I remember hearing the haunting song “Needle in the Hay” in the film Royal Tennenbaums and getting goosebumps. That was such a perfect choice for the scene when Luke Wilson slits his own wrists. One has to wonder if Elliot Smith killed himself via self inflicted knife wounds to the chest just to one up Kurt Cobain. Their deaths also share the girlfriend could have done it conspiracy nut angle…although I have to say in Elliot’s case that might hold more water, I mean stabbing yourself in the chest is a pretty bizarre way to kill yourself? This still is my favorite song of his (there are many other contenders), and if you are not familiar with him i’d suggest you check out any of his early albums on the Kill Rock Stars label. His posthumous release didn’t really do much for me, it seemed unfinished, and unfortunately it probably was.

Needle in the Hay Live-

Needle in the Hay (Great scene from Royal Tennenbaums)-

Smoking Gun- Report on the mysteries of the Smith Suicide