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Figure 8 (album)

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Figure 8 is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, and the final studio album released during his lifetime. It was recorded from 1998 to 2000 at numerous studios and released on April 18, 2000, through DreamWorks Records. Preceded by the singles "Happiness" and "Son of Sam", Figure 8 was Smith's second release on a major label.

Figure 8
A man (Elliott Smith), rendered in black-and-white, stands in front of a wall with a white background and four big swirly lines of paint forming an 'S' shape behind him; the first two are black, the third is red, and the last is black. "Elliott Smith ••" and "Figure 8" are written in white text on the swirls to the left and right sides of the man, respectively.
Studio album by
Elliott Smith
ReleasedApril 18, 2000 (2000-04-18)
Recorded1998–1999
Studio
Genre
Length52:06
LabelDreamWorks
Producer
Elliott Smith chronology
XO
(1998) 		Figure 8
(2000) 		From a Basement on the Hill
(2004)
Singles from Figure 8
  1. "Happiness"
    Released: February 8, 2000
  2. "Son of Sam"
    Released: April 11, 2000

Background

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Figure 8 was recorded at Sunset Sound in Hollywood, Sonora Studios in Los Angeles, Capitol Studios in Hollywood and Abbey Road Studios in London.[1] Initially titled Place Pigalle, after the square in Paris, the title is thought to be taken from a song by Schoolhouse Rock!;[2] Smith covered this song, but it did not make the final track listing. Regarding the album's title, Smith said in a May 11, 2000, article in Boston Herald:

I liked the idea of a self-contained, endless pursuit of perfection. But I have a problem with perfection. I don't think perfection is very artful. But there's something I liked about the image of a skater going in this endless twisted circle that doesn't have any real endpoint. So the object is not to stop or arrive anywhere; it's just to make this thing as beautiful as they can.[3]

Smith described the songs on the album as "more fragmented and dreamlike".[4] The lyrics contain references to serial killer David Berkowitz, the Hindu deity Shiva, actor Bruno Schleinstein, the Hawthorne Bridge in Portland, and the comic book character Sgt. Rock. In interviews Smith asserted that his reference to Berkowitz was intended to be dreamlike or impressionistic.[5] A fan of filmmaker Werner Herzog and Schleinstein, Smith said in an interview with Revolver "How come we have no Bruno S. [in America]? How come he can be a film star in Europe, but over here everybody has to look like they were computer generated?"[6] Smith would again reference Hindu deities at two shows in 2003 when he appeared on stage with the words "Kali - The Destroyer" written on his arm.[7]

Cover photo

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The Figure 8 wall on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles

The wall Smith stands in front of in Autumn de Wilde's photograph on the cover of the album exists in Los Angeles, and since his death it has become a memorial to him. It is located at 4334 Sunset Boulevard, which is a store by the name of Solutions Audio-Video Repair, just east of the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fountain Avenue. It has at some stages been covered with written messages containing lyrics and personal messages to Smith, as well as displaying a stencil of Smith to mimic the photo on the album cover.[8] It is regularly graffiti-ed over, followed by regular restorations from fans.[9] In 2017, the wall was partially destroyed in the opening of a shop located inside the building the wall is a part of. Despite this, the area found on the album cover is still largely intact.[10]

Release

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The album's first single, "Happiness", was released on February 8, 2000. CMJ New Music Report wrote, "While the tune's production recalls the shimmer of XO, it possesses curiously upbeat energy atypical for Smith".[11] This was followed by the album's second and final single, "Son of Sam", on April 11. A music video was released for "Son of Sam", directed by Autumn de Wilde.[12]

Figure 8 was released on April 18, 2000.[13] It debuted at number 99 on the Billboard 200, selling 19,000 copies,[14] and stayed on the chart for 5 weeks.[15] It was Smith's highest-charting album in the US during his lifetime.

The Japanese release of this album included Smith's cover of The Beatles' song "Because" from the film American Beauty and "Figure 8", an abridged cover of a Schoolhouse Rock! song.[16]

The promotional CD for Figure 8 featured cover artwork by Mike Mills, director of Thumbsucker.[17] Smith contributed songs to the Thumbsucker soundtrack.

As of 2004, it has sold 185,000 copies in United States.[14]

The track "L.A." was included on the soundtrack for the 2009 game Guitar Hero 5.

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic81/100[18]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [19]
Entertainment WeeklyB−[20]
The Guardian     [21]
Los Angeles Times    [22]
Melody Maker     [23]
NME8/10[24]
Pitchfork6.9/10[25]
Q     [26]
Rolling Stone     [27]
Spin7/10[28]

Figure 8 was met with "universal acclaim" from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, Figure 8 has an average score of 81 based on 19 reviews. NME called it "Smith's best effort to date".[24] Spin wrote, "The record is not a disappointment, it's a progression."[18] The A.V. Club wrote, "Figure 8 is even better [than previous records], a strong collection of lush, densely arranged power-pop [...] and inimitably intimate ballads".[29] Pitchfork described the album musically as "muscular chamber-pop".[30] Tiny Mix Tapes stated the album "dabbled in Spiritualized-style neo-psychedelia".[31]

AllMusic was more critical, writing, "Even if it is a very impressive statement overall, Figure 8 isn't quite the masterpiece it wants to be".[19] Pitchfork, too, opined, "Figure 8, ultimately, isn't as good a record as XO or Either/Or, though the man's not out of the picture yet."[25] Trouser Press called it "a record that feels very different from its predecessors", describing its style as "brisk and busy, up front and confident, upbeat. While nothing here fails the consistent artistry of his work, neither does any of it make the direct connection to a soul and heart."[32]

Legacy

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In 2009, Pitchfork placed Figure 8 at number 190 on its list of the 200 greatest albums of the 2000s, noting, "Not quite as intimate as his earliest records and not quite brash and bombastic like its immediate predecessor, Figure 8 marks a subtle refinement of Smith's songwriting skills" and calling it "one of Smith's most accessible and enjoyable records".[33] Rolling Stone placed it at number 42 on their list of the 100 greatest albums of the decade, calling it Smith's "haunted high-water mark".[34] Figure 8 was ranked 86th on The Guardian's 100 Best Albums of the 21st Century list, based on a 2019 poll of music writers.[35] The album was also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.[36] Treble ranked the album at 56th in their "Top 100 Indie Rock albums of the '00s".[37]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Elliott Smith, except where noted

Figure 8 track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Son of Sam"3:04
2."Somebody That I Used to Know"2:09
3."Junk Bond Trader"3:49
4."Everything Reminds Me of Her"2:37
5."Everything Means Nothing to Me"2:24
6."L.A."3:14
7."In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach)"/"The Roost"4:32
8."Stupidity Tries"4:23
9."Easy Way Out"2:44
10."Wouldn't Mama Be Proud?"3:25
11."Color Bars"2:19
12."Happiness"/"The Gondola Man"5:04
13."Pretty Mary K"2:36
14."I Better Be Quiet Now"3:35
15."Can't Make a Sound"4:18
16."Bye"1:53
Deluxe edition bonus tracks[38]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
17."Figure 8"Bob Dorough1:31
18."A Living Will" 2:31
19."Son of Sam" (acoustic version) 3:05
20."I Can't Answer You Anymore" 2:43
21."Pretty Mary K" (alternate version) 2:54
22."Happiness" (acoustic version) 3:30
23."Because"Lennon–McCartney2:20

Personnel

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  • Elliott Smith – vocals (1–15), electric guitar (1, 3, 4, 6, 8–10, 12, 13–15), acoustic guitar (2, 4, 9–15), piano (1, 3, 5, 7, 11–13, 15, 16), bass guitar (1, 3, 6, 10, 12, 15), drums (1, 5, 6, 12, 13), Hammond organ (1, 7, 10, 12, 13), pump organ (7), Chamberlin (5, 8–10, 15), harpsichord (3), orchestra bells (3), shakers (11), marching bass drum (12), guitar loops (7, 12), "rolling bass drums" (15), string arrangement (3, 7, 8, 11, 15), production

Additional personnel

  • Sam Coomes – bass guitar ("Everything Means Nothing to Me", "In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach)", "Stupidity Tries", "Pretty Mary K")
  • Pete Thomas – drums ("Junk Bond Trader", "Wouldn't Mama Be Proud?", "Can't Make a Sound")
  • Joey Waronker – drums ("Stupidity Tries")
  • Jon Brion – backing vocals ("Happiness"/"The Gondola Man")
  • Suzie Katayama – string conduction and orchestration ("Junk Bond Trader", "In the Lost and Found (Honky Bach)", "Color Bars", "Can't Make a Sound")
  • Matt Dunkley – string conduction and orchestration ("Stupidity Tries")

Technical

  • Rob Schnapf – production
  • Tom Rothrock – production
  • Don C. Tyler – mastering
  • Paul Hicks – engineering assistance (Abbey Road Studios)
  • Charlie Paakkari – engineering assistance (Capitol Studios)
  • Dann Thompson – engineering assistance Capitol Studios)
  • Jimmy Hoyson – engineering assistance (Capitol Studios)
  • Steve Genewick – engineering assistance (Capitol Studios)
  • Anthony Arvizu – engineering assistance (Capitol Studios)
  • Richard Baron – engineering assistance (Sonora Studios)
  • Geoff Walcha – engineering assistance (Sunset Sound Recorders)
  • Monique Mizrahi – engineering assistance (Sunset Sound Recorders)
  • Autumn DeWilde – sleeve art direction, design and photography
  • Dale Smith – sleeve art direction and design

Charts

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Chart performance for Figure 8
Chart (2000) Peak
position
Australian Albums (ARIA)[39] 45
French Albums (SNEP)[40] 45
Irish Albums (IRMA)[41] 59
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[42] 29
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[43] 44
UK Albums (OCC)[44] 37
US Billboard 200[45] 99
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Greek Albums (IFPI)[46] 61

Certifications

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Certifications for Figure 8
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[47] Silver 60,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Further reading

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  • Nugent, Benjamin (2004). Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing. Da Capo Press. ISBN 0-306-81447-1.

References

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  1. ^ Figure 8 (Media notes). Elliott Smith. United States: DreamWorks. 2000. Retrieved June 21, 2013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ^ "Sweet Adeline | Figure 8". Sweet Adeline. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  3. ^ Rodman, Sarah (May 11, 2000). "Elliott Smith's 'Figure 8' Embodies His Endless Quest for Perfection". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved June 21, 2013. (subscription required)
  4. ^ Wohlfield, Carsten. "Luna Kafe E-Zine – Elliott Smith: The Hamburger Interview". Luna Kafé. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  5. ^ "Elliott Smith Interview Conducted by Adam Walton". adamwalton.co.uk. Archived from the original on January 25, 2009. Retrieved June 29, 2013.
  6. ^ Himmelsbach, Erik (Spring 2000). "Interview with Elliott Smith from Revolver issue 1". Revolver.
  7. ^ "January 2003". Sweet Adeline. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  8. ^ Fitzmaurice (August 12, 2011). "Elliott Smith Mural Updated for Smith's Birthday | News | Pitchfork". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  9. ^ Vanderslice, Heidi (February 29, 2008). "Elliott Smith Memorial Vandalized... Again | Music News | Etc | Tiny Mix Tapes". Tiny Mix Tapes. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  10. ^ Cooper, Leonie (February 1, 2017). "Elliott Smith's 'Figure 8' mural has been partially destroyed – but it's just a wall, right?". NME. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  11. ^ Jacks, Kelso (February 28, 2000). "Reviews". CMJ New Music Report: 26. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  12. ^ "Elliott Smith". CMJ New Music Report. April 3, 2000. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  13. ^ "Elliott Smith •• Figure 8 In Stores April 18th At College Radio Now!". CMJ New Music Report: 2. April 17, 2000. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  14. ^ a b "Rod Returns To No. 1 With 'Stardust'". Billboard. August 29, 2006. Archived from the original on August 29, 2006. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  15. ^ "Elliott Smith". Billboard. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
  16. ^ Figure 8 (Media notes). Elliott Smith. Japan: DreamWorks. 2000. Retrieved June 21, 2013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ^ Figure 8 (Media notes). Elliott Smith. United States: DreamWorks Records. 2000. Retrieved June 21, 2013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ^ a b "Reviews for Figure 8 by Elliott Smith". Metacritic. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  19. ^ a b Huey, Steve. "Figure 8 – Elliott Smith". AllMusic. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  20. ^ Browne, David (April 17, 2000). "Figure 8". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 10, 2000. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
  21. ^ "Elliott Smith: Figure 8 (DreamWorks)". The Guardian. April 14, 2000. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  22. ^ Hilburn, Robert (April 16, 2000). "He Skates Deftly on Thin Ice". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 23, 2013. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  23. ^ "Elliott Smith: Figure 8". Melody Maker: 48. April 18, 2000.
  24. ^ a b Dempster, Sarah (April 14, 2000). "Elliott Smith – Figure 8". NME. Archived from the original on June 1, 2000. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  25. ^ a b Schreiber, Ryan (March 31, 2000). "Elliott Smith: Figure 8". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  26. ^ O'Brien, Lucy (May 2000). "Elliott Smith: Figure 8". Q (164): 114. Archived from the original on December 4, 2000. Retrieved August 30, 2018.
  27. ^ Pareles, Jon (April 27, 2000). "Figure 8". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  28. ^ Clover, Joshua (May 2000). "Dream Weaver". Spin. 16 (5): 153–54. Retrieved April 9, 2016.
  29. ^ Thompson, Stephen (March 29, 2002). "Elliott Smith: Figure 8". The A.V. Club. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  30. ^ LeMay, Matt (May 9, 2007). "Elliott Smith: New Moon". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  31. ^ Ranta, Alan. "Music Review: Elliott Smith - From A Basement On The Hill". Tiny Mix Tapes. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  32. ^ Azerrad, Michael; Robbins, Ira. "Heatmiser". Trouser Press. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
  33. ^ "Staff Lists: The Top 200 Albums of the 2000s: 200–151 | Features |". Pitchfork. September 28, 2009. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  34. ^ "100 Best Albums of the 2000s: Elliott Smith, 'Figure 8' | Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 18, 2013.
  35. ^ "The 100 best albums of the 21st century". The Guardian. September 13, 2019. Retrieved September 18, 2019.
  36. ^ Robert Dimery; Michael Lydon (March 23, 2010). 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: Revised and Updated Edition. Universe. ISBN 978-0-7893-2074-2.
  37. ^ "Top 100 Indie Rock albums of the '00s". Treble. July 12, 2017. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
  38. ^ "Listen to rare Elliott Smith classics as deluxe album reissues mark his 50th birthday". NME. August 7, 2019. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  39. ^ "Australiancharts.com – Elliott Smith – Figure 8". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  40. ^ "Lescharts.com – Elliott Smith – Figure 8". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  41. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Elliott Smith". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  42. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Elliott Smith – Figure 8". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  43. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Elliott Smith – Figure 8". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  44. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  45. ^ "Elliott Smith Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  46. ^ "Official IFPI Charts – Top-75 Albums Sales Chart (Week: 31/2024)". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved August 7, 2024.
  47. ^ "British album certifications – Elliott Smith – Figure 8". British Phonographic Industry.
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