Description
From a Basement on the Hill is the sixth and final studio album by the late American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. Recorded between 2002 and 2003, it was released posthumously in the UK and Europe on Domino on October 18, 2004, and in the US the following day on October 19, 2004 through record label ANTI-.
The album was initially planned as a double album, due to contractual obligations with the DreamWorks label (now Interscope), and was incomplete at the time of Smiths of the songs Smith intended for the album remained unfinished, in some cases only lacking vocals. Smiths family hired his former producer Rob Schnapf and ex-girlfriend Joanna Bolme to sort through and put the finishing touches on the batch of over thirty songs that were recorded for the album, although the estate retained final decision of which tracks to include. Thus, a fifteen-track album was assembled and released.
Many of the songs reference Smiths lifelong struggles with addiction and suicide. His death was presumed to be a suicide, although the coroners report and statements from close friends reveal that his death is still under speculation. It was not investigated further.
From a Basement on the Hill became Smiths highest-charting album in the US and was praised by critics, with reviewers complimenting the albums attempts to expand Smiths sound, such as the incorporation of instrumental passages, as well as heavier, guitar-based material.
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