Either/Or is Elliott Smith's third studio album, released on February 25, 1997. Widely considered a seminal work in his discography, it bridges the intimate lo-fi charm of his earlier albums with the more polished, orchestral sound of his later works. The album's title references Søren Kierkegaard’s philosophical text of the same name, reflecting themes of existential struggle and duality.
Musically, Either/Or combines Smith’s fingerpicked acoustic guitar, whispery vocals, and understated melodies with occasional flourishes of electric guitar, layered instrumentation, and subtle percussion. The production maintains a raw, home-recorded feel, which complements the album's introspective tone.
Lyrically, the record delves into themes of alienation, addiction, love, and self-doubt, encapsulating the melancholy and poetic lyricism for which Smith is known. Tracks like “Between the Bars,” “Angeles,” and “Say Yes” are among its most celebrated, showcasing his ability to craft emotionally resonant and hauntingly beautiful songs.
Either/Or earned critical acclaim upon its release and has since been hailed as a masterpiece of 1990s indie rock. Its enduring influence is evident in its role in shaping the sound of lo-fi and singer-songwriter music in the decades following its release.
Listen to the album on Spotify
Listen to the album on Apple Music
What did you think of this album? Send us a text!
Patreon
Website
Polyphonic Press Discord Server
Follow us on Instagram
Contact: polyphonicpressmusic@gmail.com
DISCLAIMER: Due to copyright restrictions, we are unable to play pieces of the songs we cover in these episodes. Playing clips of songs are unfortunately prohibitively expensive to obtain the proper licensing. We strongly encourage you to listen to the album along with us on your preferred format to enhance the listening experience.
Popular Podcasts
Cold Case Files: Miami
Joyce Sapp, 76; Bryan Herrera, 16; and Laurance Webb, 32—three Miami residents whose lives were stolen in brutal, unsolved homicides. Cold Case Files: Miami follows award‑winning radio host and City of Miami Police reserve officer Enrique Santos as he partners with the department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, determined family members, and the advocates who spend their lives fighting for justice for the victims who can no longer fight for themselves.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.