XO

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com's Best of 1998
Elliott Smith's fourth solo album and major-label debut, XO, brings narrative detail and a wide range of emotion to an indie meld of '60s-style rock and folk-pop. Whether in the broken stateliness of "Waltz #2 (XO)," the Sgt. Pepper tribute of "Baby Britain," or the explosions of "Amity" and "Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands," Smith's melodic and arrangement senses give his vulnerable vocals and brilliant wordcraft the maximum effectiveness. XO is a watershed in singer/songwriter rock. --Rickey Wright --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Amazon.com essential recording
On XO, Elliott Smith leaves the indie doldrums behind and takes wing to new, lush surroundings. By adding full instrumentation to his acoustic reveries, Smith has ascended to a new level of songwriting that shores up his gentle voice and country-tinged guitar playing with extra layers of vocal arrangements and charming piano vamps. Strains of classic rock filter into the Beatlesque "Baby Britain" and the Beach Boys-inspired "I Didn't Understand," but Smith succeeds in adapting them to his style... read more --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

XO

XO, Music, Elliott Smith, Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Pop, Popular Music, Rock, Sadcore, Singer/Songwriter
XO
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Sweet Elliot... how I miss you....
  • A good place to start
  • Undertows and updating: it still works very well
  • Triumphant leap!
  • Amazing and Just Perfect
 XO
Elliott Smith
Manufacturer: Dreamworks
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000AEF9
Release Date: 1998-08-25

Tracks:

  1. Sweet Adeline
  2. Tomorrow Tomorrow
  3. Waltz #2 (XO)
  4. Baby Britain
  5. Pitseleh
  6. Independence Day
  7. Bled White
  8. Waltz #1
  9. Amity
  10. Oh Well, Okay
  11. Bottle Up And Explode!
  12. A Question Mark
  13. Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands
  14. I Didn't Understand

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Elliott Smith's fourth solo album and major-label debut, XO, brings narrative detail and a wide range of emotion to an indie meld of '60s-style rock and folk-pop. Whether in the broken stateliness of "Waltz #2 (XO)," the Sgt. Pepper tribute of "Baby Britain," or the explosions of "Amity" and "Everybody Cares, Everybody Understands," Smith's melodic and arrangement senses give his vulnerable vocals and brilliant wordcraft the maximum effectiveness. XO is a watershed in singer/songwriter rock. --Rickey Wright

Amazon.com essential recording

On XO, Elliott Smith leaves the indie doldrums behind and takes wing to new, lush surroundings. By adding full instrumentation to his acoustic reveries, Smith has ascended to a new level of songwriting that shores up his gentle voice and country-tinged guitar playing with extra layers of vocal arrangements and charming piano vamps. Strains of classic rock filter into the Beatlesque "Baby Britain" and the Beach Boys-inspired "I Didn't Understand," but Smith succeeds in adapting them to his style rather than the other way around. A foot soldier in DreamWorks' war on standard-issue rock & roll, Smith joins new label mates Rufus Wainwright and Morphine as sophisticated interpreters of the new male psyche. XO is a stunning shadow print of a soul adrift in the music industry, a dark place indeed. --Lois Maffeo

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Sweet Elliot... how I miss you...........2007-06-27

I first heard Elliot's music from the movie Good Will Hunting in 1996 or 1997 I want to say, and I went out the next day and bought every album he made. This one, by far, is my favorite next to Either/Or. Elliot had a way of perceiving the world in a different perspective. How prophetic his melanchology infinite sadness came... [He took his own life October 2003] The harmonies are haunting but ring true, there is a little slice of Beatles in the mix of that 2nd hand guitar that just plays near to my heart. Buy it... how you will not be disapointed, only when the last song fades out...

5 out of 5 stars A good place to start.......2007-05-09

When you're hearing an artist for the first time, it's important to start with the right album: I firmly believe it can make the difference between becoming a die-hard fan and walking away underwhelmed. In the case of Elliot Smith, the right starting album is almost certainly "XO." Whether it's truly his best work I don't claim to know, particularly since I haven't heard all his albums yet, but it is an excellent introduction: it's (almost) instantly likeable while retaining many complexities that draw you in deeper with repeat listens. Chances are, hearing this will get you interested in his other music, and even if you end up liking only one Elliot Smith record, I'm betting that this will be it.

Also, for those who assume that Elliot Smith was one of those pretentious, self-involved adolescent artists (a la Dashboard Confessional), you couldn't be more wrong. I know, because I used to think the same thing, and I was wrong. The fact is that, even if you don't like the "intimate," "vulnerable" lyric style that people associate with Elliot Smith, you might still find plenty of reasons to like him. For one thing, the lyrics on XO contain a lot of emotion, but they are abstract in all the right ways and never simply sound like a singer talking about himself. For another... well, I have one word for you: songwriting. These are clever, melodic, unpredictable, and frequently stunning songs that Paul McCartney would have been proud of--and I mean 60s Paul, not current washed-up Paul. To make a long story short, if you are genuinely interested in music, don't avoid this album because of the hype: you owe it to yourself to listen. You might be disappointed. But I doubt it.

5 out of 5 stars Undertows and updating: it still works very well .......2007-04-26

Like Grant McLennan of the Go-Betweens, Elliott Smith could come up with songs catchy enough to haunt you when you're nowhere near a CD player, an MP3, or an iPod and won't be for a few hours. 'Baby Britain' has hooks: by the twelfth listen you realize it's not really a happy song. 'Waltz #2' may be derivative... or it may be inevitable, distilled into a tune and a sentiment that won't let go...

Obvious stylistic comparisons to the Beatles and to the Beach Boys aside: what makes Smith's stuff so memorable is this ability to synthesize these influences and to add the indie sensibility to it. He has been compared to Nick Drake; how about a few shades darker and a few decades later than Brian Wilson? What mild profanity there is here serves a forthright presentation of contemporary, rather confessional subject matter. Perhaps a bit depressing in large doses: but while not an inventive musician, the vulnerable, appealing Smith was definitely an innovator.

4 out of 5 stars Triumphant leap!.......2007-02-22

XO is my favourite Elliott Smith record. This is the first big budget, polished album he produced. Where his earlier material was stripped down and had an off-the-cuff feel, XO has Smith sounding more like a full band. The sense of melody and timing on XO is always impressive and the lyrics remain as personal and unmediated by cliche as ever. It makes you think of the pop sensibilities of The Beach Boys and The Beatles but comes with vividly introspective, spookily relatable lyrics. At times it also has a more jagged, rock edge: "Amity". The best place to start and the most consistent record.

5 out of 5 stars Amazing and Just Perfect.......2007-02-05

I discovered Elliott Smith late. A friend who knew I was a long time Nick Drake fan gave me this cd, very intuitively! I found it to be full of well-crafted catchy pop songs, lyrically advanced and ever amusing.

It is mostly acoustic guitar and voice heavy, although more lush and fully produced than his previous works. That is a good thing! I find the sound of both infinitely pleasing. Elliott Smith has a gentle voice that is never annoying.

The best thing about XO is that it sounds like a greatest hits collection. There's not a bad song in the bunch. My favorites change regularly; right now I most enjoy the beautifully sweet but lighthearted Pitseleh, Independence Day, and Bottle Up and Explode!

One warning: Don't listen to the haunting track 14: I Didn't Understand, while very depressed. It won't help.
XO
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		XO
    Elliott Smith
    Manufacturer: Universal
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
    Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
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    Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. Figure 8

    ASIN: B00005GRL6
    Release Date: 2003-10-27

    Tracks:

    1. Sweet Adeline
    2. Tomorrow Tomorrow
    3. Waltz #2
    4. Baby Britain
    5. Pitseleh
    6. Independence Day
    7. Bled White
    8. Waltz #1
    9. Amity
    10. Oh Well, Ok
    11. Bottle Up & Explode!
    12. Question Mark
    13. Everybody Cares Everybody Understands
    14. I Didn't Understand
    15. Miss Misery (Bonus Track)

    Album Details

    Japanese Version featuring a Bonus Track: "Miss Misery".
    Waltz #2 (XO) / Our Thing / How to Take a Fall - 3 track EP
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Waltz #2 (XO) / Our Thing / How to Take a Fall - 3 track EP
      Elliott Smith
      Manufacturer: Dreamworks / MCA Import
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Alternative Styles | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
      Singer-SongwritersSinger-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
      Alternative FolkAlternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music
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      1. Happiness / Son of Sam (Acoustic Version)

      ASIN: B00000G42Y
      Release Date: 1999-12-14
      XO
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		XO
        Gontiti
        Manufacturer: Pony Canyon
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | International | Styles | Music
        InternationalInternational | Imports | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B000657QU6
        Release Date: 2004-12-16

        Tracks:

        1. Midnight Cable Car
        2. Land At Aloha
        3. Ping- Pong-Song
        4. Japanese Title
        5. Japanese Title
        6. Wind Blow, Tree Sings
        7. Japanese Title
        8. Lovers
        9. Left Side Of Happiness
        10. Boy's Song
        11. Sayang
        12. Japanese Title
        XO
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		XO
          Pole Position
          Manufacturer: Orchard.Com
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          Indie RockIndie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Rock | Styles | Music
          Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B0000DESGH
          Release Date: 2002-06-04

          Tracks:

          1. Boulevard
          2. The Nerve
          3. Tragic Death Of Porn Starz
          4. Move Enough
          5. Time Travelz
          6. Heartz Attack
          7. Tear My Muscle
          8. Electric Do
          EP: XO Edition 2
          Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
          • artistically beautiful !!
          • Beautiful, leaves me wanting more (like a longer disc!)
          		 EP: XO Edition 2
          Poleposition
          Manufacturer: Polar Music
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B000089RV0
          Release Date: 2003-01-01

          Tracks:

          1. Boulevard
          2. The Nerve
          3. Tragic Death of Porn Starz
          4. Move Enough
          5. Time Travelz

          Album Description

          Poleposition's EP: XO EDITION 2 is a revamped, remastered version of the first five tracks off of XO, the original debut EP. It is showcased with new art work, and is now the official debut EP.

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars artistically beautiful !!.......2004-03-04

          this band has a unique seductive melody sense, and the arrangements on this record are brilliant, the songs are artistically beautiful and rich with genuine emotion

          4 out of 5 stars Beautiful, leaves me wanting more (like a longer disc!).......2004-01-16

          I loved the themes and moods, compositions are breathtaking. It is too short, and we need a longer disc from these guys. Until then I strongly reccommend you get this.
          EP: XO Edition 2 Cat. X002 LMTD
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		EP: XO Edition 2 Cat. X002 LMTD
            Poleposition
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD
            ASIN: B000R9KZ9U

            Product Description

            5 track EP
            Brown Sugar
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              		Brown Sugar
              XO
              Manufacturer: Squad 51 M & E
              ProductGroup: Music
              Binding: Audio CD

              GeneralGeneral | Reggae | International | Styles | Music
              ASIN: B000JVSWZ0
              Release Date: 2006-10-31

              Tracks:

              1. Brown Sugar
              2. Struggle
              3. Weekend
              4. Hustler
              5. Unfortunately

              Product Description

              Arguably the most important creative force and one of few truly unique talents in the Reggae music industry today. This 4 song E.P from XO contains his signature "lovers rock" tunes.
              Get out Alive
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                		Get out Alive
                Xo
                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD

                Pop RockPop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
                ASIN: B000GBEO82
                Release Date: 2006-05-09

                Tracks:

                1. I Love the Robot Devil
                2. Hurry Up & Bleed
                3. Skull & X Bones
                4. Saddest Song
                5. Baby Ghost
                6. Kiss Kiss No No
                7. Estoy Llorando Sangre
                8. Sweet Alice
                9. Sea Horses Corpsus
                XO
                Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
                • Radiohead-like potential
                		 XO

                ProductGroup: Music
                Binding: Audio CD

                GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
                GeneralGeneral | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
                RockRock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music
                ASIN: B0000664HV
                Release Date: 2002-02-14

                Tracks:

                1. Boulevard
                2. The Nerve
                3. Tragic Death of Porn Starz
                4. Move Enough
                5. Time Travelz
                6. Heartz Attack
                7. Tear My Muscle
                8. Electric Do

                Album Description

                A frenzy of synths chasing streetcars at night, porn stars that die tragically, jetplanes to Brazil, hearts that attack, and electric lovers. XO - the new CD by PolePosition.

                Customer Reviews:

                4 out of 5 stars Radiohead-like potential.......2004-03-29

                For anyone who loves Radiohead, Poleposition is a band you definitely want to check out. These guys have a lot of potential and I can't wait for a follow-up album. The EP has a nice background piano with great inventive beats and a Thom Yorke-like voice. Check it out!

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