REVIEW: Patti Smith

Patti Smith - Twelve
Rating: 6.7/10

The High Priestess of Art Punk, arguably the creator of the Greatest Single Album achievement of the entire CBGB era. Patti Smith was, is and may well forever remain untouchably cool. Never has she streamlined that intense talent into anything resembling a pop record, nothing ever to compromise her original Rimbaud-quoting high art masterpieces. Now, past 30 years in the business, she has come as close as she ever has to making a true pop record, one filled with torch ballads and, yes, singing of the highest order.

Likely the stumbling block for many Smith fans will be the straightness of this covers set on which she tackles a host of warhorse songs from Dylan, Hendrix, The Stones and, most infamously already, Tears for Fears' 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World'. The latter is likely the weakest track here, an unexpectedly reverential treatment losing nothing of the original's fey attempt at political satire. A couple of others, 'Pastime Paradise' and 'Helpless' get by on the strength of the originals rather than Smith's own visceral imagination. 'Gimme Shelter' fairs better, partly due its status with the Rock canon and the reverence given to it. It is one of the greatest songs of all time yet Smith tackles it head on, ripping its machismo out to replace with future fear and pathos. Better even is Kurt Cobain's soul-warcry 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', reduced to its base elements and sung with a strength of voice missing elsewhere.

Its not her weakest album but it feels like a missed opportunity for Smith to blow away the competition with a matchless songbook and braver, more expermental lilt to her aims. As a reverential set paying tribute however, it stands strong and it worth investigation for those wonderful moments when Smith realises she has nothing to fear from these songs.

Patti Smith on Amazon.co.uk - 'Land' currently at £3.97 which is a ridiculous bargain.
Patti Smith on Amazon.com