Elliott Smith
Division Day/No Name #6


4.0
excellent

Review

by Mrs. Pain~~ USER (17 Reviews)
May 27th, 2014 | 22 replies


Release Date: 2000 | Tracklist

Review Summary: This time, as with any time involving Elliott, we can't lose.

Elliott Smith is rarely given credit for his optimism. Everyone wants to wear their sh*t-colored glasses when listening to any musician whose life was cut tragically short (at the very least when that tragedy was self-imposed). But unfortunately for certain Elliott purists, the man's career was plagued with at times blinding optimism.

Who'd have thought Elliott's "No Name" series would end on such a positive note? Anyone that has only listened to Elliott's discography in terms of albums would tell you that "No Name #5" is a suitably depressing end for a string of songs that perfectly display Elliott's shattered heart. And it truly is one of his most emotionally unforgiving songs. However, "No Name #6" flips the series on its head, and proves the man's struggling ambition to leave a legacy of redemption, positivity, and general happiness.

"Division Day" is in the same camp with a feeling of euphoria throughout the song. Its lyrics are ambiguous enough to not quite say for sure exactly where his mind was when he was writing it, but his continuous mentioning of a "division day" comes across as a place he hoped to someday reach. It may have been a place that he believed could help him forget his past mistakes. Both songs here read strongly of a man who had faith that he could leave the past behind and become who he always intended to be. It's a shade more Elliott Smith fans should remember him in.



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user ratings (35)
3.8
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
deathschool
May 27th 2014


28621 Comments


Been listening to these two songs a lot, so I figured I'd give it a quick little write up.

StallionMang
May 27th 2014


9003 Comments


Whoa never heard of these songs before, gotta check this

Very good review

deathschool
May 27th 2014


28621 Comments


Definitely dude. I was blown away when I found it. And thanks.

Pheromone
May 27th 2014


21334 Comments


This is more of a single than an EP but I do love these songs and this is a nice review. Pos

deathschool
May 27th 2014


28621 Comments


Yeah. It's a single, but these songs aren't anywhere else, so I think it's essential for Elliott fans. Especially since this is a somewhat different side of him.

dh198
May 27th 2014


463 Comments


Good review man. I've never actually listened to any Elliott Smith, but this is as good a time as any to start.

Ryus
May 27th 2014


36638 Comments


sweet never checked this, better jam

deathschool
May 27th 2014


28621 Comments


Thanks, dh. I'd suggest just jamming his albums chronologically if I were you.

dh198
May 27th 2014


463 Comments


Okay, great. That's what I'll go for.

tommygun
May 27th 2014


27108 Comments


nice rev pos these are two good tunes

deathschool
May 27th 2014


28621 Comments


Thanks Tom Tom. Had a feeling you'd find your way here, haha.

tommygun
May 28th 2014


27108 Comments


my elliott pager was buzzing matey ;]

klap
Emeritus
May 28th 2014


12409 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

division day is one of my favorite elliott songs

deathschool
May 28th 2014


28621 Comments


It's getting there for me.

NevermindAlex
May 28th 2014


15 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Like most of Elliott's songs, Division Day has this subtle context in addition to songs impartial nature which makes it really interesting. While Elliott's lyrics encapsulate his need for perfection, he is also explaining his alienation when he goes and visits his hometown, Portland, Ore. While visiting he is struck by this resentment 'fans' seem have for him, seeming him as a sellout for moving to Los Angeles. The song itself is partially named after Division Street, where many of his earlier days living there took place. But overall, it's a prime example of Elliott's gift for allegory and in general captures his personality at that point in his life really well. Also, great review man. Pos~

deathschool
May 28th 2014


28621 Comments


True statement, and thanks man.

Skoj
May 28th 2014


1885 Comments


Good review for a great little single.

deathschool
May 28th 2014


28621 Comments


Thanks man. As far as singles that were only released as singles, this could be my favorite ever.

Ananda
July 14th 2014


1 Comments


Well slap me and call me Sally I haven't even listened to No Name #6. Good write up man. Thanks for spreading the gospel of our lord and savior Elliott Smith

deathschool
July 14th 2014


28621 Comments


Ulric! I feel honored that your first comment was on my review. Thanks, buuuud.



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