A milestone album and still perhaps Smith's best, Horses is a mix between garage rock and avant-garde poetry, as Lenny Kaye helped craft catchy riffs to supplement Smith's frontwoman presence.
To be honest, it took seeing Smith live before the appeal of Horses finally sunk in. She is a legitimate rock star who commands the stage, a whirlwind of words and emotions as the band snakes around her. Once I had seen her a few times Horses really hit home.
Produced by John Cale the NYC raw vibes flow through it. The connecting of high brow art and the gritty lowbrow Bowery style is in constant tension throughout the record. The two standout's "Gloria" and "Land" take classic garage rock and r&b and filters it through Smith's St. Mark's style.
"Redondo Beach" fells vital and heartfelt, emotional with an LGBT slant while "Birdland" stretches out and "Free Money" rocks. A quintessential NYC album from the 70's that kickstarted Smith's career and still remains a highwater mark of rock and roll from the era.
On Horses 50th Anniversary play it loud. Here are some songs to get you started.
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