School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Horses

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Horses · In 1975 Patti Smith and her band became an established name on New York's underground rock scene, partly thanks to a two-month residency at the club CBGB alongside Television. Clive Davis of the new label Arista saw her play there and offered her a seven-album contract. For the debut she chose John Cale, formerly of the Velvet Underground, as producer, because she admired the raw sound of his solo records. In September 1975 she recorded the album at Electric Lady Studios, with her own live band.

Smith wanted to bring poetry and rock together and make the heart of rock 'n' roll beat again. The songs use simple chords, but break with the punk tradition by leaving room for improvisation and influences from the avant-garde. The record was praised by critics and is considered a milestone of punk and later rock movements.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Gloria and notice how Smith speaks the lyrics rather than simply singing them, as if a poem were suddenly being carried by a rock band.

Track list

  1. 1Gloria5:56Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Redondo Beach3:26Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Birdland9:14Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Free Money3:54Apple Music ↗
  5. 5Kimberly4:28Apple Music ↗
  6. 6Break It Up4:05Apple Music ↗
  7. 7Land9:26Apple Music ↗
  8. 8Elegie2:41Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs