"We are deeply saddened by Elliott Smith's tragic death and send our condolences to his friends and family. He was perhaps his generation's most gifted singer-songwriter. His enormous talent could change your life with a whisper. We will miss him." - Dreamworks Records statement.
In his Times obituary, Jon Pareles called Smith a "luminary of independent rock." Not all musicians necessarily lead the lives they sing about, but looking at the various obituaries and thoughts on Smith, words that are used to describe his music and subject matters are "addiction, loneliness and heartache" and "self-doubt and despair" and "fragile." But, as the Rolling Stone obituary points out that Smith was a fan of upbeat music, and Smith said, "...'Depressing' isn't a word I would use to describe my music. But there is some sadness in it -- there has to be, so that the happiness in it will matter."
Slate's remembrance
MTV's obituary
NME: Elliot Smith Remembered
Rolling Stone: Elliott Smith Dies
Hollywood Reporter's obituary
Pitchfork Media: Will Bryant's obituary
Via Guardian: Archive of article about Elliott Smith
Elliott Smith lyrics
