Track Review: Patti Smith – “Gimme Shelter”

Much like any self-respecting female music enthusiast, I have a thing for Patti Smith. The woman howls like a wolf, growls like a drunken sailor, and rages and storms through a set with more energy and joy than most modern musicians half her age. And her recent cover of “Gimme Shelter” – from the forthcoming covers record Twelve – reminds her fans that Patti’s still got it. In fact, my only complaint about the track is that it’s so produced that any of the eerie “rock band from the gates of hell” feel from the Stones’ 1969 original is lost in this new, cleaner cut. It’s just a little too safe. And come on folks; if anyone still has the guts and strength to both make you move and make you worry that Satan’s just around the corner, it should be Patti Smith.

- Megan Giddings

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