Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing by Benjamin Nugent
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Book Reviews of Elliott Smith and the Big Nothing
Book Review: A decent first-timer
Summary: 4 Stars
I'd have read Benjamin Nugent's biography on Elliott Smith much sooner had it not been for the number of unfavorable reviews I'd stumbled across on the web. After having finally given it a go, I'm left wondering if I indeed read the same book as some of the other reviewers here. While it is true that new, ground-breaking information is limited in ELLIOTT SMITH AND THE BIG NOTHING, it seems that the author couldn't really have got hold on such material without being unethical in his research methods, as Smith's family didn't wish to speak with him. As it stands, Nugent deserves to be acknowledged for not having acted like an intruder, but instead used what he was provided with to best avail.
Having started out his musical career as part of the Heatmiser-group in the early 1990's, Elliott Smith quickly earned a reputation for being an extraordinary songwriter and composer after his debut as a solo performer. His soft, sensitive voice alone is sometimes enough to tempt tears out of me. It is always a risky task to compound a biography on someone whose work provokes forth such a strong emotional impact, as the reader is likely to take clumsiness or lacking insight from a biographer as personal as the subject itself would have done. This is totally understandable. However, what puzzles me with many of the opinions expressed on THE BIG NOTHING is that Benjamin Nugent, in my eyes, turned out to be far from a clumsy (or worse, sensationalistic) biographer. His main focus appears to be on Smith's music and working methods, as it should be, although the musician's personal life is covered as well, sometimes through a critical viewpoint but still balanced. I'm left with the impression that Smith really was a warm person who cared very much about others, but his personal problems eventually became too much of a burden to him. Among the people interviewed are a few childhood friends and girl-friends, as well as Heatmiser-members and the producer who worked with Smith on his last record A Basement From The Hill. Nugent also made several travels to the various places where Smith lived during his life.
Conclusively, if the star-rating system is to be taken seriously, THE BIG NOTHING probably deserves about 3 1/2 stars in my estimation. The book does not feel definite, and there might be some misquoted lyrics a few times, but it works as a good overview over Smith's life, written by a person who clearly shares the reader's admiration for his work.
Book Review: I have no complaints
Summary: 4 Stars
Benjamin Nugent should have gotten a critically acclaimed response for the work he did with this biography, but all he has really gotten are unfairly harsh criticisms from people and critics who clearly have not done their homework on the life on one Elliott Smith. The author does a phenomenal job of giving us history of Elliott Smiths musical growth, and was able to get input from some of the late artists closest friends. You get to know Elliott quite a bit as the author paints a picture of a man who not unlike Kurt Cobain, simply cared for people too much, and who could not deal with success. We cannot fault the author for what comes down to a lack of resources, he simply doesn't have a whole lot to work with besides an extensive musical history including all the released music
including Smith's earlier band Heatmiser, and stories told by Smiths close friends. As a huge fan of Elliott Smith, I would strongly recommmend this book to others who share my
love for the music of Elliott Smith, but if you are not an
Elliott Smith fan, this book is not for you. Thank You Benjamin Nugent, you have given us a real gem here.
Book Review: Not as bad as everyone says it is...
Summary: 4 Stars
I got this book a while back after becoming very involved with Elliott Smith and his music. After reading this, I cannot see how this book is as bad as everyone says it is. It gives a detailed look into Elliott Smith's life. Sure, it relies on interviews, etc., but nevertheless it does a good job of informing someone who may not know as much about him. Being as it is the only book about Elliott out there, us fans should be a bit more greatful.Book Review: Recepient loved it!
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this as a gift for someone who's a big Elliott Smith fan. He loved it! We couldn't find it in any bookstores. It's a great idea for someone who wants to know the background on the artist, etc.Book Review: Filling the Void
Summary: 3 Stars
I had purchased this book because of the fact I am a huge fan of Elliott. After I finished reading it I did feel a lot closer to understanding Smith as an artist and a person. Although at some points I felt there was too much unnecessary information that distracted the reader. I also felt as if it jumped back and forth too much between periods of Smith's life. Given the restricted resources Nugent had to work with, this book does the job of shedding light into the mysterious world surrounding Smith. The Big Nothing fills the void of literature on Smith and should be appreciated for what it is, the only book written on Smith to date.