Spinner

Exclusive Video Premiere: Patti Smith, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'

Patti Smith knows a thing or two about rock iconism. The idiosyncratic punk and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer recently offered up takes on her fellow icon's tunes with her latest album, 'Twelve.' Among the covers featured on the record is a song that defined both a movement and a generation: 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.'

"I always wanted to do a covers album, but I didn't really feel I had the range to do the kind of album I wanted to do," Smith told Spinner. "As the project evolved, a lot of the songs on the [original] list didn't make the final cut, and a lot of songs that I didn't plan on doing wound up being the ones I chose. They're all special to me for different reasons. But Nirvana was the most emotional experience."

Below is the aptly poignant video for 'Spirit,' directed by New York City filmmaker -- and longtime friend of Smith's -- Jem Cohen.



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oldfragga

I learnt about the Patti Smith group 30 years ago throuh my sisters who played horses and Easter over and over again, and since that time Patti left a footprint in my mind the way as for instance Vincent van Gogh did .
She is not just a performer ,she is bigger than that.
I like her cover even better than the original song and it is great that her son picks the banjo on it(way to go). about the video....great i like it alot , it captured the atmosphere very well , the one or ones who made it are no rookies I am very curious for the rest of the album.
greetz

November 13 2007 at 5:19 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
oldfragga

I learnt about the Patti Smith group 30 years ago throuh my sisters who played horses and Easter over and over again, and since that time Patti left a footprint in my mind the way as for instance Vincent van Gogh did .
She is not just a performer ,she is bigger than that.
I like her cover even better than the original song and it is great that her son picks the banjo on it(way to go). about the video....great i like it alot , it captured the atmosphere very well , the one or ones who made it are no rookies I am very curious for the rest of the album.
greetz

November 13 2007 at 5:19 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
C.

This video is brilliant. I felt compelled to study it and just put online an analysis of it, which I thought some of you might possibly be interested in. I would also of course welcome any comments or corrections.

September 22 2007 at 2:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
C.

This video is brilliant. I felt compelled to study it and just put online an analysis of it, which I thought some of you might possibly be interested in. I would also of course welcome any comments or corrections.

September 22 2007 at 2:52 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
stevenx

Patti's homage to Cobain shows a true respect: he loved Appalachian music, so the banjo is perfect

August 07 2007 at 12:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
stevenx

Patti's homage to Cobain shows a true respect: he loved Appalachian music, so the banjo is perfect

August 07 2007 at 12:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
zehra

patti smith truely rocks on, i have 2 question, who is the banjo player and whose death mask is in the video?

August 06 2007 at 3:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
zehra

patti smith truely rocks on, i have 2 question, who is the banjo player and whose death mask is in the video?

August 06 2007 at 3:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chase Ridgley

She took this song and completely ruined it in every way possible and in some ways that aren't.

July 28 2007 at 3:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Chase Ridgley

She took this song and completely ruined it in every way possible and in some ways that aren't.

July 28 2007 at 3:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply