First of all, let me just say that The Orpheum always amazes me with its beauty everytime I visit.

I've never seen Patti Smith live. I don't own any of her music. I've heard a few of her songs, but can't say that I've been a fan or gone out of my way to buy any of her stuff. I do know that she's been a major influence to many musicians and is considered an icon among many. So, what made me go see her tonight? It was about fuckin' time I did. It's as simple as that.

She was amazing! And at 61 years of age, her voice is unbelievable. I can only hope to be that energetic at her age. Yes, she's not the most attractive woman in the world, but there's something about her that is damn sexy. She sang for two hours. The sad part, I only recognized about three songs. Did it matter? Hell nah, her performance was stellar!

And Patti Smith fans? Well, there were the bull dykes with voices deeper than many men I know...then, there were the queens who screamed and acted more feminine than me. And, finally there were those who are still stuck in the 70's and have never transitioned into the 21st century. One dude who sat two rows in front of me -- we'll call him 'Chris Robinson' cuz he was dressed in a trench coat with a couple of scarves (one wrapped around his forearm), had long hair and some crazy sideburns. He kept clapping like the Ever Ready bunny to a completely different beat than the one playing onstage. Ohh, and there was the woman whose ponytail reached her ass. At one point in time, she swung that damn thing taking a few eyes out as she did so. Hey, I'm all for cheering your favourite artist on, but c'mon!

Alright, back to Patti. I need to remedy my lack of Patti knowledge. Can someone recommend or hook me up with a "this is where you should get your feet wet on Patti, Tania"?


PS -- Big props to the guy I was introduced to tonight wearing a Runaways t-shirt.

If you have not heard Horses it would definitely the first place to start. Her debut and far and away her best record.

Best place to start:

The Patti Smith Masters - Selected Songs



Good overview of everything she did up to the Gone Again album. Only the first two songs are from Horses, so that'll be the 2nd one to get.

Tracklist:

1. Gloria
2. Redondo Beach
3. Ask the Angels
4. Because the Night
5. Babelogue/ Rock 'n' Roll Nigger
6. Dancing Barefoot
7. People Have The Power
8. Paths That Cross
9. Gone Again
10. Summer Cannibals

I'd still recommend the debut over that Best of.

I'd recommend hermlock over both. She's the female Lou Reed.

And what's wrong with Lou Reed?

I'm not saying Selected Songs is a better album than the debut, but the question was "where's the best place to start". For a neophyte, I'll stand by my choice. "Ask the Angels" is the best song off Radio Ethiopia and one of Smith's only rock anthems. "Rock 'n' Roll Nigger" is a must-hear. "Dancing Barefoot" is the standout on Wave and possibly the most sublime pop song Smith ever wrote. "People Have the Power" is the only song worth listening to from Dream of Life, and both "Gone Again" and "Summer Cannibals" were songs on par with her early material.



Yeah, sorry Patti Smith isn't some tuneless '80s synth band that sold all twelve copies of their only ep to their immediate families and you.

Oooh, Rads, I recognize some of those song titles. She sang 'Rock n Roll Nigger' and 'People Have the Power' last night.

PS -- Thank you for the file. I'm dl'ing now!

I haven't heard Best of. I have Land. I'd suggest starting with Horses or Easter, personally.