If you ever wondered what a Beck-produced Elliott Smith song would have sounded like, "Dear Life" is the long-awaited answer. The new single from Beck's upcoming album "Colors" features jangly barroom piano and a demanding, melodic vocal. The result has echoes of many Smith songs. We're personally hearing a bit of "Junk Bond Trader" and "Happiness," both from Smith's "Figure 8," the last album he finished during his lifetime.
The connection between the two songwriters was evident. Although they never worked together, it was a rumored goal. Beck played three songs at a tribute concert for Smith shortly after his probable suicide; he said during his performance, "The good thing about [Smith's] songs is they're so well made, they're so crafted and meticulous, they can weather even the most feeble rendition." (MTV).
The stylistic similarity leads us to further puzzle over the "Dear Life" lyrics. It begins: "You sang your swan song to the dogs / 'Cause they made mincemeat of the dreams you hung your hopes on." It's hard not to interpret this, in this context, as an ode to a songwriter who was overwhelmed by the system he struggled to live within. Despite the dark narrative, "Dear Life" is upbeat, as the song's narrator optimistically fights against a similar fate: "Dear life, I'm holding on / How long must I wait / Before the thrill is gone."
Have we jumped to conclusions? Listen for yourself and let us know what you think. Here are videos from "Dear Life," as well as Elliott Smith's "Junk Bond Trader" and Beck's cover of Elliott Smith's "Alameda."
