Banga

About

When Patti Smith returned to public and performing life in the mid-1990, she gave interview after interview pointing out that she hadn’t stopped working—she just wasn’t executing work for public consumption. Her 11th studio album, 2012’s <i>Banga</i>, is solid proof of that assertion, because it has all the hallmarks of any classic Patti Smith record. Topically, it’s a delightful smörgåsbord of all things Smithian. And musically, it finds her working with a trusted band featuring compatriots both old (Lenny Kaye and Jay Dee Daugherty) and new (Tony Shanahan and Jack Petruzzelli). <i>Banga</i> features songs about far-flung places (“Fuji-san,” “Amerigo”) and tunes inspired by the obscure artists Smith love, as on the tracks “Tarkovsky (The Second Stop is Jupiter)” and “Maria.” There’s even a pop song, “April Fool,” which connects thematically and lyrically with her acclaimed memoir <i>Just Kids</i>. And there’s a lengthy improvisation, “Constantine’s Dream,” which lasts for more than 10 minute, and that features lyrics that were extemporized live in the studio. Smith also uses the record to pay tribute to her musical love. There’s a Neil Young cover (“After the Gold Rush”), as well as a literal torch ballad about the late Amy Winehouse (“This Is the Girl”). Meanwhile, “Tarkovsky” borrows so liberally from the experimental Sun Ra that he gets a co-writing credit. .

via Apple Music

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