Which songs from The Beatles do you think influences Elliott Smith’s sound the most? I’m curious to hear what you guys think.
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The White Album is all over From A Basement. Especially George compositions. It was originally intended to be a 30 track double album as well.
The influence started early…age 3 or before. Here’s Elliott Smith’s dad citing playing the White Album for his son. Rocky Raccoon was inside his head during key formative years.
“Right then in walks Elliott, who's just rehearsed a George Harrison cover he'll perform with Quasi that night. "When he was three," says Gary, smiling at Elliott, "I brought him over to my apartment. I put The White Album on a lot. He loved Rocky Raccoon. I just tried to get it off before Why Don't We Do It in the Road came on." With that, the son sings a line from the song.”
https://amp.theguardian.com/music/2013/oct/16/elliott-smith-rocks-backpages
The last song he played live was Long, Long, Long.
Rocky Raccoon = Between the Bars
Getting Better = Baby Britain (It references Revolver too)
And A Question Mark reminds me of Taxman for some reason.
Never put Getting Better and Baby Britain together but damn that’s spot on.
Because 😉
Of course, the songs he covered: The Beatles: “I’m So Tired”, “Something, “I’m Only Sleeping, “I Me Mine”, “Yer Blues”, “Long Long Long”, “Blackbird”, For No One”.
“Jealous Guy” - John Lennon
“Isn’t It A Pity” - George Harrison
“Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” - George Harrison
“My Sweet Lord” - George Harrison
In addition, his dad said “Rocky Raccoon” was his favorite as a kid. Listen to the opening strumming of “Between The Bars.” They’re almost as similar as “Ice Ice Baby” and “Under Pressure.”
And they didn’t make the songs he covered but “Julia” and “Mother Nature’s Son” from the White Album.
coming up roses reminds me of strawberry fields forever
the ending of everybody cares everybody understands is very beatlesy maybe i am the walrus
the solo on distorted reality is now a necessity to be free reminds me of the solo on sexy sadie.. something about the structure
maybe it's just me
He covered it but I think “for no one”
I’ve heard him mention magical mystery tour a few times
Obviously the White Album is the biggest influence, but here is his article on Lennon for further specifics: https://www.spin.com/2001/01/elliott-smith-his-favorite-john-lennon-songs/
Thanks for that read!
The intro to I've Just Seen A Face reminds me of the Pictures of Me intro
Because from Abbey Road is worth a mention since Elliott Smith did a cover of it.
Because by the Beatles always reminded me of Everything means nothing to me
“Because” he made a cover (which is really good go listen to it)
Long, long, long
Everyone mentioned the white album but I think rubber soul and revolver - that sound. Songs like Michelle, if I needed someone, I want to tell you.. those really influence the Elliott sound imo.
Yeah I hear the white album a lot but never heard anyone say rubber soul. I think I can hear it too though.
Yeah Rubber Soul is my favourite Beatles album, so polished and many great songs. It’s the Beatles sound before they went psychedelic and started falling apart as a band.
everything on revolver you guys should listen to his cover of im only sleeping 🎶“REVOLVER’S BEEN TURNED OVERRRR”🎶
One of my favs from them so glad he covered