Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing

Perfect

I don't really understand what all the complaints on this book are for. Yes, there are typos in the book and he gets lyrics wrong sometimes when quoting them. With that said, he was rushing to get the book done. He didn't want it to be released on the one year anniversary of Smiths death, but upon the release of Basement on a Hill (which just happened to be the same date). This book has a lot of funny stories and a couple of dark ones. Nugent chose to show the Elliott that was working and funny, a side that many of us listeners don't get to see too often. Towards the end we learn of how much the drugs truly changed him. I found that part of the book the most interesting because I had no idea what had gone on towards the end of Smiths life. Nugent cares about Elliott and it is obvious in his writing. Yes, he skims over the death but who cares? I for one do not want to hear a play by play of his death. It was something tragic and something that should be left for his friends and family. Honestly, I think it's disgusting that his autospy is even admitted online. Either way he does go into other suicide attempts if that's the only reason you are looking to read. And the complaints about his sources? His interviews are really good I thought. They aren't just Smiths barely-there-acquaintances ... they are previous girlfriends, producers, etc. that truly knew him. I would recommend this book to any Elliott Smith fan. It definitely lets you in to different parts of his life that you would otherwise not have known about. The author did a great job and I commend his hard work that he put into the book, as well as those that agreed to be interviewed.

Don't take the negative reviews too seriously. While it's not quite as in-depth as other biographies on musicians, I think the author does a fine job with the limited information on Smith's life he has to work with and I found it just as interesting and enjoyable as any other biography.

This book contains some facts. The writing in mediocre in my opinion though. It feels like the author was assigned to write this book, but wasn't interested in Elliott Smith.

I love this book!!! What a great find at such a great price!!! I will be shopping with you again soon. Thanks so much!!

Anyone who wants a deeper glimpse into the greatest man who ever lived look no further.

Katherine Curry Reviewing: Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing With an apologetic afterward by the author of the book Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing, Benjamin Nugent explains the reasons for the widely perceived shortcomings while retracing the life of songwriter Elliott Smith. He explains that although the things reported in his book are widely known by avid Smith fans, most of his closest friends and family refuse to talk about the deceased musician. Aside from this apparent "flaw" in this biography, Nugent poignantly captures the life, art and death of the academy award nominee Elliott Smith. Although this book seems to reek of "typical biography" when Nugent beings with, "Steven Paul Smith was born at 12:59 a.m..."(9) it quickly shatters any notion of a normal biography when the author delves into Smith's songwriting and lyrics. Each chapter is named after each album Smith put out during his career. And, not only does Nugent provide the reader with a chronological account of his life during the making of these albums, but he also intimately uncovers the importance of individual songs by providing context and possible meanings. Nugent's analysis of Smith's lyrics and instrumentals not only exemplify the purity of Smith's music that he was so known for, but it also approaches the art with a similar ear to that of the readers. Through Nugent's research and thoughtful analysis it is apparent that he did the best he or any other free-lance writer could do with such a reclusive person like Elliott Smith. Although, I can see why people may think that this book does not do the justice that Smith deserves on the one-year anniversary of his apparent suicide, but with an artist like Elliott Smith, what can?

Excellent read, very detailed

I read lots of negative stuff about this book but I found it insightful and less intense than Torment Saint (which I also liked).Had no problem with it at all and am glad to have read it.

After having read everything I could possibly find on Elliott Smith, I would recommend this book last. Maybe even omit it. I give it some stars cause the information is good, but I'd already read everything in it from articles and interviews on the internet. Definitely get "Torment Saint" easily the best source on Elliott out there, and Autumn De Wilde's book is an awesome/unique collection of personal interviews and pictures if you enjoy that. I'd also recommend 33-1/2's book on the XO album for song analysis/history.