So? XO is just as much a pop album. That's pretty shit logic anyway.

well, due to your heated debate i will also be downloading the entire XO album as well as FABOTH and FIGURE 8. I will listen to them all as soon as possible so i can relay my feedback!

EDIT: LOL, i couldnt find the album entitled "FABOTH". it took me a while to realize that it was an acronym

Have fun.

But Figure 8 is much more of a upbeat pop album with songs like L.A. & Son of Sam.

Baby Britain is just as upbeat as Son of Sam and more upbeat than LA.

Let's compare
L.A.:
the gentleman's in the lane spinning his hat on a cane
stepping out, out for a change
good morning all, it's a beautiful day
the general's winning the war that seems suicidal before you came along
now i'll protect you as long as you'll stay
la morning had to come, i'd be walking in the sun
living in the day
but last night i was about to throw it all away
if patience started a band i'd be her biggest fan
look at me, i'm talking to you
i don't want the lead in your play
the star's just a part of the scene, the gentleman in green
paying off out on the street
i can't go home, it's not on my way
la things i've never done, cars parked in the sun
living in the day
but last night i was about to throw it all away
last night i was about to throw it all away


Baby Britain:
baby britain feels the best floating over a sea of vodka
separated from the rest
fights problems with bigger problems
sees the ocean fall and rise
counts the waves that somehow didn't hit her
water pouring from her eyes
alcoholic and very bitter
for someone half as smart you'd be a work of art
you put yourself apart
and i can't help until you start
we knocked another couple back
the dead soldiers lined up on the table
still prepared for an attack
they didn't know they'd been disabled
felt a wave a rush of blood
you won't be happy 'til the bottle's broken
and you're out swimming in the flood
you kept back you kept unspoken
for someone half as smart you'd be a work of art
you put yourself apart
and i can't help until you start
you got a look in your eye
when you're saying goodbye
like you wanna say hi
the light was on but it was dim
revolver's been turned over
and now it's ready once again
the radio was playing "crimson and clover"
london bridge is safe and sound
no matter what you keep repeating
nothing's gonna drag me down
to a death that's not worth cheating
for someone half as smart you'd be a work of art
you put yourself apart
and i can't help until you start
for someone half as smart you'd be a work of art
you put yourself apart

Upbeat has nothing to do with the lyrics, it has to do with the music.

well than L.A. hands down

I'm really late on this one but...
How is Bye any different than Ostriches & Chirping?

XO as a whole is much better than Figure 8. The music, the message.. everything. I still can't get over the feeling that Figure 8 is totally impersonal, and has nowhere near the amout of genius that Elliott has exhibited in prevous albums.

For me its..
Either/Or > XO > Elliott Smith > From A Basement > Figure 8 > Roman Candle

well i have officially listened to his self titled album and its pretty good. its very mellow for the most part. if pot wasnt illegal i would definitely toke up while listening to it.