Description
Elliott Smith – Either/Or – Patina Rust Splash Vinyl Record
Released on February 25, 1997, Either/Or is Elliott Smith’s third studio album and the record that transformed him from an underground singer-songwriter into one of the most revered artists of his generation. Named after the existential work by Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, Either/Or explores themes of loneliness, self-destruction, love, and longing, delivered in Smith’s hushed, intimate style that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
At its core, Either/Or is a raw, deeply melancholic folk-rock album, blending Smith’s whispery vocals, intricate fingerpicking, and delicate melodies with a growing sense of sonic ambition. While his previous albums (Roman Candle and Elliott Smith) were starkly lo-fi, this record subtly expands his sound, incorporating multi-tracked vocals, layered guitars, and occasional drums, giving the songs a richer, more dynamic texture while still maintaining their confessional intimacy.
The album opens with Speed Trials, a laid-back yet unsettling track that immediately sets the album’s introspective tone. Smith’s lyrics are poetic but elusive, often leaving just enough ambiguity for listeners to find their own meaning. Alameda follows, a song about isolation and disconnection, while Ballad of Big Nothing pairs an upbeat melody with devastatingly cynical lyrics—a classic Elliott Smith contrast.
One of the album’s standout moments is Between the Bars, a haunting, lullaby-like song that captures themes of addiction, self-sabotage, and fleeting moments of comfort. With its hushed delivery and deceptively simple guitar progression, the song has become one of Smith’s most iconic tracks, covered by numerous artists and featured prominently in the film Good Will Hunting.
Tracks like Pictures of Me and Cupid’s Trick bring in a more full-band, rock-oriented sound, showing glimpses of the heavier production Smith would explore on later albums like XO and Figure 8. Meanwhile, Angeles is a stunning, fingerpicked masterpiece, capturing the cynicism and exhaustion of chasing success in Los Angeles—a sentiment that would become tragically prophetic as Smith’s fame grew.
The album closes with Say Yes, one of Smith’s rare moments of fragile optimism. A simple love song filled with quiet hope, it provides a bittersweet resolution to the album’s otherwise somber mood, leaving the listener with a sense of longing and possibility.
Upon its release, Either/Or was met with critical acclaim, but it wasn’t until later that it became recognized as one of the defining albums of the 1990s indie folk movement. The success of Good Will Hunting, which featured several of the album’s songs, helped introduce Smith’s music to a wider audience, ultimately leading to his signing with a major label.
Looking back, Either/Or stands as one of the greatest singer-songwriter albums ever recorded, a record that perfectly captures the beauty and pain of being human. Elliott Smith’s ability to channel deep emotion through hushed melodies and intricate guitar work has made this album timeless—a quiet companion for anyone who has ever felt lost, alone, or searching for meaning.
Urban Outfitters exclusive color variant reissue.
Limited to 1000 copies
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Speed Trials
Alameda
Ballad Of Big Nothing
Between The Bars
Pictures Of Me
No Name No.
Rose Parade
Punch And Judy
Angeles
Cupid’s Trick
2:45 AM
1Say Yes
