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Written by JORDAN BRANDES
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Thursday, 17 May 2007 |
Patti Smith’s newest album opens up calm, cool and calculating. A steady strumming of a guitar provides the subtle introduction to one of the more creative versions of the Jimi Hendrix classic “Are You Experienced”.
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Patti Smith
|  Entertainment
 Art
"Twelve"
(Sony BMG)
Released April 17, 2007
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Smith takes an interesting perspective on the classic and spends a lot of the track channeling the dead soul of Jim Morrison, with his deep expressive voice that seems to take you to a different plane of existence. Smith makes the song her own adding violins and clarinets to give a much earthier feel.
Ceremonially enough “Twelve” is the twelfth album made by Smith though unlike the others in her discography this one is made up entirely of cover songs. According to the liner notes inside the album Smith had been compiling a list of possible cover songs since 1978. Like a good mix tape over the years she would replace some songs with others more fitting. Finally, this year she recorded and released the album almost 30 years into her career.
The albums itself is mostly hit and miss. Some songs work nicely with Smith’s voice while others just sound extremely out of place. One of the biggest misfires was Smith’s attempt to create a version of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” I have no problem with reinterpretations of songs, it can work greatly in favor of many good songs. The late career of Johnny Cash proved that without a doubt, but it does not work for everyone. The heavy use of the mandolin and violin in the song just ruins the song. The result is a very Woodstock version of one of the greatest anthems of the 1990’s.
On the other end of the spectrum is the Rolling Stone’s “Gimmie Shelter” a song that Smith seems to feel a lot more comfortable covering. When Smith sings you can hear the passion run through her voice. Like an evangelical priest Smith preaches the lyrics of the Stones song as if she is condemning the audience for their sins.
The greatest song of the album of is without a doubt Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit”. Smith seems to easily give off a very psychedelic vibe in her music so her decision to this song isn’t surprising. Flea from the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s makes a guest appearance, lending his talent to the song and taking it to a very intense level.
I admit I was torn on this album. Smith is well versed in the ways of rock n’ roll making a name for herself in the punk rock scene of the late 70’s. Yet I get the feeling that there are times when she is out of her element on the album. Given her experience “Twelve” may have been a misfire but album thirteen is sure to be her lucky number. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
