Patti Smith: Banga

Ancient pathways, Nubian vows, bridges of magpies, whispering saints and rusty bikes piloted by writers in tattered coats are only a few of the often overwhelming array of images that Patti Smith uses to help illuminate the 12 new songs on Banga, her first CD since Trampin’ came out in 2004. On what is certainly her best album in many, many years Smith reminds her listeners that—along with Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen—she is one of the few artists working in the popular music arena who has a literary sensibility that draws from a well of culture that goes far...  read more

Patti Smith Announces New Album, Banga

Yesterday Patti Smith released her first single in five years, aptly named “April Fool.” Rumors have been swirling since the beginning of the year about her forthcoming record (which was said to be a tribute to Amy Winehouse) and now she has confirmed that Columbia Records will put out her 11th album, _Banga_, on June 5.   read more