The grande dame of arty punk, the sorcerer of the cover song (see: “Gloria,” “So You Want to Be [a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star],” “Gimme Shelter,” “5-4-3-2-1”), a mythologizing poet of the libido and liberation, an eloquent advocate for leftist causes, one of the most highly evolved androgynes ever to subvert gender stereotypes, creator of one of the greatest debut albums in rock history (1975’s Horses)—Patti Smith is all of these… and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. But don't hold that against her. The first four Patti LPs are where the most inspirational action is, but she has gems scattered throughout the rest of her work and her voice has aged shockingly well. by Dave Segal