Considering the explicitly political nature of her work and her avowed Rolling Stones fandom, it's actually a little surprising that Patti Smith hasn't covered "Gimme Shelter" before. Taken from Smith's soon-to-be-released covers album, "Twelve," this version of what might be the Stones' darkest -- and best -- song sticks pretty close to the original. But Smith's voice has coarsened and deepened over the years, and her willingness to embrace its ravaged corners ensures the tune's apocalyptic power remains undiminished.
-- David Marchese
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