Heatmiser, Mic City Sons

I was never too interested in listening to “Elliott Smith’s band before he was Elliott Smith” (with all apologies to those hailing from Quasi and No. 2). One day, I came across the album, and decided to finally give a listen.
On first listen, good stuff- not a full classic-type album, but definitely worth adding & rating to your collection. If I had to choose a way to listen/learn/love Elliott, here’s how I would proceed:

• XO (the casual fan can stop here- if you don’t love this album, don’t bother continuing- something is wrong with you)
• Good Will Hunting soundtrack or Figure 8 (GWH helps to summarize his early work, while Figure 8 was good in showing Elliott’s love of the Beatles, imo)
• Mic City Sons, Recent 2cd of unfinished work
• self titled
• Etcetera (not to say his other work is weak, it just doesn’t resonate for me as much)