"I mean people just have a way of - y'know they'll review your record in two sentences and put you in this little stupid box that you don't want to be in"

In this quote, singer-songwriter Elliott Smith is expressing frustration with the way people tend to categorize and identify artists based upon a short review or summary of their work. He suggests that this can be restricting and reductive, forcing artists into a narrow and frequently unreliable box that does not show their real identity or intents. Smith likely feels that this type of labeling can be dismissive and ignore the complexity and depth of an artist's work. He may also feel that it diminishes the individuality and originality of each artist, minimizing them to a generic and dull stereotype. In general, Smith is highlighting the risk of judging and defining someone based on a superficial understanding of their art.