HomeElliott SmithRoman Candle
Roman Candle
Singer-Songwriter · 1994 · 9 tracks

Roman Candle

A raw, accidental masterpiece of four-track tape hiss and aggressive fingerpicking. Recorded in a basement, it sounds like a secret you weren't supposed to hear.

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Accidental debut

Tape hiss hums beneath acoustic strings scraped so hard they buzz. Recorded in a dark basement, these quiet, bruised songs feel like overhearing a secret whispered through a locked door.

Roman Candle · vs · Elliott Smith
Basement Show+3.3σ

The record leans heavily into a claustrophobic basement show atmosphere, transforming a cramped Portland cellar into a private, echoing stage where the listener feels like an accidental intruder.

Tracklist · 9 Tracks
01
Roman Candle
3:37
02
Condor Ave.
3:35
03
No Name #1
3:03
04
No Name #2
3:35
05
No Name #3
3:13
06
Drive All Over Town
2:37
07
No Name #4
2:30
08
Last Call
4:38
09
Kiwi Maddog 20/20
3:41
Moments Worth Waiting For
01Roman CandleThe title track opens with a relentless, snapping guitar rhythm that establishes a prickly, urgent mood distinct from typical folk music.
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Reviews
Critic Consensus

Critics were generally positive, if not unanimous.

The Rolling Stone Album Guide4/ 5 stars
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BBC Music
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NME6/ 10
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The Irish Times4/ 5 stars
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Sputnik Music
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American Songwriter4/ 5 stars
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recordcollectormag.com3/ 5 stars
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PopMatters
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Pitchfork7.8/ 10
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Consequence of Sound4/ 5 stars
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filtermagazine.com
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AllMusic4/ 5 stars
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