Patti Smith Takes on Nirvana, Tears For Fears and Neil Young For Covers Album

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New York Bohemian-Punk Matriarch Patti Smith is set to release the follow up to 2004's Trampin', an album of 12 covers simply titled Twelve. The album will feature Smith on renditions of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Neil Young's "Helpless," Tears For Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule The World," Stevie Wonder's "Pastime Paradise," as well as more obvious choices of Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix material. Smith also promises some surprises on the album, her second for Columbia Records, when it is released in April.

The album was recorded with her band (Lenny Kaye, Tony Shanahan and Jay Dee Daugherty) and also features guest spots from Television's Tom Verlaine, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea, The Black Crowes' Rich Robinson, and playwright/actor Sam Shepard (he plays banjo on "Smells Like Teen Spirit?!). Smith's son Jackson and daughter Jesse also make appearances.

Smith spoke to Billboard last month about her experience recording Twelve.

"It has been a real adventure doing these songs. I've always wanted to do a cover record, but I didn't think I had the range. But now, I feel really on the top of my game and ready to tackle a lot of different songs I thought had strong and relevant lyrics."
2007 will be a busy year for Smith with the release of Twelve, a summer tour in support of the album, more deluxe reissues of her back-catalog, and last but not least, Smith will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March.

Patti says she is looking forward to what 2007 holds and is exceptionally excited for the induction ceremony.

"I'm ready to play and sing with everybody. I want to make it the most communal and strong-spirited night possible."

"It will be a very celebratory year. We had already planned [the album and tour], so to have this honor right in the center of that is so exciting and encouraging."
Recommended Viewing:
Nearly 32 years ago, Patti Smith started her debut album off by tearing apart Van Morrison's "Gloria" adding her own lyrics and vitriol. Here's a 1976 live clip of that song.

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