Sad news. I had the privilege of knowing Elliott Smith during his time in New York City a few years back. (He wanted to be interviewed for Plotz, but I told him that he had to be Jewish. "I have a lot of Jewish friends, and I use Yiddish a lot" he said). Sure, he was shy and soft-spoken, but he was also funny and quick witted. One night a bunch of friends went to a karoake nightclub in Chinatown with Elliott. I shall never forget him singing "Wake Me up Before you Go-Go", an inane song that actually sounded good when his voice was attached to it. (He also sang a heartfelt "Desperado" and a laughable "Ebony and Ivory.") I always think of that evening whenever his name comes up. Not that it was totally indicative of his life but because I know for a fact that he was happy and carefree that night.
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