To: Elliott From: Portland

What a strange tribute album. Fifteen artists far less famous than their subject, Elliott Smith, craft overly reverent versions of his gorgeously dour tunes. But what’s the point? Most of the covers sound decent, but few reveal anything new or improve on Smith’s originals. And it’s not like the Decemberists or Crosstide will bring new attention to Smith’s work. This is a nice diversion for Smith diehards or Portland music archivists, but little more.