I can still remember my first Elliott Smith show. It was at the Southgate House in Newport, KY. I still have the poster for the gig in fact. I wasn’t really familiar with him before the gig, but went because I had been invited to go with a friend whose music tastes I respected. Grandaddy opened. I was able to go “backstage” to watch the set from the side of the stage. It was an amazing performance, and I recall really enjoying his cover of the Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper” (MP3 from that set provided below). During his career, Elliott performed a large number of beautiful covers. They are pretty widely available including at the “official” fan site Sweet Adeline. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Elliott Smith – Jealous Guy (John Lennon Cover)
Elliott Smith – Don’t Fear the Reaper (Blue Oyster Cult Cover)
Elliott Smith – Because (The Beatles Cover) – removed by request
Elliott Smith – Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain (Willie Nelson Cover)
* right corner picture by Flybutter.
