Shooting Star: The Definitive Story of Elliott Smith

Steven Elliott Smith was a talented musician and songwriter who died in 2003 from two stab wounds to the heart. His life was riddled with depression, mental illness, addiction, and chronic substance abuse, but he also achieved worldwide critical acclaim, Oscar nominations, and some of the finest recorded music of the late twentieth century. Shooting Star seeks to encapsulate the many complexities of this shy, funny, engaging, enigmatic musician and his desperately troubled soul, placing his vulnerabilities and decline within the broader context of all that he achieved.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2024
Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd

Elliott Smith was a remarkable songwriter and musician who left a lasting impact on the music world. His music was characterized by its beauty, tragedy, and meticulous research. Many prominent figures in the music industry, including Beck and Steve Drozd of the Flaming Lips, praised Elliott's talent and expressed sadness over his tragic end. Elliott's life was marked by depression, mental illness, addiction, and chronic substance abuse, which ultimately led to his untimely death in 2003. His death remains shrouded in mystery, with inconclusive autopsy evidence regarding the cause of his wounds. Despite the darkness surrounding his life, Elliott's music continues to resonate with people worldwide. His songs have been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials, and his albums have received critical acclaim, including multiple Grammy nominations. Shooting Star, a new biography of Elliott Smith, seeks to capture the many complexities of this enigmatic musician and his troubled soul. The book features contributions from those closest to Elliott who have not previously spoken about their friend, providing a deeper understanding of his vulnerabilities and decline. Through a combination of interviews, archival material, and Elliott's own words, Shooting Star paints a vivid portrait of a once-in-a-generation artist who left an indelible mark on the music world. Elliott's music was characterized by its raw, emotional intensity, and his lyrics often explored themes of love, loss, and personal struggle. His songs were hauntingly beautiful, with intricate melodies and poignant lyrics that resonated with listeners on a deep level. Elliott's talent was recognized early on, and he began performing in local clubs and coffee shops in Portland, Oregon. His debut album, Roman Candle, was released in 1994, and it received critical acclaim for its blend of folk, indie rock, and pop. Elliott's subsequent albums, including XO, Figure 8, and Either/Or, further solidified his reputation as a masterful songwriter. His music was praised for its vulnerability, honesty, and ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. Elliott's personal life was marked by struggles with depression, anxiety, and addiction. He struggled with substance abuse throughout his career, and his addiction ultimately led to his death. Despite these challenges, Elliott's music continued to inspire and touch people's lives. His songs have been used as a form of therapy for those dealing with mental health issues, and his legacy continues to live on through his music. Shooting Star provides a comprehensive look at Elliott's life and career, from his early days in Portland to his final years in Los Angeles. The book explores Elliott's relationships with his family, friends, and collaborators, and it sheds light on the factors that contributed to his decline. Elliott's music was deeply personal, and he often wrote about his own experiences and emotions. His lyrics were often introspective and reflective, and they provided a window into his inner world. Elliott's music was also influenced by a wide range of artists, including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Elliott Smith. His music was characterized by its unique blend of folk, indie rock, and pop, and it often featured intricate guitar riffs and haunting melodies. Elliott's music was also known for its emotional depth and its ability to convey a sense of longing and loss. Elliott's death was a devastating loss to the music world, and it left a void that has yet to be filled. His music continues to inspire and touch people's lives, and his legacy continues to grow. Shooting Star is a must-read for anyone who loves music and wants to learn more about Elliott Smith's life and career. The book provides a comprehensive and insightful look at Elliott's life and music, and it sheds light on the factors that contributed to his decline. Elliott's music was a gift to the world, and it will continue to inspire and touch people's lives for generations to come.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 198 x 130 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788705844