New Moon - Elliott Smith Compilation and Collection

In this review of New Moon, the double-CD compilation from Kill Rock Stars, the bottom line is simple: this is for listeners who want a deeper look at Elliott Smith's songwriting beyond his studio releases. Compiled from recordings made across his career, New Moon collects 24 songs including outtakes and rarities that reveal why many call him a uniquely gifted songwriter. For fans of intimate, melancholic indie folk and those curious about the creative process, this collection provides emotional depth and a broad view of material that might otherwise have remained scattered.

Key Features

• Extensive compilation: The release gathers 24 tracks spanning different recording periods, offering a wide look at Elliott Smith's unreleased and rare material.
• Emotional songwriting: The songs highlight Smith's melodic gift and confessional lyrics, delivering moments of quiet intensity that resonate long after listening.
• Outtakes and rarities: Fans get access to alternate takes and lesser-known songs that expand the narrative around his main albums and sessions.
• Two-disc format: The double CD layout separates sessions and moods across discs, making it easy to explore specific eras or return to standout tracks.
• Label presentation: Released by Kill Rock Stars, the compilation is framed as a respectful cataloging of work gathered after his final studio efforts.

Who It's For

New Moon is best for longtime Elliott Smith fans, collectors of indie and lo-fi recordings, and listeners who appreciate introspective songwriting and melancholic melodies. Those who follow Smith's solo albums will find the compilation fills in gaps with alternate versions and songs that illuminate his creative process.

Listeners seeking a single cohesive studio album or a highly polished, modern remaster may want to sample first, as parts of the compilation reflect the rougher, archival nature of outtakes and rarities rather than a uniform studio sheen.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Collects a substantial set of 24 tracks that deepens appreciation for Elliott Smith's songwriting.
• Includes emotionally powerful performances that highlight his melodic and lyrical strengths.
• Good value for collectors because it aggregates rare and unreleased material in one package.

Cons

• Compilation and remastering quality drew mixed reactions from some listeners who prefer more consistent audio finish.
• Listeners expecting only polished studio material may find the archival nature uneven in production.

Specifications

Our Verdict

New Moon is a valuable collection for fans and collectors who want a fuller picture of Elliott Smith's output; it gathers rare performances and emotional songwriting into a two-disc set that offers strong listening value despite some variable production. Those who prioritize a complete archival snapshot will find it worth owning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does New Moon include unreleased songs?
Yes, the compilation contains outtakes and rarities assembled into 24 tracks, including material not found on his main studio albums.

Who released this compilation?
New Moon was released by the Kill Rock Stars label as a double CD collection.

Is the sound quality consistent?
Quality varies across tracks since the set collects recordings from different sessions; some listeners note mixed remastering results while appreciating the songs themselves.