I’ve always wanted vH1 to produce Rock ‘N’ Roll Name That Tune. “Gimme Shelter?” I can name it in one note. That first elongated guitar note, that signal cutting through the smoke and fire, is all I need. Granted, “Gimme Shelter” wouldn’t be the hardest number on Rock ‘N’ Roll Name That Tune, but it’s not that opening guitar solo that makes it so memorable. This was the Rolling Stones at their most dangerous. Something killer was on its way. Was it the end of the 60’s, or simply the end of a bad night of being a Stone? It’s hard to tell, and honestly, it doesn’t matter when you’ve got that much power behind a song.
Patti Smith isn’t the first artist to take on this landmark song, there have been plenty famous (or infamous) performers including Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels, Grand Funk Railroad, Inspiral Carpets, The Sisters of Mercy, and The Goo Goo Dolls who have put “Gimme Shelter” to disc. However, few performers who have taken on this number have the stature of Patti Smith, and the musical chops to do it proper justice.
MP3:Patti Smith – Gimme Shelter
Helping Patti Smith out on “Gimme Shelter” is Tom Verlaine on guitar and Flea on bass.
“Gimme Shelter” appears on Patti Smith’s forthcoming solo outing, Twelve, due out on April 24th [preorder].
Twelve Tracklist:
Track Listing
1. Are You Experienced? (Jimi Hendrix)
2. Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Tears For Fears)
3. Helpless (Neil Young)
4. Gimme Shelter (The Rolling Stones)
5. Within You Without You (The Beatles)
6. White Rabbit (Jefferson Airplane)
7. Changing Of The Guards (Bob Dylan)
8. The Boy In The Bubble (Paul Simon)
9. Soul Kitchen (The Doors)
10. Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)
11. Midnight Rider (Allman Brothers)
12. Pastime Paradise (Stevie Wonder)
