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Elliott Smith, in a photo by Autumn de Wilde, from the book, "Elliott Smith."

(Autumn de Wilde)

The late Elliott Smith would've been 45 today, Aug. 6. The former Portland songwriter, who launched his renowned solo career and his work with rock act Heatmiser while living in the City of Roses, remains a cultural touchstone nearly 11 years after his 2003 death: a new documentary, "Heaven Adores You," has begun to make the festival rounds, and biography "Torment Saint: The Life of Elliott Smith" was released last year.

And he's never far from the heart of his fans, this writer included. Here's the best way I can think of to celebrate today: the Paul Thomas Anderson-directed 43-minute test project for a Jon Brion TV show that never came through. Brion and Smith were frequent collaborators after Smith left Portland, and this footage is the happiest and most comfortable I've ever seen him on tape. It helps that the music, including "Son of Sam" and "Independence Day," is pure magic.

-- David Greenwald

Follow @davidegreenwald