Patti Smith, The Roundhouse

Patti Smith don't have much for herself these days. The is 60 years old, and haven't written a good song for about 30 years. She was recently inducted at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which is never a good sign (see the dreadful video here). And the last time I saw her, she was playing with R.E.M. in Hyde park, failing miserably to sing her part in the exquisite E-Bow the letter.

So overall, I wasn't expecting much of Wednesday's gig at the Roundhouse. I almost didn't go, only the venue herself convinced me. That legendary venue recently reopened, and as it is the place where Patti first played in London, so I thought, why not...

Well, that was a smart move. She may be old, but damn she rocks! She may have not written anything good in 30 years, but her laterst album, Twelve, contain only covers, amongst which Are You Experienced? and Smells Like Teen Spirit, that are just sublime. And she plays the old songs (Gloria, Pissing in the River, Because the Night, Rock'n'Roll Nigger) like she still cares.

And that's the most important really - and where the difference with Arctic Monkey-style bands lies. She puts her guts in her songs, not just energy. Still a lot to learn boys...