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Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield, 'Somebody That I Used To Know'

Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield.
Crackerfarm
Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield.

The songs of Elliott Smith are widely revered — especially by those who came of age in the '90s — but a new generation of listeners is only beginning to discover him. Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliott Smith is likely to expose new fans to the great singer-songwriter. Smith released five albums in his lifetime and died in 2003 from two stab wounds to the chest; he'd left a suicide note. His songs, which often dealt with depression and desperation, were beautiful and frequently quiet.

This album, by Jessica Lea Mayfield and The Avett Brothers' Seth Avett, was made over a four-year period with great love for the man and his songs. The production is lean, the harmonies are beautiful, and the words and melodies are kept at the center of all 12 songs. Hear "Somebody That I Used To Know" here:

Seth Avett & Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliott Smith comes out March 17, and the two will embark on a short tour for a few weeks around that time.

Track Listing

1. Between The Bars

2. Baby Britain

3. Fond Farewell

4. Somebody That I Used To Know

5. Let's Get Lost

6. Twilight

7. Ballad Of Big Nothing

8. Angel In The Snow

9. Pitseleh

10. Angeles

11. Roman Candle

12. Memory Lane

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In 1988, a determined Bob Boilen started showing up on NPR's doorstep every day, looking for a way to contribute his skills in music and broadcasting to the network. His persistence paid off, and within a few weeks he was hired, on a temporary basis, to work for All Things Considered. Less than a year later, Boilen was directing the show and continued to do so for the next 18 years.