"But I was also doing odd jobs around Portland, like spreading gravel and transplanting bamboo trees"

In this quote, musician Elliott Smith is describing his experiences while living in Portland. He points out that in addition to his main task, he likewise took on tasks such as spreading out gravel and transplanting bamboo trees. This suggests that Smith was a difficult employee and wanted to take on different tasks to make ends meet. It also reveals his versatility and adaptability, as he had the ability to do manual work jobs in addition to his music profession. This quote provides insight into Smith's work principles and determination to prosper, even if it meant taking on unconventional tasks.