Patti Smith
Trampin’ (Columbia) In a year when women artists from Loretta Lynn to Eliza Gilkyson are making career-defining works, having Patti Smith conjure the past on Trampin’ is most appropriate. Touted as her return to form (as were Gone Again, Peace and Love, and Gung Ho before it), with PSG members returning as co-writers and players, Trampin’ is much too formulaic, too willing to leave the power of Smith’s songwriting in words and not back it up musically. “Cartwheels,” “Trespasses,” “Cash,” and “Peaceable Kingdom” pull their punches somewhat when compared to the ass-kicking of “Stride of the Mind” and “My Blakean Year.” The opening “Jubilee” is hailed for its anthemic quality, but it’s the same “People Have the Power” message. Next time, Smith could cut out herself as the middleman and record the Youngbloods’ “Get Together.” When the Priestess speaks, however, we listen; her showpieces are the nine-minute “Gandhi” and the closing title track, with daughter Jesse on piano joining the heartfelt tribute to activist-singer Marian Anderson. The aural scenery-chewing of 12-plus minutes of “Radio Baghdad” is prime Patti Smith. Trampin’ is solid Patti Smith, but it’s not Horses Redux. Then again, what is?
This article appears in May 21 • 2004.