Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliott Smith
(Ramseur Records)
Tribute albums are always an odd thing, as much a briefly interesting novelty as a legitimate artistic statement. Elliott Smith is a much lauded songwriter who achieved cult level infamy posthumously. He is revered by many, including a wealth of successful musicians such as Seth Avett (of the Avett Brothers) and Jessica Lea Mayfield. They decided to team up and record a tribute to Smith, which is an interesting exploration of his songs.
Critics of Elliott Smith often cite his sleepy vocals as off putting, so it is refreshing to hear them reinterpreted through the voice of these two capable artists. For the most part Avett is content in the background, adding harmonies and guitar to Mayfield’s vocals. Fans of his full band work know that he has a strong and commanding voice, which is in direct contrast to Smith’s near whisper, so it makes sense that he is purposefully reserved. When Avett lets loose on “Somebody That I Used to Know,” it becomes his own song rather than a faithful cover like the bulk of songs on the album. Despite the knowledge of Smith’s tragic end and the added weight of the lyrics, Mayfield manages to make “Twilight” her own. The sorrow is magnified by her sweet drawl.
The best part of this collaboration is the opportunity to re-examine the haunting beauty of Elliott Smith’s songs. At times the weight of his depressing lyrics seemed to stifle the emotion in his vocals, but Avett and Mayfield resurrect the words and breathe new life into these beautifully crafted songs. Passionate fans of Smith’s discography may find some things to gripe about, but in the end this is a notable tribute to the important work of a talented songwriter. (Dustin Blumhagen)
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