Elliott Smith’s debut album “Roman Candle” was released in 1994. It was recorded the previous year when he was only 24, with one of the songs, “Conder Ave,” being written when Smith was only 17.
The album released to an initially mixed response, but much like Smith’s earlier works, it was re-evaluated years later to mostly positive critical and audience acclaim. While not his best work, it remains one of the most important of Smith’s discography, serving as a starting ground and introduction to his solo music career.
“Condor Ave,” is the second track on the album and was recorded when Smith was only 17. Considering the age Smith was when the song was written, “Conder Ave” is fairly impressive. The song is full of dark imagery and is extremely successful in creating a heavy atmosphere with lines like, “A drunk man sits by the gate she’s driving through / Got his hat tipped bottle back in between his teeth / Looks like he’s buried in the sand at the beach.”
Not only do the lyrics establish atmosphere, but the instrumental does as well, strictly consisting of Smith’s voice and guitar.
“Roman Candle” as a whole was recorded in the basement of Smith’s girlfriend at the time, and recorded on a cheap RadioShack microphone. The album’s fuzzy and lofi sound can mostly be attributed to this. “Conder Ave” is no exception to this fuzzy-lofi sound and is one of the more memorable tracks off of the album due to the imagery used within the lyrics.
Another memorable track is “No Name #2.” This song stands out due its lighter sound and inclusion of harmonica. Sonically the track is more upbeat which contrasts with the lyrics, which depicts a phone call that could be interpreted multiple different ways, however it is mostly negative.
The chorus has a negative connotation and repeats throughout the song, “Killing time won’t stop this crying / Killing time won’t stop this crying / Killing time won’t stop this crying.” I feel like the upbeat sound of the song tries to distract the listener from the darker lyrics, but always pulls them back in with the chorus reminding them that the issues are still there and won’t go away with time.
The final track of the album is purely instrumental and is called “Kiwi Maddog 20/20,” which is the name of a certain kiwi-flavored bottle of alcohol. There are no lyrics to accompany this song and it is fairly brief, however I think this is fitting for the final track of the album and leaves the listener to reflect on their experience.
The echoey guitar riff is tracked with another acoustic riff and permeates a haunting sound to leave the listener with. I think this track is extremely contemplative and effective at making the album linger in the listener’s mind.
While maybe not Smith’s best work, and even for some may require more than one listen to really enjoy, “Roman Candle” is extremely to Elliott Smith’s discography and solo career as a whole. I would absolutely consider this album an essential listen in Smith’s discography.