Producer Says Elliott Smith Left Behind Numerous Finished Songs

Posted on Dec 23rd 2009 11:15AM by Linda Laban
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Kill Rock Stars has added Elliott Smith's first and final studio records, 'Roman Candle' and 'From a Basement on the Hill,' to its catalog. As a taster for the Apr. 6 reissue date, the Olympia, Wash., indie label, which is now home for all of Smith's independent releases, is offering a free download of a previously unreleased Smith song, 'Cecilia/Amanda.'

The track was recorded at Portland's Jackpot! Studio in 1997 by Larry Crane, who recorded many Smith cuts, including the Oscar-nominated 'Miss Misery.' Following his untimely death in 2003, Smith's family appointed Crane as archivist for the influential singer-songwriter's estate. According to Crane, Smith left behind numerous unreleased songs, many of them completely finished. "There are a few things that needed to have vocals," Crane tells Spinner. "But, especially in the era leading up to 'XO,' Elliott didn't sit down and start recording until he had a pretty clear idea of what the song was going to be, lyrics and all."

"There are a good number of instrumentals from that era as well, and a few from 'Basement on a Hill,'" Crane continues. "That was a huge undertaking. In his mind, I think Elliott intended a double album," he says of Smith's final studio work, which was released posthumously in 2004 by Anti- Records. Some songs have been leaked online, but Crane would like to see them officially released as Smith perhaps wanted. "I wish it had been a double album. There are so many great songs: 'Dancing on the Highway,' 'True Love.' Maybe there will be a chance to do a bonus edition with those tracks included."

Still, it was the unfinished songs that Crane found as he went through Smith's tapes following his death that often made him sadder. "There were a few things to finish up there," he says softly, "which was heartbreaking at times."

To download 'Cecilia/Amanda,' head over to Kill Rock Stars' official site.