Patti Smith - Patti Smith: Under Review

Long overdue tribute to the Field Marshal Of Rock’n’Roll

Patti Smith is one of the special ones, her contribution to rock’n’roll infinitely more than a massive Bruce Springsteen cover nearly 30 years ago. This is the first documentary to tell her story in any great detail, showing that the Under Review treatment often works best when it’s virgin territory, as proved by the recent Byrds epic. Patti’s effect on anyone, from those experiencing her in concert, to producers forced to re-examine the way they approach music, is well represented, along with her role in redefining the position of women in rock with defiance and pure emotion. Interviewees include former boyfriend, Blue Öyster Cult guitarist Albert Bouchard, who used Patti’s early lyrics on tracks such as Vera Gemini, engineers from the first two albums and a cut-above selection of critics, including Robert Christgau, Mark Paytress and Jon Savage, who do a great job explaining Patti’s importance. The familiar mid-70s NYC gestation highlights include Radio Ethiopia producer Jack Douglas’ account of the recording of the album’s improvised title track during a hurricane. After her Field Marshall Of Rock’n’Roll stances, the section on the death of husband Fred “Sonic” Smith is particularly moving. Patti Smith can never fail to be inspiring in any context.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Chrome Dreams/Sexy Intellectual | SIDVD 529

Reviewed by Kris Needs
<< Back to Issue 344

Login Here

Free Newsletter


Subscribe to
our email newsletter by emailing:

anna.bowen@
metropolis.co.uk