Patti Smith was the original Riotgrrl, back in the early '70s. Hung out in Max's Kansas City and CBGB's. Knew people like Ginsberg, Mapplethorpe, the young Springsteen. Married Fred Smith (ex-MC5). Published books of poetry and made records. Now she's officially achieved icon status: Susan Sontag wrote an essay to accompany Land, Arista's double c.d. set that covers Smith's singing career.

Land's 30 tracks include 1974's hard-to-find "Piss Factory" -- half poem, half early New York punk rock -- as well as the radio hits "Because the Night" and "Gloria." In "Frederick," one of the few songs to show Smith's vulnerable side, she croons, "Guardian angels shedding light on a sleeping head." Most of the songs are more aggressive: "People Have the Power" is a throwback to the classic protest songs of the '60s.

A strong, seminal figure in the history of rock, Smith paved the way for female singers to be taken seriously. And she took this responsibility seriously: The one note that sings true throughout Smith's music is her earnestness. She is earnest all the time, without change in tenor or tune. It can be exhausting. This c.d. is a must-have for serious Smith fans. For the rest of us, it's a footnote in music history.