Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield - Fond Farewell (Live on KEXP)

KEXP.ORG presents Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield performing Elliott Smith's "Fond Farewell" live in the KEXP studio. Recorded March 26th, 2015.
Host: Cheryl Waters
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Shelly Corbett & Scott Holpainen
Editor: Scott Holpainen
kexp.org

[@shiftyeyedarab]

This cover is beautiful. At first I was a little dubious because it felt like a weirdly casual take on one of the weightiest songs I know, but I am CAPTIVATED by Jessica's voice and can't stop listening to it now!

[@tomfletcher1735]

1000% me too

[@louisewilks6885]

Absolutely. She brings her own depth of emotion. Beautiful in its own right.

[@McTristanater]

It’s like you read my mind but only six years ago

[@HiGlowie]

Absolutely gorgeous track.

[@4LLT0G3TH3R]

Jessica definitely knows and feels the depth of this

[@bridgetd6805]

God, her voice is beautiful

[@samlsmithmusic]

The deadpan-ness is so weirdly moving. There's a sweet optimism to it that makes the song even more devastating than the original. A+ cover.

[@knuckle12356]

It feels to me like they picked their favorite isolated vocal track/harmony of Elliott's many-layered studio lead vocals, then just ran with it. If you sang counter to this with a high harmony, I think it would sound MUCH more like the original. It's just kinda rough to pick out not the standard root melody, but instead... do what they did. ★★I have NO musical theory background. Like at all. So correct away guys. 😊 I'm always down to learn! ~~~~~~~~~~~ Note: So it's 5 years later. So what, right? I didn't _wait_ 5 years to reply..! Anyway, peace and monkey grease.

[@GiantSpaceRock]

Elliott sang Hank Williams. He would have loved this cover. People hating on this cover: study harder.

[@harrythompson9315]

He used to wear a shirt that said If It Ain't Country it ain't music

[@juanskater1475]

ur a man of culture

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

He wore a Hank Jr. Bocephus shirt all the time.

[@johnarose2837]

I don’t think Elliot smith, having perused thru his interviews, would have said or cared one way or the other

[@ceedee857]

if they can’t hear all the county progressions he does they don’t know shit in the first place

[@angelablackthorne3026]

I absolutely love to hear an Elliott Smith cover, because his songs are so fantastic and when other artists play them it brings people to his music and keeps it alive. I'm never going to see him sing them live again, but I can hear someone living play them and remember. "I'm never gonna know you now, but I'm gonna love you anyhow"

[@lillyandruben]

Actually since listening to this a couple of days ago cannot get it out of my head which is a good thing

[@jacklaverty7615]

listening again and again this is so good, love Jessica's voice when she goes up high note at end of chorus, savage stuff!

[@SweetBerryWine3000]

This is one of the best, and most beautiful, covers of any song. I imagine that Elliot would have loved it. ❤️

[@tstrouserino]

This is my favorite song on this great album. I miss Elliott Smith. And I loved that these guys did their show with a kitchen set. I just think the whole thing makes me feel sad and good.

[@rachelrohde7549]

+Tom Strouse I'm with you

[@matthewleger5605]

woooow this is a fantastic cover. i love their take on the song -- the resigned vocals hold true to the original but this version is elegiac, like they're recognizing elliott's pain, acknowledging they can relate -- but only to an extent -- and they're just thankful for all he's created. fantastic.

[@nygl]

I love this song and her interpretation of it (as well as her voice of course) !!! Love love love...

[@johnnymattingly7268]

Beautiful cover. Ex Heroin users react very negatively to songs they connect with the feelings they had while using. Ball and chain is another cover you'd get flack for trying. For those of us who havent gone to those depths of substance and human experience this is as good as it gets. To me the world is more beautiful when it isn't dulled by comparison.

[@darcykvlogs9522]

I'm happy. They did a great cover and I'm sure more people knows about the existence of Elliott because of them :D

[@TheTfast72]

I LOVE the record of Elliott covers these two did! Can't listen to it all the time though cause it bums me out! ;)

[@oliveangekms]

This is the only Elliott smith cover I like and I’ve listened to most. Rip legend what a nice tribute

[@JonShade-fy2gm]

I always feel sort of protective in terms of covers of his ❤️but listening to some have really given me even more of an appreciation (if that’s at all possible) of just how incredibly genius he was. Have you ever heard Mikaela Davis & Johnathan Carpp? If not definitely check them out. Their covers are really, really beautiful.

[@billyclarke3676]

Loving everything about this

[@Rob1964b]

Keeping the songs alive.

[@brianvanderveen9536]

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

[@thos313]

Love this cover!

[@wlee6685]

This was a good song by an artist who should have been more recognized for his talent. Just found this and you did a great job. Not too surprised though as I think Jessica is also a very talented artist that should be more recognized for her tremendous talent and songwriting. Please don't disappear on us too Jessica.

[@beefhouse9229]

Very beautiful cover

[@boonesboroughbeachboy9341]

Y'all sound awesome on this Elliott song.

[@darkijusATACKER]

Love this song

[@James-ke4gq]

Sometimes I believe all things are truly connected. I had the Howard stern show in my ears everyday throughout high school and ever since to deal with anxiety. I got heavily into Elliott smith somewhere in college. I haven’t seen this episode of crashing everyone’s taking about, but the fact that there’s been a connection to the deep sadness of that dudes life to the music of Elliott smith makes me think we’re all sharing the same brand of sadness Rip Elliott

[@ChristopherNeill]

Jessica - I've been following your story, I think you are incredibly brave and resilient. I met you at the Swedish American Hall, and you were very gracious. You helped hip me to the Avett Brothers and Emily Keener, who are also awesome. I hope the best for you! You're great!

[@dominicvega9267]

I love this.

[@jacksonoberhauser4322]

one of the best elliott covers, its hard to cover his songs and hit the perfect note but they did, cheers. xo

[@adamhall2256]

Beautiful Lyrics. Maybe only people who have lost, or even been there themselves can appreciate this . I love to play and write music, and am always searching for something that speaks to me. 9 times out of 10 the music and composition are what I am attracted to, but you have composed a perfectly beautiful song.

[@fondfarewell2]

They didn't compose this song its Elliott's song

[@stardanced3025]

***** Listen to the original, it's incredible.

[@aiyanash8027]

It's actually about his last time using heroin, or at least what he says is his last, maybe in an attempt to overdose. Sorry if I ruined this song but you should go and listen to the original.

[@T-Rex642]

I really liked this

[@marishnosh]

Awesome sauce!!

[@contactkeithstack]

beautifully done

[@buckbock]

No. This is hot garbage. This whole project is shit and shouldn't exist.

[@buckbock]

+scott taylor *You're

[@scubasterve5999]

buckbock fuckin a, bro. It sounds comical.

[@FungusMossGnosis]

Smith bros, don't cape for a ghost, it's pathetic. He probably wouldn't agree with your sour opinion anyway.

[@ewancoulbeck]

She has a lovely voice

[@earthmuzic1]

beautiful performance jessica

[@alexandersmith3758]

Nice one and original, i like the way this cover sounds!

[@AntonSlavik]

If this doesn't save Artie, I hope that it at least helps a few people. Battling on the cusp of alcoholism here and I think I'm winning, only thanks to a good support network around me. Such a beautiful and fitting Elliot Smith cover. If it helps anyone out there, it doesn't matter who you are, you can fall pray to some kind of addiction and be destroyed by it. Don't take it personally. Have strength

[@alwynsam5349]

Artie ? Lange ?

[@epicphail2926]

@@alwynsam5349 yeah on the HBO show, Crashing.

[@alwynsam5349]

@@epicphail2926 I know abt Artie, man...listened to him on Stern for years...just wasn't sure who the OP was talking abt :)

[@Tinman1479]

I love the head nod Seth does at the end

[@mikeleahy573]

Gorgeous. We miss ye, Elliott.

[@DSPsWifesBf]

Well done!

[@dy654321]

Crashing

[@larryslivstein5057]

George Michael Bluth That episode fucked me up last night. Can't stop listening now

[@TylerHardie]

samesies

[@development_arrested]

the singer is an alpaca

[@giuliorasi]

Artie

[@kristoglobe0]

Thank you.

[@MarceloNeo7]

the best version

[@dookstainz795]

i cant believe all the negatives. huge elliott fan...have been for ten years or so, but that doesnt even matter. I actually like this version better. My best friend died last week, and the slightly optimistic tone of her voice brings me comfort. I agree, it's a downer. I love X.O / Either Or / Figure 8, but they really did this one justice. Beautiful harmonies.

[@perfectoid8376]

i strongly disagree with you. yes she covered it good but it's not nowhere close to the original.

[@louieo.blevinsmusic4197]

@@perfectoid8376 At all. Prob just in the moment. Never heard someone do an Elliott Smith song better than himself.

[@animalrevenge1058]

Very good cover

[@francescopinto3317]

fantastic

[@aXisofmusic]

Beauty!

[@TELEthruVOXx]

so goood

[@marybethb.7781]

Soooooo good

[@Nyco_lee]

i love Elliott! R.I.P.

[@stardanced3025]

This is one of the best songs ever created by Elliott Smith. But, I dunno, not to be crass, but it creeps me out to hear the song sung as a cover, especially so cheerfully, because this song was essentially his suicide note. I dunno. I can only listen to his version, and it always tears me up inside. He was a beautiful person.

[@tmk8807trig]

Star Danced it's okay to remember sad artists in a happy way though. I like the happier tone because to me it's a celebration of a brilliant artist. This cover still captures the melancholy of the song, but more uplifting.

[@ianmattl]

It wasn’t his suicide note. The song is about quitting heroin. Hence lyrics like, “Veins full of disappearing ink”.

[@wilhelmvg9978]

complete opposite of his suicide note... it's about bettering one's self and saying goodbye to the "friend" that is the version of yourself that you want to leave behind

[@matrixsurvivor3216]

He was just ok

[@FungusMossGnosis]

It's nice to hear it sung clearly and respectfully. Makes me appreciate the person who created it more, and everything the sentiments represent. It's a great cover. Wish there were more interpretations that worked as well.

[@jenniferdibuono]

Such an honest homage to Artie on Crashing. Hope you can beat your demons, Artie. We are rooting for you. We don't want to have to sing you a fond farewell too soon.

[@epicphail2926]

Amen brother

[@ernestojustiniano3941]

Que bonita es tu musica

[@janulrichfalkspenster4994]

I liked it.

[@kevinpeat3721]

Great !

[@danacopp2479]

Elllliiioooottttttttttttttt!!!!!

[@FungusMossGnosis]

Here's the problem when people sanctify originals too much: then everything "pales in comparison", because you're not really hearing it, you're only hearing what it's not. It's sad that people refuse to let themselves experience how good some interpretations are, as this one. Maybe it's like being addicted to melancholia, which is understandable. But you're not really respecting the original by doing that. Art is not meant to be locked in an attic forever unchanging. It's a continuum, ever open to reinterpretation.

[@bentolleson2585]

Covers are fine & good. Originals need to be respected as well. Listen to the lyrics. A good song isn't easy to write.

[@bentolleson2585]

This is good, but you seem to forget they couldn't write a song like this.

[@rickdeckard7549]

Ben Tolleson ...no they write fine songs in their right...get over it...and open your ears a bit...I love ES...but JLM and SA are both very talented, albeit apparently less tortured artists...if its not your bag then fine...many covers or collaborations don’t work for folks IF its one of their favorite artists...I think by any reasonable stretch this one does...if you’re unfamiliar with either of these folks then go out and explore their individual stuff...perhaps, you might find something in your sonic wheelhouse...

[@joeytornambe4246]

Thank God for people like you

[@Zeda1002]

Otherwise I really like this version.

[@IAmFJ1]

Well done

[@Mich43lJH]

energy can not me destroyed

[@sturdychinfilms]

I can't believe how incredible this cover is. Covering Elliott Smith is a good way to fail. I know, because I do it at my shows. It's really just for me and people do like when to hear an Elliott song out when they aren't expecting it, but you're not gonna "All Along The Watchtower", a Smith tune. I've got a feeling , and this is sorta on some joo joo shit, but Elliott Smith spent the first half of his life in Dalla; the swing and twang along with the classic country style harmonies might be bread from the same sensibility as Elliott's writing. The styles lend themselves to each other well.

[@GiantSpaceRock]

Someone here gets it. Thanks.

[@KellerCRD]

Crashing brought me here

[@bobskeetes]

i was eager to hear this and it lacks the desperation

[@zlschwar]

Natalie Catherine agreed

[@elegy5354]

Natalie Catherine I read this (or similar) comments on tons of Elliott Smith covers. I think this is more indifferent than desperate, but everyone's "desperation" is different. Sometimes indifference is someone's personal experience with desperation. I feel the "desperation" in this cover, though it's definitely not the same as Elliott Smith's. I don't think anyone can really match Elliott Smith's personal projection of desperation, in the sense you're speaking of.

[@lillyandruben]

Natalie Catherine sorry totally disagree I think they did a very good rendition

[@aarona764]

Yea you can't match Elliott smith's intensity unless you're going through that hell of addiction

[@aarona764]

I don't think they understand its a song about relapse and addiction- they do play it a little too happy.

[@ricardopalomino8329]

Damn you arty!!!

[@pincheneo]

crashing! get better artie!

[@TheFontaines]

my thoughts exactly - as soon as it ended i looked up this cover

[@newt7455]

can I get a chord sheet for this anyone? thanks.

[@deathkampdrone]

Really nice cover. I like their country twang vocals. Really cute version. Not that easy covering Elliott, if I may say...

[@misterbuttersworth9904]

Seth Avett said he didn’t want to try and sound like Elliott be the nobody could and it would come off like crap...he wanted to cover it in their own way with total respect for Elliott

[@birdiedog5]

Why is the original artist not credited anywhere on these tracks? ELLIOTT SMITH. Please dont just drop his name from his work like that.

[@brionnachantel5416]

i wanna die to this song

[@ricardopalomino8329]

Better than the original

[@mexicanfrusciante]

longshot but, anyone know what mics they're using for vocals?

[@kilokilo89]

[@brunoramos6480]

The litebrite's now black and white Cause you took apart a picture that wasn't right Pitch burning on a shining sheet The only maker that you'd want to meet The dying man in a living room Who's shadow paces the floor Who'll take you out in the open door This is not my life It's just a fond farewell to a friend It's not what I'm like It's just a fond farewell to a friend Who couldn't get things right Fond farewell to a friend He said really I just want to dance Good and evil matched perfect it's a great romance I can deal with some physic pain If it'll slow down my higher brain Veins full of disappearing ink Vomiting in the kitchen sink Disconnecting from the missing link This is not my life It's just a fond farewell to a friend It's not what I'm like It's just a fond farewell to a friend Who couldn't get things right Fond farewell to a friend I see you're leaving me and taking up with the enemy The cold comfort of the in between A little less than a human being A little less than a happy high A little less than a suicide The only things that you really tried This is not my life It's just a fond farewell to a friend It's not what I'm like It's just a fond farewell to a friend Who couldn't get things right Fond farewell to a friend This is not my life It's just a fond farewell to a friend

[@villapinstriping]

"Veins full of disappearing ink"

[@auxide9623]

It’s a fond farewell to Artie’s nose...

[@mexicanfrusciante]

anyone know what mic that is on the vocals?

[@mikeymadnez]

RadioShack

[@balajisrikanthan116]

Like this version better than the original

[@mexicanfrusciante]

119,00 views are from me

[@GradenLysek]

Anyone know the little luck seth does?

[@patrickworking3065]

so fucking tragic... amazing cover

[@ocampobianca]

frank brought me here

[@elmobrother]

Negative comment, top comment. Great...

[@_Peej]

Is her friend her eyebrows?

[@RandyNewmanFan]

Nobody who hasn't done heroin can understand this song. this includes mr avett who likes the sound of the song but doesn't understand what the words mean

[@jlansdale536]

They have never done heroin.

[@MUNKSTUBEJIGS]

Have you?

[@gracemarie8468]

Some of these comments are ridiculous. "It lacks desperation." "They don't know what this song is about." "Too cheery." This sounds like more of a real song to me than Elliot's version. These mundane, lifeless, indifferent vocals- this is what addiction sounds like. And guess what? My addiction probably sounded different than your addiction.

[@7bean3]

good?

[@georgeb9783]

Lebron James for MVP

[@Zepster77]

Lusterless

[@bowiemars1]

elliott smith = yamaha fg-180, an inexpensive guitar

[@wither8]

those nippon gakki's (the red label (not johnnie walker) that elliott had) run a shitton of money, they're like collectors items now. youd be lucky if you can find one without a neck warp for less than a new martin d15

[@bowiemars1]

man, en la epoca de los 70s no tenian un elevadisimo precio, solo hacia la comparación de como esta chica hace un cover con una martin que vale muchisimo mas dinero al tiempo de hoy

[@realexkav]

I got a FG 160E for 200 € on ebay :p

[@dawn906]

How fucking dear you to slaughter him like this?

[@carlosfuller2194]

Only Seth > Jessica

[@alejorag]

I really really wanted to like this, but it just completely fails at portraying the song's feeling, it sounds unbelievably empty.

[@ianmattl]

Adeon A I think it's the chick. She's singing it like some folky children's song.

[@alejorag]

onemorebrando You're right, whatever brings people to get into Elliott Smith is fine with me, he's one of those artists I really like to share.

[@markwilliams7054]

this sucks!

[@generichombre6976]

I think the guy ruined it. I liked the lyrics though

[@xsamuraibear947]

nah because they give it the alternating bass notes, they did a relaxed version of it because of the instruments involved, much easier to play with 2 standard tuned guitars with a capo on 3. the only thing is they didnt have the IV become IVm on the last chord progression in the end of the song. but if you hear the end of the chorus, the guy does some nice guitar fills for one guitar, adds a little harmony to the line that was implied in the chords

[@evanmcdonnal]

Only thing I can appreciate about this album is that they appreciated Elliott Smith enough to make it. Not sure why they did though considering they can't actually play any of the songs half decently... Like they removed half the notes from the melody of this one, didn't play the lead parts at all even though they got two guitarists on stage, and in general (throughout the album) replaced Elliott's expertly nuanced guitar playing with parts a beginner could learn.

[@eroslivieratos272]

I won't argue the skill or intent of the performers but all of their Elliott Smith covers, including this one, have felt flat, uninspired, and phoned-in. This one being the best one thus far and I'd credit the song's structure and lyrics to it rather than anything they did. I'm all for covers, it's usually really lovely to see contemporary performers tackle the greats but I can't help but wish another group of musicians were doing this as opposed to Avett and Mayfield.

[@Rob_132]

I often wondered if Elliot Smith would have been better off to write his phenomenal songs for other musicians to perform. He just seemed very uncomfortable on stage.

[@coreychadwick2324]

wanted to like it...but it's bland doesn't portray the song right and simplifying the sound like this doesn't help

[@Stevo79er]

It’s nice to see these songs played but there’s a lifelessness to the vocals. Like a version sung by Zoey Deschanel.

[@blueroslyn298]

Yuck

[@corruptsoul7867]

damn.. try to fix those flat notes

[@Jeffrev]

It is not that the cover is bad, is actually beautiful, but im kinda tired of that voice tone on every girl covering a song, nice cover!

[@beedubs100]

You don't bounce or dance to this song or change the key and octave. This isn't a song for Nashville. Show the man some respect. KEXP you let me down on this one.

[@MakeAmericaLiftAgain]

Sorry but this is not done very well.

[@sparrowbreed]

God I hated for a minute and 27 seconds today. That was horrible. Its like you took the art out if it and just preformed the mechanics. And somehow made it even worse

[@buckbock]

Thank you. This guy gets it.

[@FungusMossGnosis]

Get a room, you miserable sods. I'd bet anything Elliott would have loved it. Making the lyrics intelligible and brighter-sounding does not strip it of its soul, it elevates it.

[@williamreed3588]

this might be the worst cover i have ever heard. im a little insulted tbo

[@ifyouarefeelingsinister]

William Reed you came here just dying to be insulted didn’t you? Congrats