Way way back in 1975, Patti Smith was the first lady of punk and part of the NY scene that was fostering a phase in music that was to have a greater impact than any other. Now 65 years old, you have to question whether she is able to make a credible contribution to the modern scene, so news of a new album didn’t necessarily fill me with excitement. It’s called ‘Banga’ and whilst it lacks the venom of her early material, it does have a compelling earthiness to it. Much closer to ‘Piss Factory’ than ‘Because The Night’, there are tales of human suffering recorded with a moody and mystical trademark delivery. From punk queen to earth mother, the transition works.
