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IFLTS: 'Patti Smith Math Scratch,' Thurston Moore

'Patti Smith Math Scratch,' Thurston Moore
From 1995's 'Psychic Hearts'

This song -- about punk rock's poet laureate Patti Smith -- moves at the speed of light, with Thurston Moore furiously spitting the lyrics. Moore and Smith? I couldn't really wish for much more. "Oh Patti leaky heart yeah/Girl got a heavy heart oh/She's crazy self and I yeah/She's making me a dog it's alright/Black beatle."

The lyrics, in typical Moore fashion, make some sense but are certainly perplexing. What does he mean by black beatle? It doesn't matter.

I haven't listened to this song in a while, even though 'Psychic Hearts' is -- in my opinion -- one of the best albums ever made. I recently saw the new documentary 'Patti Smith: Dream of Life,' and interestingly enough, I thought of this song rather than one of her own.

There's no bells and whistles on this tune -- just incessant drums backing Moore's guitar and a bass that plays a simple groove throughout. A couple verses, a distorted guitar solo and it's over. But, as they say, brevity is the soul of wit.


What song do you freakin' love? Write our next IFLTS.
Send it to us at spinnereditor@aim.com

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