Radio Ethiopia

Radio Ethiopia was the follow-up record to Smith's widely acclaimed debut Horses. In interviews surrounding the album's release, Smith explained that she chose producer Jack Douglas in hopes of making the album commercially successful. Smith co-wrote much of the album with bassist Ivan Král, the band member keenest for commercial success. "Ain't It Strange" and "Distant Fingers", the latter co-written with Smith's long-time boyfriend Allen Lanier, had both been staples of the Group's concerts long before the recording of Horses. ==Artwork==

The album's cover photograph is by Judy Linn, while the back of the album features a photo by Lynn Goldsmith. The album was dedicated to Arthur Rimbaud and Constantin Brâncuși. The back cover of the album bears the legend: "Free Wayne Kramer", who at the time was incarcerated in Kentucky following his conviction for dealing cocaine. ==Critical reception==

Radio Ethiopia was negatively received when it was released and Smith was attacked by critics for what they perceived to be laziness, self-indulgence and selling out. Critics in negative reviews cited that Douglas' production placed more emphasis on creating a heavy sound through numerous guitar parts that smothered Smith's vocals, and, at times, lamented that all of the album's songs were originals of the group. In a contemporary review of Radio Ethiopia, Rolling Stone critic Dave Marsh opined that Smith "seems to lack the direction necessary to live up to her own best ideas". Village Voice critic Robert Christgau stated that the album's sound "delivers the charge of heavy metal without the depressing predictability; its riff power... has the human elan of a band that is still learning to play." ==Track listing==

Notes • "Radio Ethiopia" and "Abyssinia" were recorded live on August 9, 1976. ==Personnel==

Patti Smith Group • Patti Smith – vocals, guitar (Fender Duo-Sonic), design • Jay Dee Daugherty – drums, percussion, mixing, consultant • Lenny Kaye – guitar (Fender Stratocaster), bass, vocals, mixing • Ivan Král – bass, guitar • Richard Sohl – keyboards, synthesizer, piano Additional personnel • Jack Douglas – production • Vic Anesini – mastering • Sam Ginsberg – engineering (assistant) • Lynn Goldsmith – photography • Nancy Greenberg – design • Bob Irwin – mastering • George Marino – mastering • Jay Messina – mixing, engineering • Rod O'Brien – engineering (assistant) • Brian Sperber – engineering ==Charts==