Highly recommended.

From Horses, I learned that the term "punk" is subjective. It meant freedom from the confines of what most of the major record labels were pedaling and a rejection of overblown progressive rock. A collection of outcasts. To me it means thinking for yourself, feeling free to express yourself in any way you see fit, questioning authority, and becoming aware of your surroundings. At least that is what it taught me. For most people, it grew to mean anarchy, anger, short bursting anthems, three chords, spiky haircuts, safety pins etc. by the late 1970's - a cult unto itself. Maybe that's what people would expect to hear when they see that this album had a huge influence on the subsequent punk scene. But much like what Television were doing (and The Velvet Underground before them), Patti Smith and the band have a very poetic influence replete with social commentary, a catalog full of music that extends far beyond the three minute mark, and influences that not only consist of rock & roll but jazz and experimental instrumental music. They're not especially loud, but there is plenty of attitude backed by keyboard, Lenny Kaye's guitar-playing, bass, and drums. Less to do with image, more to do with artistic expression. Much of the New York club scene was inspired by this record and the Patti Smith Group were a popular live act along with other important bands like the Talking Heads, Ramones, Heartbreakers, and Blondie throughout the 70's.