Horses

Patti Smith’s catalog has already been remastered. Horses here comes in its originally remastered incarnation with the same bonus track: a cover of the Who’s “My Generation.” This new, 30th Anniversary Legacy Edition, includes a bonus disc which is a live version of the album — and the bonus track, recorded in on June 25 in London, England. While this band is looser, not as rehearsed as her original group, they still have plenty to offer. Original members Lenny Kaye, and Jay Dee Daugherty are here along with longtime bassist and pianist Tony Shanahan, guitarist Tom Verlaine (who played on the original album) and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ bassist Flea, who also plays trumpet. The loose, “what the hell-let’s-go-for-it” spirit this band plays with is infectious. Smith is in fine voice, and her swagger is not only intact, but pervasive. Her rapport with Kaye is symbiotic. Each track here roils and brims with wisdom, fire, and spit. “Kimberly” and “Gloria” simply strut with delight and joy. Kaye and Verlaine are loud as hell and push Smith to get out in front, and it feels right. The three-part suite that makes up the nearly 18-minute “Land” is just plain scary. Smith transforms herself into the same hungry, angry Muse that possessed her 30 years ago. Her rage and her willingness to go deep into the fabric of her poetry and the song are awe-inspiring.