Elliott Smith "Christian Brothers" 9-2-00 Seattle (pro-shot)

[@mmgw2791]

The circularity of the chord progressions, and how they build up throughout the chorus, underscoring the desperate attempt to vent the anger, only to go back to the quieter, more brooding verses. The chorus bassline that builds up and then 'swings' back down, to below the 4th from where it started, almost as if saying something like "it's not going anywhere, I'm back where I started, maybe even worse off". The theme of 'bottling up' the emotions seen throughout Elliott's work. It's part of how I see this song, anyway. It's hauntingly brilliant and painfully beautiful to me.

[@bigbaldy6068]

💀

[@VigoAW]

Yes! I love how you think that after the hard drums it's gonna explode and then it becomes quieter, it's simple amazing and then climbing up to despair again. Totally addicted to it.

[@mithsterburgeth2749]

🤓

[@danieloralex]

@@nickhaverlock7837 come on man. Don’t be a dick! Lol

[@saikoupomp7293]

it's a cool way to look at it. anyways the guys below you are lame as hell.

[@rvic11]

I've always found these electric concerts interesting because he clearly has to use his chest voice to project over the band. Much different to the purely head voice he uses on his records.

[@rogermoses3785]

I've always been curious about this. If you watch his performance of this song from newbury comics in 1998, he hits a sound much closer to the record. It still sounds like his chest voice, but maybe I'm just not familiar enough with singing?

[@vikonja121]

Elliott doesn't sing in head voice. It's all chest voice, the difference is that on the records he sings much quieter and his voice sounds "airier" and thinner. Also towards the end of Elliott's career, his singing style started to change noticeably.

[@matthewsolina4920]

I really like his full voice. Rockin Elliot is cool.

[@rvic11]

@@vikonja121 Interesting. I don’t think that’s true but let’s agree to disagree :)

[@vikonja121]

@@rvic11 Well, in that case I'd just comment that the definition of the term "head voice" itself has no constistent defintion, so maybe the core of our disagreement really lies there. Either way, Elliott was a great singer and his vocal melodies were exceptional, no matter which "voice" he used ;)

[@Strizz484]

I love that he's playing the Heatmiser / electric version here. What an amazing song and performance

[@hazelhumor]

Thanks Elliott. No matter how shitty one day can be, you're always there.

[@danielchristopher4155]

My number one favorite song by Elliott Smith and in general. I really wish i had the chance know him or at least see him perform. Such an inspiring artist.

[@ariveronique]

every word sung oozes such emotion. such a powerful song. "don't be cross/this sick i want" is haunting. this is a man who makes every other musician seem soulless.

[@opheliajade1986]

Yes!!!! Great comment.

[@citroenian]

Condivido il tuo pensiero Hai colto l'essenza di Elliott

[@fan.noname.no5]

Can't agree more. I've come to the point where I only listen to elliott. It's a phase I hope will pass soon because I really like other musical styles, but I feel like there's some emotional element missing with most of the other artists I would listen to before I found him.

[@auditoryarmory]

You know what I just realized? A few years ago, before KZbin exploded, the first artist I ever searched on the then unknown KZbin was ELLIOTT SMITH. CHEERS!

[@bcgjimmy2]

Same my dude 💯

[@rocknroll555]

the guitar tone is really amazing here

[@rhill109]

This song haunts me.

[@lLostGems]

same

[@BrunoOliveira-cj7sh]

Yeah, I think I get what you mean.

[@b_n_z2929]

i love that it haunts me. theres no other song that does it like this one

[@collenderby]

This song is a butterfly fluttering through the room. Nothing haunting about it.

[@interragata]

@@collenderby check the lyrics bro 'nightmares become me it's so fucking clear' ...

[@thomasbates6433]

excellent performance, elliott. the drummer's damn good too

[@SimoDCmusic]

very good drummer indeed

[@alilavat]

Scott McPherson

[@Aulrin462]

This is one my favorite songs. The lyrics are so pissed and cynical with a hint of remorse for even opening up in the first place. That's what I get form it. I feel like that all the time. I've never seen this version. Its pretty awesome.

[@strangeclimate411]

the solo in this version is astounding. i wish that he had performed this version of christian brothers more often. how i miss you, elliott

[@MeiteU]

Wow, what a vibe, what an awesome driven groove. The drummer is really paying service to the song.

[@dabearsfan123]

I often watch this video as oppose to listen to the studio cut. I love the element the drummer adds to it, especially the big cymbals coming into the chorus. also im in love with elliotts voice live and the fact that you can tell from the intro his guitar isnt perfectly in tune. long live the genius.

[@leroyatleroys]

Is anyone else here just trying to see what chords he is using since all other KZbin covers seem to be doing crazy chords that aren't the same?

[@iLEE]

Exactly why I came back to this video. I have yet to find another person doing this song that sounds accurate to his version and I'm trying to figure it out. Dem voicings, bruh.

[@nancybabbage1169]

he plays it different in other videos as well, probably depends on his tuning

[@rogermoses3785]

Plays in Full Step Down. He uses a series of 9 chords and super unique voicings that involve muting specific strings, and leaving others open in order to double up pitches which gives his music that glowing quality. I find some really great tabs at smilingafconfusion . You can find this tab www.smilingatconfusion.com/?page_id=59

[@paulohenriquemoraes3490]

THIS

[@zachwalker9373]

I know, and in the video you can't see shit anyway.

[@ratboysgirl1013]

Probably my favorite song of all time by Elliott. This made it even more special. I miss 'em so much... ;_;

[@BonScottAC]

I listened to this song as I drove on the autobahn (German highway) no speed limits and then I stopped to sleep in my car next to a Belgian parked next to me. I'm just saying small world made big in my mind but irrelevant as I existed beyond this planet thanks to Elliott Smith.

[@dereksoundcloud]

damn! this version is fucking heavy. elliott never ceases to amaze me

[@RecklessZOMBIE16]

Come here by me, I want you here Nightmares become me, it's so fucking clear these lines just tear my heart to pieces every single time..

[@IamLiterallyRetarded]

"Come here, by me, I want you near" is the lyric to pay attention to. We can't isolate ourselves. We need the comfort of those we love and those that love us.

[@samegoat8133]

How can you understand that? He's talking only about his alcohol addiction in this song, Christan brothers is even a brandy. When he says "come here by me I want you here" he's referring to the addiction, that's why he says that nightmares becomes him- it's so fucking clear that it's not really living. Do you think that the loved ones are nightmares? :)

[@kitpalmer1583]

Eddie B he talked in interviews about how the songs on the second album were using addiction as a metaphor for other types of dependency and relationships. I think OP has more of a point than you realise.

[@Umil-25-01]

Same goat many addictions are fostered by a sense of loneliness. Go to any rehab center or any support meetings like NA, AA, and so fourth and you’ll constantly hear addicts in recovery discussing community and loneliness in the wake of them conquering their addictions. This song is particularly about Elliot using alcohol to stand up to his step father. He also references how in he became a reflection of the abusive people in his life as a kid. “No bad dream fuckers gonna boss me around, Christian brothers gonna take them down... then later “nightmares become me, it’s so fucking real”

[@konstantincvetanovic5357]

@@samegoat8133 well take a look at his name that explains everything

[@JackBz]

If you ask me, this is the definitive version.

[@freshjive2002]

Man, I would give up my 5 guitars just for one ticket to see Elliott Smith at concert. A course I would record the whole concert so I can post it up on KZbin. :P

[@scatterbrain92]

Such a powerful version of the song . In my opinion , this version has more vibe in it than the studio one . Long Live Elliott .

[@rmatic2295]

7 people are apparently unaware of what it's like to see a genius at work...

[@b_n_z2929]

its currently 12.. i dunno... 5 people not liking it over 4 years seems pretty good to me. Theres hope in humanity yet ;)

[@igorsanmartin7654]

I'm living in the worst time of my life, Elliott seems to be my only friends. R.I.P

[@Jonathan7H]

Hope your doing better mate! Checked some of the covers on your channel, fucking good stuff!

[@SKILER415]

I’m with u friend

[@JamesGrady2]

beautiful song. Loved the solo too actually - I usually think guitar solos are selfindulgent but that was breif and moving.

[@opheliajade1986]

Yes!!!!

[@Lupocide]

Circular tune of the highest order.

[@kieranobrien5983]

you see it in patterns too? i remember that interview when elliott said he sees chords as patterns, made perfect sense

[@calum1495]

I love how, at least in my perspective, the drummer occasionally looks up and his face is just that of a fan's really enjoying Elliott Smith's music

[@killatay2818]

I've been fortunate enough to see so many shows by so many great music makers. I'd give up at least 10 of them to have seen Elliott.

[@InertChief]

I love this song. More upbeat for elliott. I wish everyday that he was still alive.

[@Dutchy_JD87]

2024 whos with me 🎶🖤

[@Majora99]

One of my favourite Elliott Smith concerts, did loads of great acoustic tracks with an electric guitar.

[@ivcruxx9153]

I make my last beer take ten sips, so I can listen to ten of Elliot’s masterpieces.

[@robertmeklosk1277]

I wish there was an album of these electric versions

[@notmasongarcia7877]

There is

[@animemefreak74]

I wish he were still alive, we need more artists like him.

[@Capriccio01]

This makes me upset. Why did we lose such a talented and touching person so early? His music is perfection... It's a shame, really.

[@Werm44]

This song was in my dream last night. Had to listen.

[@DaMogai]

same here. i love qotsa, and their version has this nice, weird but awesome era vulgaris tone, but the original is just priceless. great work done by a great artist.

[@Jessepinkmansgrandmother]

I love him and his silly hat.

[@TheMonolake]

I dont want this song To ever end.

[@Rennfahrer555]

dude hes not messed up in this video at all!!!!!!! this performance is spot on. ive seen performances where he was clearly drunk on stage forgot lyrics/chords and couldnt finish songs.

[@kalecardenas9645]

yeah near the end he was very badly addicted

[@mglenwright09]

That ES 330 is so fucking boss. I want I want.

[@LucasHartwell]

@VincentPrice111 This song is about his addiction and someone close to him bringing people to him, trying to get him to quit. That is quite intelligent. His lyricism is incredible. No one comes close to his phrases and word schemes. In all reality, he wrote about his personal life and it was a hell of a ride for him you can not top that. He is one of the greatest song writers of all time.

[@SimoDCmusic]

this song is pure existential suffering. Gorgeous.

[@jonasreckons]

i agree with roundwounds, his voice is spectacular here. great version of this song

[@nickstephens3440]

so good i show everybody i can this song and this man's body of work r.i.p

[@qvinteror]

If it is possible. I would love to get the audio track as well... Sorry but I love Elliott and this is one of my favorite songs, in an amazing version. The sound quality is wonderful for a live version and drums are sick! Thanks

[@Stillillgal]

this song is so amazing

[@johnhwilliams]

In 1994 I was living in Portland OR. and everyone was talking about Elliot and I just thought it was a lot of undeserved hype........wow, I was wrong!!! Awesome song!!! Love you Eliot and I wish you were still around.

[@fertuiee]

oh my god! how amazing would that be? haha i can imagine him doing that, QOTSA do a fairly good version of this.

[@beardedswine]

it's about drinking and nightmares isn't it. he used to get bad nightmares and he thought getting drunk before bed helped them a little. christian brothers is a brand of alcohol

[@Dani92670]

Lmao. I am sitting here, marveling at this comment. Me all of this time - where have I heard Christian Bros. before? Gosh it sounds insanely familiar to me. I quit drinking 14 years ago but when I did glug glug, it was rarely wine since wine tended to knock me on my ass and give me rancid headaches from the blackest pits of hell. I had to rewind a few years further back - I saw C Bros most of the 70s and 80s in my parents kitchen. Funny how we bury things only to have a random stranger unknowingly and unintentionally dig these things up. KZbin - you are not what you once were and will never be again, but for just right now, you are A-OK in my book.

[@matthewsolina4920]

Christian Brothers Brandy. St Ides malt liquor. “I’ll fake it through the day with some help from Johnny Walker Red.” There’s a lot of references to booze in Elliots lyrics.

[@gamasz]

yeah man.. unique :( This is one of the most amazing elliott´s performances

[@carlovonsexron]

Just one of many examples of how Elliott was such an amazing guitarist. It's a shame he had to go when he did. If I could have seen him live I would've paid more than what I have to get front row.

[@zwfwrestling]

you should listen to the original version on elliott's record, which is acoustic. qotsa did a good job of "expanding" the song as elliott did here by making it full band.

[@JeremyB1993]

i've discovered Elliott Smith like, maybe, 10 or 15 days ago. And his music speaks to me in a certain way. Sometimes it makes me think of what Kurt Cobain could have done if he had go solo and release an album by his own: simple songs with great lyrics. Love'em both

[@jarrettthomas4865]

Jeremy Blatter check out John Frusciante solo work if you like this

[@kapone10zx]

questa canzone è fantastica...mi ricorda troppe cose, tutte...

[@alex-cooper]

Studio and live versions of songs are two completely different things. They can't even be compared.

[@stellarlove21]

I'm sorry- I'm probably wrong, but I was just going based on what a few people said, and just based on the fact that his singing changes when he's drunk. But honestly, I really can't say that for sure, especially cause you were there and I wasn't. The show was really good, though- I really liked the recording of him singing Brand New Game and songs off From A Basement.

[@jacksonfilm]

great electric version of an awesome songg

[@KillerOrAssassin97]

QOTSA cover takes this song to a new level of awesomeness

[@jimijimi1029]

Man, I so agree with this. Elliott's songs weren't meant to be completely understood. Most of them were too personal for that, but should that detract from the listener's experience? Hell no!

[@kapone10zx]

my favourite song ever

[@aJazzcat]

i was very surprised to learn there is a QOTSA cover of this song..

[@AmandaLaggan]

Thanks for sharing.

[@stellarlove21]

What do you mean, ornge123? His voice is amazing! Maybe it's a little "off" sometimes, but that's usually when he is actually on something, not sober.

[@tikalal]

Why does he pronounce so differently here? Anyhow, this is awesome...

[@JackBz]

This is so damn good.

[@bodoriemer]

my favourite elliot's song

[@bearjmu]

Elliott you are my musical kindred spirit.......

[@PubliusRutiliusLupus]

In this song it looks like a Vox AC-30, although I have seen him with Top Hat amps, which makes sense because I know they make some models that sound very similar to AC-30s.

[@PubliusRutiliusLupus]

ES 330. IIRC, Elliott used two: one tuned to an open tuning, and one to standard.

[@reybuhodepavimento9697]

Love Men u make me feel home

[@jpryan6594]

Genius on a whole other level.

[@BilisNegra]

@kurtisblow3000 Damn good, gifted one!!! Now you've made me picture it too much and wonder why it isn't so...

[@schaefersmann]

wow, perfect version of an great song...

[@attrib]

i don't understand why people say that the QOTSA version is better. it's a good cover but i think that nobody could do it better than Elliott because his voice somehow makes this song so strong and emotional that it's something magicial and that it's something that made Elliott so special (in his other work aswell).

[@iluvqotsaforever]

People don't argue and just listen!

[@MrCabycaby]

there's so much suppressed anger in that song

[@supernona]

lovely

[@Devilslittleimp]

Okay about the whole interpol thing, interpol as a band didn't even form till 97, Elliott Smiths self titled album came out in 95. Do the math.

[@MusclesfromB]

What a haunting song this is

[@MrCondorAvenue]

You will be forever missed Elliott!

[@edieeverette8026]

I may need to attend Alanon meetings just to deal with him...❤😊

[@timmyboy1970]

yo Elliott lovers! I've seen a couple of videos from this show. They're so so good. Is it available at all? Anywhere? I think I NEED it. haha.

[@marksist415]

The drummer starts the build up at -1:12 and then hits the Tom instead of the symbol. There’s a a palpable let down that Completely encapsulates that entire song. Saint smith.

[@TheMonolake]

We lost him We lost him... But the music plays on and on .........

[@aj2505]

Love

[@ramelow1970]

low-key, intimistic, magnetic, visionary, eclectic : elliott smith.

[@haterllnation]

No Problem. Yeh, I figured that was the outcome. However, it still gets under some fans' skin. It's just how it is. I concur with your statements; I understand the other side as well. As for your question, Yes. The video was recent (my guess is probably 2007 since the "Sick, Sick, Sick" import album by them was released then). Elliott Smith has been gone since October of 2003. If you haven't checked the video out, it's actually under "Related Videos" to the right.

[@joytoy322]

im just saying. to that kid, who doesnt know what hes talking about cause i know alot about elliott smith. and for another reply im guessing hes talking about happiness when he didnt forget the chords he messed up and finished the song just singing wich was amazing

[@TheClique86]

Pretty confident this song was written well before Elliott even had a major deal

[@gusonegusone]

Don't go the same way. Seek help. A crying shame to lose such a talent. Reach out. It's just a phase you got to get through. Noone said it would be easy. Fight.

[@evanopq]

In the QOTSA version, Homme misses and mutes a couple notes here and there.

[@LobeWan]

in love with the "S/T"? what the hell does that mean.

[@roscoron1493]

i wish Elliot Smith was stil here

[@bcgjimmy2]

Imagine if Elliott and Kurt Cobain wrote together. That shit would take over the world.

[@ceebee491]

Dude, I have had that very same thought.

[@jimiwhat79]

Has this been recorded on a record I'd like to have it.....

[@idontlikethings5911]

Rob HE sel titled

[@thebelgiangamer200]

Search for Christian brothers by heatmiser

[@oalaiimltm]

twice . . .

[@rocknroll555]

this is relle good i like the qotsa version alot to

[@arexthetrex]

is there a way you can give me the audio to this? cause i really love this song live :)

[@Shroomy801]

Elliott was so skilled. I wish I could be reincarnated as a prime Elliott Smith after this life.