Vinyl LP Reissue Remastered by Roger Seibel (SAE) and Larry Crane, Editor of Tape Op Magazine and Archivist for Elliott Smith's Family!

Roman Candle, the first studio release from Elliott Smith, is a record steeped in catharsis. Written, recorded, and performed by Smith alone, Roman Candle served as a functional retreat from Smith's musical outings in his post-punk outfit Heatmiser, while simultaneously reintroducing him as a quieter, more intimate thoughtful songwriter. Despite not initially intending for its release, Roman Candle became Smith's debut as a solo artist, providing the backdrop for his reputation as the mysterious folk introvert from the Northwest. Kill Rock Stars is proud to re-issue Roman Candle, originally released on Portland's Cavity Search Records in 1994. Remastered by Roger Seibel (SAE) and Larry Crane, editor of Tape Op Magazine and archivist for Elliott's family, preserving Smith's original mixes, achieving greater clarity while retaining the album's signature sound.

Roman Candle had quite an impact on Slim Moon, Kill Rock Stars' founder: "In 1994, I had been asked to be on this five-person solo-act tour called Pop Chord with Tammy Watson, Carrie Akre, Sean Croghan and Elliott Smith. The first night at the Crocodile in Seattle, I didn't pay too much attention and people talked all through Elliott's set. Sean Croghan got up next and said 'all of you people who just talked through Elliott's set are bummed because you just missed something very, very special.' The next night of the tour, at The Bottom Of The Hill in San Francisco, I listened very closely to Elliott's set, and it was basically one of those life changing moments. Instead of watching the rest of the performers, I went out to the tour van and popped Roman Candle into the player, and listened to it on endless repeat for the rest of the evening and beyond. It completely blew my mind. I have never heard music as heart wrenchingly, gut-checkingly honest, intimate, and wise before or since."