Editor’s Note:
We had brief delusions of hope and grandeur that someone at Smith’s web site would grant
Indietude access to her sold out show at the Troubadour on 11/15 – Yeah right . . .dream on baby!.
But no matter, Smith is an indie goddess and we want to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the
release of Horses. But Patti, our offer still stands, you’d look good on our cover.
We had brief delusions of hope and grandeur that someone at Smith’s web site would grant
Indietude access to her sold out show at the Troubadour on 11/15 – Yeah right . . .dream on baby!.
But no matter, Smith is an indie goddess and we want to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the
release of Horses. But Patti, our offer still stands, you’d look good on our cover.
Patti Smith
30th Anniversary of Horses
By D. E. Keith
Thirty years ago, a breakthrough album was released.
By a major record label no less! Horses by Patti Smith
was released by Arista Records in December 1975.
My first exposure to Horses came at a friend’s house.
While putting the record on the turntable my friend
said, “you gotta listen to this.”
Just looking at the album jacket was almost enough.
Staring back at me was an amazing black and white
photo of a very thin, pale and androgynous looking
Smith. Jumping right into the fray, the song Gloria
opened with “Jesus died for somebodies sins,
but not mine.” Wow, I thought, that’s quite a subtle
opening. Little by little the song builds and exploded
into a poetic, sexually driven tale of lust and obsession.
Not since Janis Joplin had a female artist pushed the
limit.
30th Anniversary of Horses
By D. E. Keith
Thirty years ago, a breakthrough album was released.
By a major record label no less! Horses by Patti Smith
was released by Arista Records in December 1975.
My first exposure to Horses came at a friend’s house.
While putting the record on the turntable my friend
said, “you gotta listen to this.”
Just looking at the album jacket was almost enough.
Staring back at me was an amazing black and white
photo of a very thin, pale and androgynous looking
Smith. Jumping right into the fray, the song Gloria
opened with “Jesus died for somebodies sins,
but not mine.” Wow, I thought, that’s quite a subtle
opening. Little by little the song builds and exploded
into a poetic, sexually driven tale of lust and obsession.
Not since Janis Joplin had a female artist pushed the
limit.
Smith punched holes through limits and drove right through. Everything she did, you knew it was on her
terms. She didn't seem to give a fuck. She was all New York street and a prime example of the beginning
punk scene coming to fruition in the mid 70’s. Smith was tough. Her style was total androgyny. She was
Dylanesque in her poet-to-music format, letting the music fit the words. Horses proved to be a climatic
experience throughout. Each song took no prisoners and by the end of the album, I was emotionally
spent.
So what was the big deal? Well, in 1975 the indie community was largely based on live performances.
Indie records were extremely rare and almost none existent. Record companies pretty much controlled
the flow of music and that music was going corporate, which made it even more surprising that Smith was
signed at all. But there were still a few revolutionaries within the corporate gates - namely Clive Davis.
Like John Hammond with Dylan 15 years earlier, Davis saw the future and signed Smith. For the next few
years, Smith would continue to blow our ears off and our perceptions. Culminating with the Wave album,
Smith left the music scene to have a family – which seemed so out of character for her at the time. Many,
including myself were disappointed, but Smith would emerge years later with the release of the Dream of
Life album which includes the song People have the Power. She remains a powerful yet reclusive artist
today.
The Horses Legacy Edition offers up the digitally re-mastered original 1975 release and the Horses 2005
live performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Both disks include the bonus track: My Generation.
The live performance perfectly captures the excitement Smith generates in concert. Horses 2005 proves
this artist still has the same raw gutsy spirit she possessed thirty years ago.
The Legacy Edition also comes with a 30 page booklet of thoughts and comments as well as interesting
tidbits regarding the photo-shoot with Robert Mapplethorpe
Every indie artist and fan today should pay attention to this important release. Horses is still cutting edge-
pissing in the wind brilliant. Open your mind and you ears people, take it in and add this gems to your
record collection.
www.pattismith.net
terms. She didn't seem to give a fuck. She was all New York street and a prime example of the beginning
punk scene coming to fruition in the mid 70’s. Smith was tough. Her style was total androgyny. She was
Dylanesque in her poet-to-music format, letting the music fit the words. Horses proved to be a climatic
experience throughout. Each song took no prisoners and by the end of the album, I was emotionally
spent.
So what was the big deal? Well, in 1975 the indie community was largely based on live performances.
Indie records were extremely rare and almost none existent. Record companies pretty much controlled
the flow of music and that music was going corporate, which made it even more surprising that Smith was
signed at all. But there were still a few revolutionaries within the corporate gates - namely Clive Davis.
Like John Hammond with Dylan 15 years earlier, Davis saw the future and signed Smith. For the next few
years, Smith would continue to blow our ears off and our perceptions. Culminating with the Wave album,
Smith left the music scene to have a family – which seemed so out of character for her at the time. Many,
including myself were disappointed, but Smith would emerge years later with the release of the Dream of
Life album which includes the song People have the Power. She remains a powerful yet reclusive artist
today.
The Horses Legacy Edition offers up the digitally re-mastered original 1975 release and the Horses 2005
live performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Both disks include the bonus track: My Generation.
The live performance perfectly captures the excitement Smith generates in concert. Horses 2005 proves
this artist still has the same raw gutsy spirit she possessed thirty years ago.
The Legacy Edition also comes with a 30 page booklet of thoughts and comments as well as interesting
tidbits regarding the photo-shoot with Robert Mapplethorpe
Every indie artist and fan today should pay attention to this important release. Horses is still cutting edge-
pissing in the wind brilliant. Open your mind and you ears people, take it in and add this gems to your
record collection.
www.pattismith.net
| ©Indietude.com 2006 |
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