This existential title is reflective of Smith's interest in philosophy, which he studied at Hampshire College in Massachusetts. The album's title derives from the Søren Kierkegaard book of the same name, in which "either/or" refers to the contrast between aesthetic/subjective experience and ethical/objective being. Smith wrote and recorded a song entitled "Either/Or" during the sessions for this album, but it was not included on the final release however, the song was later included on New Moon, a posthumous compilation of previously unreleased material by Smith. The album was produced by Smith, Tom Rothrock and Rob Schnapf. Laundry Rules Recording and the Heatmiser House – all in Portland, Oregon – as well as The Shop in Arcata, California. In 2020, the album was ranked at 216 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.Įither/Or was recorded at several locations: Joanna Bolme's house Smith's own house Undercover, Inc. "Miss Misery" was nominated for Best Original Song at the 1998 Academy Awards, and was performed at the televised ceremony in an abridged version by Smith, backed by the house orchestra, briefly propelling him into the international spotlight.
Book-ended by its two singles, "Speed Trials" and "Ballad of Big Nothing", Either/Or did not chart in the US, but was acclaimed by critics.ĭirector Gus Van Sant was highly impressed with the album, incorporating three of its songs " Between the Bars", "Angeles" and " Say Yes" along with a new song, " Miss Misery", into the Good Will Hunting soundtrack.
Either/Or was released on February 25, 1997, on the Kill Rock Stars record label, following Heatmiser's dissolution. Either/Or was recorded in several locations, mostly in Portland, Oregon – while Smith was still a member of Heatmiser – and was produced by Smith, Tom Rothrock and Rob Schnapf. Either/Or is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith.
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