Patti Smith - Horses - 50th Anniversary Edition

 

Of course, I've owned the original album since it came out and always dug the band's mix of 60's rock'n'roll and poetic wildness. I also bought the CD edition since it had a couple bonus tracks but this 50th anniversary edition actually has a full CD of previously unreleased alternative versions of the album tracks along with a few songs that I had never heard from the band at all.

Of course, the first CD is the original album - almost an unnecessary addition at this point - I mean, who doesn't have that? - but the bonus CD starts with a take on what is practically her theme song, her version of "Gloria". The backing track is only slightly different - basically not as worked out as the album take, particularly the ending - but Patti goes off on various lyrical'n'phrasing tangents, which are intriguing'n'entertaining. Oddly, though it is a alternative take, "Redondo Beach" was apparently released somewhere, somehow (it doesn't say where), but it is pretty similar to the album version. But since "birdland" is very much a improvised piece (with some basic touchstones, of course), there are plenty of variations every time they play it so this really stands out in its individuality.

But as far as divergences go, "Snowball" is one of the most unique songs I've ever heard the Patti Smith Group do, as it is practically a new wave number in feel with a clean, pop sound. I mean, you can tell it's still them, but kinda just barely - not like anything I've ever heard them do before. "Kimberly" is almost the same as the album - sorta sounds like just the mix is a little dissimilar - until she gets to her monologue in the middle and she goes off on another tangent there for a bit. This goes for "Break It Up" and "Distant Fingers", as well - essentially the same arrangement, but with the kind of variations you would expect from a live version, for instance. "The Hunter Gets Captured By the Game" is a bluesy tune that I've heard of the band doing, but I don't know that I've heard it before now. Really nicely done here - groovy piano, Patti's singing is particularly good and it's a hip tune, overall. "We Three" continues in this vein - pretty piano work and great vocals - for a fine, distinctive finale.

Of course fans will want this release and the price is quite reasonable, so no excuses!