Elliot Smith and Sufjan Stevens

Whenever I listen to "neighbor radio" on last.fm, I almost always get songs from both of these artists.

Seems like people who like what I like are fans of Elliot and Sufjan.

Only I never have and probably never will like either of these artists.  I am not sure why.

Just now I started neighbor radio and got Elliot first and Sufan second.

Good thing Sigur Ros came up third. Now there's a band I love.

Comments

[Ted]

Same thing happens to me. I have tried and tried to really get into them. I've listened to Sufjan 170+ times. I really appreciate his music but it does not connect with me. It just sits there. Elliot Smith is the same although there are a few tracks that are stand outs. Guess it is like the Guided by Voices that you mentioned in a previous post.
I wish I could tell last.fm not to put them in the radio. Hitting "hate it" only applies to that track, not the artist.

Are you able to stream through sonos your last.fm? I'd be interested in knowing if you can as that is one thing I cannot do with Apple's Airport Express.

[Raj]

Elliot Smith's "Figure 8" was brilliant in my opinion. His posthumous release didn't do much for me though.

I have ideological reasons for refraining from Sufjan Stevens. The religious references throughout his records and playing faith based music festivals makes me suspicious of his intent. I have similar reasons for not reading Paste Magazine which I know you guys read.

[Thomas Purves]

My gosh! yes it's high time you discover Sufjan. Get Illinoise, (do not go past go, go directly to Illinoise I'd argue) It's a completely surprising album that really sneaks up on you, not to mention regarded by the like of the pitchfork media set as the best album of 2005. (and I'd second the notion).

http://www.thomaspurves.com/media/bestof05/06%20Sufjan%20Stevens_Illinoise_09_Chicago.mp3

[Greg]

that's funny - i like a lot of the music you seem to like and i'd say i'm a huge sufjan fan. guess i'm not alone. i've been using pandora vs. last.fm but plan to play w/ the service since reading more about it here. of course, that just means when you play neighbor radio you'll be all the more likely to hear sufjan stevens. sorry about that. do you like iron & wine? i'd but him in the same camp as sufjan i think...

[Andrew Parker]

Perhaps you're listening to the wrong Elliot Smith album. Try "Either/Or."

[steve somoza]

let's face it. collaborative filterning recommendations don't work. that's why. just because i like pearl jam DOES NOT mean i like stone temple pilots.

netflix has admitted it. others need to fess up. stick to discovery through friends and trusted voices.

[Brendan]

I have to say I am shocked your are not an Elliot Smith Fan. Give Either/Or another listen or his self titled album. These albums are like a good wine, you will not love it on the first or second listen but by the third, songs like "Alameda", "Speed Trials" and "Say Yes" will be regular listens when you are feeling mellow. From a Basement On A Hill is another great album, give ES another shot you'll be glad you did.

[EthanB]

I had a similar experience with Elliott Smith, Fred. My friends were obsessed with him 5 years ago or so and it seemed too depressing/whiny for me.

"Figure 8" was the album that changed it for me. It's more rocking and poppier than the rest but still has all those melancholy psychedelic overtones.

If you catch it at the right moment, in the right mood, you'll get hooked.

Elliott is a major, majorly heavy creative genius. He played pretty much every instrument on all his records, wrote everything, sings perfectly in tune live...a true creative heavyweight.

[Peter]

I guess I can understand the Sufjan sentiments, but I can't dis when I've heard a song like 'Romulus'. And the company he keeps (Asthmatic Kitty, Danielson Famile, etc.) wins him some coolness points.

http://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/sufjan_stevens_lyrics_4540/michigan_lyrics_14684/romulus_lyrics_170412.html

On a side note, this book's topic seems uber-interesting, even if the author didn't execute perfectly:

http://www.h-net.msu.edu/reviews/showrev.cgi?path=201331164043085

Listening to indie music has helped me to see some of the subtle and not-so-subtle political elements of all types of music - even and especially pop music - stuff I've listened to hundreds of times, but never gave a thought to the meaning of the lyrics. I suspect I'm not alone there, but not sure how many folks would be willing to admit it. Better late than never! :)

[JHSINDESIGN]

I would rather that there be people out there who don't like Elliott or Sufjan. It's good to disagree. I think we should disagree.

[Geof F. Morris]

I believe that it's possible to tell Last not to play stuff by folks. There's a lot of value in that.

And ... well, I'm a big fan of both Elliott and Sufjan, but if you're not, no loss. Life is far too short to listen to music that you don't dig.

[Iain]

Hmmmm ... I'm in the "why is Sufjan so popular camp?. I don't get it. I bought may tunes via eMusic, but ... I still don't get it. But then I'm stuck in Black Keys mode right now. I ventured all the way to Asie Payton.