blunt DVD, I'd like to make it clear that Elliott Smith is in no way like James Blunt and I find the suggestion offensive.

Elliott was one of the greatest singer/songwriters to have ever lived. I own every thing he has ever released along with many demo tracks and live tracks that he did not and I love every single one. I've yet to find a song he has done that I don't utterly adore. The man was a genius, pure and simple. The melodies, the lyrics, the emotion every single song conveys, the guitar work, he is sorely missed. James Blunt is not to fit to tune his guitar by comparison - just wanted to clear that up.

If I have to pick my favourite track of this album, it'd probably be 'Between the Bars', a beautiful acoustic track. However, every other, yes EVERY other track on this album is almost as good.

Buy this album, buy all his albums, they are superb... but please don't compare him to James Blunt, it's disrespectful to Elliott's memory.

Rating: 5 out of 5

i remember buying this album xmas 98 just after XO came out domino re-released his first three albums so I didn't know where to start but I had heard 'between the bars' on the UNCUT albums of year compilation, so I went for 'either/or'. The influence is still resonating to this day nobody I feel was writing pure acoustic pop up to that point and lo-fi production gained elliott his rabid cult following. On first listen 'Say Yes' is such brillant song using 60's style songwriting (simon & garfunkel/kinks/beatles) but with a contempory edge and is still in my opinon his finest song, closely followed by '2:45' the intimacy on this track is just so absorbing the conviction in elliott's voice is what stands him out from alot other more mainstream singer-songwriters you just know he means every single word. Probably the best place to start if your a virgin elliott smith listener.

Rating: 5 out of 5