In a music career that has spanned almost 30 years, the American singer song-writer has been described as "outspoken", "angry" and "controversial".

Now, after a break from performing, she is back.

"I have seen pretty much the evolution of rock and roll in my lifetime and it embraces all things from fun and excitement to sexual, as well as revolutionary, energy," she told The Music Biz programme.

Referring to the impetus behind her current retrospective CD, she explained how music can still be a driving force.

"My concern is how young people communicate with each other," she said.

"We have the possibility through music and technology to develop communication based on ideas not just pop culture."

Punk poet

Having recently released a retrospective two-CD set called Land (1975 - 2002) Smith has reinforced her status as a rock icon, but, as she explained she never set out to be a singer.

"I was just really off the streets," she said.

"I didn't know much about singing, I just wanted to get people to remember who they were and tell them that rock and roll was a grassroots, political and poetic art," she said.