Gone Again

Gone Again is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Patti Smith, released on June 18, 1996, by Arista Records. The album features contributions from Lenny Kaye, Jay Dee Daugherty, and Oliver Ray, among others, and includes songs inspired by Kurt Cobain, River Phoenix, and Jeff Buckley. Smith's work on Gone Again was influenced by her experiences with Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and Andy Warhol, and the album has been praised by critics such as Robert Christgau and Greil Marcus. The album's release was also supported by performances at CBGB and Max's Kansas City, iconic venues in the New York City music scene.

Introduction

Gone Again is a significant work in Patti Smith's discography, marking her return to music after a nine-year hiatus. The album's themes of loss, grief, and redemption are reflected in songs such as About a Boy, which pays tribute to Kurt Cobain, and Summer Cannibals, which features Jeff Buckley on backing vocals. Smith's poetry and music have been influenced by a wide range of artists, including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and The Velvet Underground, and her work on Gone Again reflects this eclectic mix of styles. The album has been praised by critics such as Rolling Stone's David Fricke and The New York Times' Jon Pareles, who have noted its emotional intensity and musical complexity.

Background

The creation of Gone Again was influenced by Patti Smith's personal experiences, including the death of her husband, Fred Sonic Smith, and her subsequent withdrawal from the music scene. During this period, Smith was also inspired by the work of William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, and Andy Warhol, and she began to explore new themes and styles in her music. The album features contributions from a range of musicians, including Lenny Kaye, Jay Dee Daugherty, and Oliver Ray, and was produced by Malcolm Burn and Lenny Kaye. The album's sound is characterized by its use of rock music and punk rock elements, as well as its incorporation of poetry and spoken word techniques. Smith's work on Gone Again has been compared to that of other artists, including Nico, The Stooges, and The MC5.

Album Information

Gone Again was released on June 18, 1996, by Arista Records, and features 11 tracks, including About a Boy, Summer Cannibals, and 1959. The album was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City, and was produced by Malcolm Burn and Lenny Kaye. The album's cover art features a photograph of Patti Smith taken by Robert Mapplethorpe, and the album's liner notes include poetry and essays by Smith and other writers, including William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg. The album has been praised by critics such as The Village Voice's Robert Christgau and The Los Angeles Times' Robert Hilburn, who have noted its emotional intensity and musical complexity. Smith's work on Gone Again has also been influenced by her experiences with The Clash, The Sex Pistols, and The Ramones.

Track Listing

The track listing for Gone Again is as follows: 1. About a Boy 2. Summer Cannibals 3. 1959 4. Farewell Reel 5. Gone Again 6. Dead City 7. Wing 8. Ravens 9. Wicked Messenger 10. 1959 (reprise) 11. Farewell Reel (reprise). The album features a range of musical styles, from the rock music of About a Boy to the poetry and spoken word of Farewell Reel. Smith's work on Gone Again has been praised by critics such as The Boston Globe's Steve Morse and The Washington Post's Richard Harrington, who have noted its emotional intensity and musical complexity. The album's sound is also characterized by its use of guitar and drums, as well as its incorporation of keyboards and percussion elements.

Reception

Gone Again received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising Patti Smith's emotional intensity and musical complexity. The album was praised by critics such as Rolling Stone's David Fricke and The New York Times' Jon Pareles, who noted its themes of loss, grief, and redemption. The album was also praised by critics such as The Village Voice's Robert Christgau and The Los Angeles Times' Robert Hilburn, who noted its musical complexity and emotional intensity. Smith's work on Gone Again has been compared to that of other artists, including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and The Velvet Underground. The album's release was also supported by performances at CBGB and Max's Kansas City, iconic venues in the New York City music scene, and Smith has also performed at other venues, including Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall.

Legacy

Gone Again is widely regarded as one of Patti Smith's best works, and its influence can be heard in the music of a range of artists, including St. Vincent, Sleater-Kinney, and Sonic Youth. The album's themes of loss, grief, and redemption continue to resonate with listeners, and its musical complexity and emotional intensity have made it a classic of rock music and punk rock. Smith's work on Gone Again has been praised by critics such as The Guardian's Sylvie Simmons and The Telegraph's Neil McCormick, who have noted its emotional intensity and musical complexity. The album's legacy is also reflected in its inclusion on lists of the greatest albums of all time, including those compiled by Rolling Stone and NME. Smith's work on Gone Again has also been recognized with awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. Category:1996 albums