Shooting Star: The Definitive Story of Elliott Smith

A great insight with lots of detail and definitely worth a read! It also gives both sides of the story, yes it’s sad, but there are glimmers of light amongst the sadness.

The narrative seems to be completely focused upon Elliott's psychological state and addictions. I've been a fan of his music for 20 years and was excited to read this. In the end I got about 80% in and had to put it down as it put me in a really dark place. I'm not sure of the writer's intention but to call it a 'Definitive' account is a misnomer. What is missing from this account is a deep analysis of Smiths songs, his craft, his gift for melody and his singular recording / composing genius. The Beatles, Dylan, Neil Young and Brian Wilson have all been awarded this yet Smith still remains this uber-tragic figure. Yes he had deep issues that corroded his talent and ultimately shortened his life but when I listen to his recording they transcend this darkness. I implore anyone to simply listen to the music instead.

Great book - if you like music buy it now!

Really gets under the skin of Elliott as a person. Illuminating new insights and interviews from those who knew him best. Would highly recommend

I found this to be a well-written book that had the ring of truth. I think there is another book, maybe much harder to write, that this book could set the stage for. What I begin to understand is that Elliott Smith could focus himself on lyrics and music, but that he could not cope with his pain except when he was making music. This book makes the process of the unraveling of his life more understandable. to explain his genius is still elusive. There were other things I wish this book had addressed. I remember that there was a 6th album before Basement that had been started, probably with songs like "Sorry My Mistake" and "Confusion" that the studio (?) did not like. The prior criticism of not enough about the music in the book is justified, although I am not sure a 500 page book would have been feasible. Little nuggets dropped, like "Echo Park" tapes were trashed because Elliott did not like the sound...is this true? So many concerts, so many recording sessions, we all want to know what else is out there, and the book sheds little light on this. So more is needed. But I felt that this book strove to be objective. The author tried to show all sides of Elliott Smith. I am glad I read the book, and I think that anyone for whom Elliott's music is uniquely moving and true will get something from it.

This is riddled with inaccuracies and spelling errors. Where did he get the information about Heatmiser being named after a thermostat? Don’t bother with this one.