#14 "GIMME SHELTER"
THE ROLLING STONES, 1969

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A gentleman by the name "Invisible DJ" writes on Amazon.com about this tune, "It reverberates with menace as Richards lays down some of the most sinister guitar riffs ever while Jagger sings haunted lyrics of discontent and horror. Yet at the end, the optimism that seemed to promise a brighter future is there as well ("love sister...is just a kiss away."). If not the greatest rock and roll song of all time, then one of the top contenders."  The opening guitar of this song is just plain eerie and spooky as it comes creeping up on you like a ghost, and the ethereal "Ooooooooohhhhhhhhh" wafting over the distance.  And let's not forget Merry Clayton's insanely great screaming vocals throughout this tune as well, both parts deserve recognition!

And while I'm at it, I'll go on record as saying "Let It Bleed" is one of the greatest rock and roll records ever made, for that matter.  Every song on here is amazing.

-Robert Berry

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