Elliot Smith: A

Every once in awhile, you receive one of those perfect gifts that you didn't even know you wanted. Such is Elliot Smith's new release. Almost 3 1/2 years after passing away, he has left us the gift of New Moon, a double-disc collection of mostly unreleased songs that reminds us why we were ever Elliot Smith fans in the first place.\nIt's been awhile since I've sat down and listened to an album straight through after its purchase, but following the first chords of "Angel in the Snow," the first song of disc one, I was hooked. As Smith hangs onto the opening seventh chord, I felt readmitted to a familiar place, each change reflecting his innermost demons, desires, successes and failures.\nSullen, beautiful and personal, New Moon is not only a breath of fresh air for existing fans but also one of Smith's most accessible and enjoyable compilations. First-time listeners have just as much, if not more, to gain from this collection, so I strongly encourage all to give a listen. You won't be disappointed.