Pitchfork Forkcast: New Music: Elliott Smith: "High Times" [MP3]

New Music: Elliott Smith: "High Times" [MP3]

"High Times" is a previously unreleased song by Elliott Smith, one that he had played live many times but never committed to album. Given Smith's own problems with drug addiction, the lyrics to the song are especially sad. He sings about searching for a dealer all over the city, and seeing his face in the faces of everyone he passes by. The chorus is simple: "Said I don't go/ Where I'm supposed to go" only amplifying that feeling of both being along, and thinking everyone knows what you're doing. His acoustic guitar sounds watery on this simple recording, and Smith's voice is breathy and exhausted.

This track is included on New Moon, Kill Rock Stars' upcoming album of Elliott Smith rarities. All the songs were recorded between 1994 and 1997, the same time period during which he recoded his self-titled album and Either/Or. Part of the proceeds will benefit Outside In, a Portland charity that helps low-income and homeless youth and adults.

MP3: > Elliott Smith: "High Times"
[from New Moon; due 05/08/07 on Kill Rock Stars] | [PRE-ORDER]