Shannon Hoon left this world on today’s date, as did Elliott Smith. Hoon died from a cocaine overdose on his tour bus in 1995. Elliott Smith died in more bizarre circumstances in 2003: the official story is that he committed suicide by stabbing himself in the chest twice, leaving an apology note for his girlfriend on a Post-It note, although people have expressed doubt about why someone would choose to end their life in such a grizzly manor.
Both were brilliant, unique artists. Hoon was a stream-of-consciousness hippie poet. Smith was more like a rock composer, who meticulously crafted his ideas until his songs were perfect. But as different as they are, both made invaluable contributions to rock history. And we still have their art to move us.
Audio Reckoning 