Patti Smith to Reissue Seminal Album "Horses" for 50th Anniversary
Patti Smith is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut album, Horses, with a newly remastered edition scheduled for release on October 10. This reissue will be available in 2xLP and 2xCD formats through Legacy Recordings. It not only features remastered tracks but also includes alternate takes, Smith’s original 1975 audition tape for RCA, and four previously unreleased songs.
Key Features of the Reissue
The remastered edition of Horses includes the following bonus content:
- Alternate Takes: Tracks like "Redondo Beach" and "Break It Up" come in different versions.
- Unreleased Tracks: The inclusion of "Distant Fingers," "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game," "We Three," and "Snowball" marks a significant addition for fans.
- First Single: "Snowball," one of the newly released tracks, is already available for streaming, generating excitement among Smith’s audience.
Smith’s Legacy and Current Projects
Patti Smith, often referred to as the "punk poet laureate," remains an influential figure in music and literature. In addition to celebrating her classic album, she published a memoir, Bread of Angels, in the previous year. Smith’s enduring legacy extends beyond her debut album; she has thrived as a collaborator in projects like the Soundwalk Collective, alongside Philip Glass and Mulatu Astatke, producing two albums in 2019.
This fall, she will embark on a series of tour dates where she will perform Horses in its entirety across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This tour presents a unique opportunity for fans to experience the album live, adding to the excitement surrounding the anniversary.
Historical Context
Released in 1975, Horses is often regarded as a cornerstone of punk rock and has influenced countless artists across various genres. Tracks like "Gloria: In Excelsis Deo" and "Land" have received accolades, with "Gloria" ranking at No. 93 and "Land" at No. 20 on lists such as "The 200 Best Songs of the 1970s."
Conclusion and Reflection
Patti Smith’s reissue of Horses not only commemorates a pivotal moment in music history but also reinforces her status as a cultural icon. The remastered edition and upcoming performances are likely to reignite interest in her work and introduce her music to new generations of listeners. As Smith continues to evolve as an artist, the celebration of Horses serves as a reminder of her artistic contributions and the enduring power of her voice in the industry.
For those interested in pre-ordering or listening, more details can be found here.
