Maps of Music

Roman Candle (1994)

Where the lyrics of Roman Candle take you, and where it was really made.

Smith never meant to release this album: he expected only a deal for a 7-inch single, and the label asked for the whole record right away.

Place unknown

Do you know where this album was recorded, or where its cover was shot? Tell us and we will add it to the map.

Roman Candle: debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith
Recorded in late 1993 and released on July 14, 1994, by the record label Cavity Search
Released on CD and cassette on the same day
Smith was still a member of Heatmiser when the album was recorded and released

Recorded in the basement of the home of then-girlfriend and Heatmiser manager JJ Gonson
The album was never intended for release; Smith only expected to get a deal for a 7-inch single
After Gonson played the album for Cavity Search, the label immediately asked for permission to release it in its entirety
Smith at first hesitated, then gave permission

Raw, homemade sound, with Smith playing every instrument himself
Smith recorded the parts on his four-track recorder
He used a Shure SM57 and an inexpensive RadioShack dynamic microphone to capture the sound

Steven Paul Smith (August 6, 1969 – October 21, 2003), known as Elliott Smith, was an American musician and singer-songwriter.
Raised primarily in Texas; lived much of his life in Portland, Oregon, where he gained popularity in the 1990s.
Began playing piano at age nine and guitar at ten; at fourteen moved to Portland to live with his father.
Took the name "Elliott" after high school; graduated from Hampshire College in 1991 with a philosophy and political science degree.

Formed the band Heatmiser with classmate Neil Gust while at Hampshire College; the band performed in Portland from 1992.
Heatmiser released Dead Air (1993), Cop and Speeder (1994), and Mic City Sons (1996) before disbanding.

Began a solo career in 1994 with Roman Candle on Cavity Search Records, then released albums on Kill Rock Stars (Elliott Smith, Either/Or).
Signed with DreamWorks Records in 1998; released XO and Figure 8 (2000).
"Miss Misery", written for Good Will Hunting (1997), was nominated for the 1998 Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Known for a whispery vocal style, artful chord changes, and themes of addiction, depression, and alienation.
Died in 2003 from two stab wounds to the chest; From a Basement on the Hill was released posthumously in 2004.

The Rocket wrote that Smith conveys an all-too convincing anguish, noble, credible and alluring in its understatement
According to Benjamin Nugent's biography, the initial response was mixed, with some critics calling the album derivative of Simon & Garfunkel

BBC Music, in its retrospective review, said the album remains a searingly honest and decisive collection
BBC Music also called the album flawless as the genesis of exceptional talent, and heartbreakingly so
Consequence of Sound called the album far from a genius effort, but an important solo performance pointing toward Smith's strengths and weaknesses as a singer and songwriter
Pitchfork has described the album's musical style as lo-fi folk

Released on CD and cassette on July 14, 1994
First vinyl release in 1998 by Domino Records, UK only
Vinyl release in the United States followed in 2010
Reissued on April 6, 2010, by Kill Rock Stars, remastered by Larry Crane with the original mixes by Smith left intact

Cavity Search was the initial label, and Domino was the licensee for later releases
The album was recorded on a four-track in the basement in fall 1993
No Name #3 appears in the film Good Will Hunting
The 2010 reissue was remastered by Larry Crane, who reduced guitar squeaks and harsh consonant noises while keeping Smith's own mixes
The cover photograph was taken by JJ Gonson, and Neil Gust is credited for sleeve design and photography