I Have Two of Her Poetry Books

Gena Haskett — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:15:34 -0500

Damn fine poet and writer. Biggest lesson I get from her is go forward and do your thing. No matter what.

Sometimes you need to see somebody who have lived life set that kind of example.

She'll alright with me. I'd be proud to get the DVD when it comes out.

Love Patti

Mata H — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:41:10 -0500

Patti just summed up discontent better and more furiously and more profanely than anyone else. this tune with X rated lyrics (consider yrself warned) is quintessential Patti.

~~ Contributing Editor, Mata H. also blogs right along at Time's Fool

Patti Smith Documentary: Dream Of Life

kperfetto — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:16:55 -0500

Four years ago, I finally got to see Patti Smith perform live. Truly a big deal, given that she rarely plays out anymore, and has only been to my city twice.It was everything I expected it to be. More than I expected it to be, in fact. I hate using the phrases like "life changing," and "the best show I ever saw, ever!" but it was. I'm not a spiritual person by any stretch of the imagination, but this atheist got "Re-li-gion." The whole thing culminated in a rousing version of "Gloria," one of her (and the then inchoate punk era's) most iconic songs. Someone in the crowd actually stood up and yelled, "Can I get a witness?" Patti was more than happy to oblige. So I was more than happy to hear about a new documentary on the punk-poetess's life. It's called Dream Of Life, and is hitting a string of theaters in the US this month. From Jaime Lees of A to Z:

Dream of Life is a new documentary about Patti Smith directed by photographer Steven Sebring. Dream has already won an Excellence in Cinematography Award at the Sundance Film Festival where it was hailed as the definitive portrait of the singer.

Here's a trailer for the film:Paste Magazine praises Sebring's documentary:

Besides Smith's natural magnetism, Sebring's footage—much in stunning black and white—is beautiful, sustaining itself over nearly two hours. Shuffling non-linearly through 11 years of filming, Sebring communicates Smith's mission of grace and ecstasy more than talking heads ever could.

Ironically enough, it was Spin magazine where I first heard about the project. Amid all the latest, newest hyped artist was a fairly lengthy article with Patti Smith, which is now posted online. She's asked since the closing of CBGBs, and the deaths of three of the original Ramones, has punk run its course?

Arguing that punk has run its course is like saying painting ran its course after the Renaissance. There are kids out there you've never heard of who believe they're punk rock... Punk is an idea. It's freedom. And it'll be around 200 years from now for the people who want it.

Can I get an amen? Dream Of Life playing in these US cities.

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I Have Two of Her Poetry Books

Love Patti

Patti Smith Documentary: Dream Of Life