ANOTHER ONE? EVERY SONG HAS BEEN 🔥 ! First Time Hearing The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter Reaction

[@thewizard6077]

I always dug hearing Mick's "Yeah" in the background when Merry hits that super high note and her voice cracks...just an iconic, magical moment in Rock N' Roll history. So this is a little bit of the history behind the song. Merry Clayton got a phone call late one night in 1969, asking if she would sing on a track being recorded by the Rolling Stones. Still in her pajamas, hair in rollers and four months pregnant, she arrived at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood minutes later, cementing her place in rock history with her ferocious “it’s just a shot away” vocal line on Gimme Shelter. Merry recalls: “I called Curtis (her husband): ‘These boys want me to sing about rape and murder.’ I wanted them to hear me, talking real loud to my husband on the phone. But we got the gist - that it was part of the song and not something just flying out of the sky. I was tired, it was cold and my voice cracked. We listened back and they said: ‘Oh that’s bloody fabulous. Can you do it again?’” The day after the session with the Stones, Clayton suffered a miscarriage. She attributes it to the strain she put on her body pushing the heavy studio doors and then reaching to hit those vocal peaks. “We lost a little girl. It took me years and years and years to get over that. You had all this success with Gimme Shelter and you had the heartbreak with this song.” It took her a long time to listen to the Stones’ song because she so closely associated it with losing her child. “It left a dark taste in my mouth. It was a rough, rough time.” Peace

[@Serai3]

That break in her voice is what makes the song real. The sound of horror.

[@sidcostello7532]

You are correct. That's exactly how the story was told to me.

[@tinalinge2782]

Sad. 😢

[@buckfan1969]

She did her own recording of the song about a year after this was released. It was a very subdued rendition, which surprised me. She actually was a gospel singer.

[@sidcostello7532]

even after the tragic miscarriage, Merry Clayton went through some really rough times, physically as well as financially. I heard that Keith Richards organied a fund raising benefit event for her a few years back. She lost both legs in a car accident and the doctor bills were overwhelming. He's a really compassionate guy....quite unlike the skinny singer, ol' what;s-his-name

[@realbser1956]

This is Merry Clayton’s song, so iconic. A banger for sure. The Stones never miss.

[@SubroutineLtd]

Yes but I would suggest Lisa Fischer was the most iconic live and I have seen a few others sing it including Florence Welsh but none of them came close for me. Do check out Lisa Fischer if you haven't her perform it because she did it for many many years.

[@blackbob3358]

Easy, 1956 face, ms Fischer do'nt do a bad job, like.

[@TooSkinnyKenny]

Clayton sang like her finger was in an electric outlet

[@eric_day84]

I'm glad you mentioned the voice crack because that's one little element that makes this song so great. That wouldn't happen today because majority of music is so over-produced that they would go back and fix it because everything has to be "perfect". That's why I love older music so much, because little things like that is what makes it great. Sometimes imperfections are what makes songs perfect.

[@Serai3]

Being open to the unexpected is a major component of creativity, indeed. The concept of _wabi-sabi,_ the spark of imperfection in the otherwise flawless is what makes it ultimately perfect.

[@Mister_Samsonite]

If you make music or art TOO perfect, then you remove the human element, and thus the human commonality. Art cannot be made better with ProTools or AI.

[@nthdegree1269]

Good point of always love that crack it added something to the sound...

[@chrisbenson6683]

That's the best thing in the whole song 💪

[@kevinwheesysouthward9295]

It’s wild how a “mistake” from 50 years ago can provoke so much emotion. I think that vocal anomaly is beautifully powerful

[@alex-E7WHU]

I do believe that this is quite possibly the finest song ever recorded. Its absolutely perfect.

[@erickh.r.9087]

From them is Trumbling Dice

[@Jay-o3f6u]

I agree with you 100%. I get whole body goose pimples every time I listen to the best rock and roll song of all time!!!

[@johnniekight1879]

"Can't You Hear Me Knockin'" has to be next. An incredibly catchy riff by Keith then a 5 minute unrehearsed jam which they weren't even aware the tape was still rolling.. Mindblowing.

[@jasonremy1627]

This. Best Stones track on the best Stones album.

[@gerhardbraatz6305]

Absolutely!

[@Michael-ro8vc]

Yes, what John said. Nicky Hopkins on piano on can't you hear me knock'n

[@vincentwhitley1119]

Agreed...Monkey Man is another one...

[@Oldschoolnana]

I love them all since 1964 on the Ed Sullivan show😮😮 I'm old.😂😂

[@seevac12]

I get goosebumps every time when Merry Clayon's voice cracks.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

We are lucky for three reasons. It happened. They caught it. They kept it.

[@ToastyZach]

@@RideAcrossTheRiver I love how you can hear the "Woo!" in the background

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@ToastyZach Like Keef's pickup switch in "Satisfaction"!

[@correctlyrics]

That's awesome that you heard Mary's voice crack. If you listen again, right after her voice cracks, you can hear Mick say, "Whoo!".

[@clifton8929]

Give the song CAN'T YOU HEAR ME KNOCKING' a listen. It's a full-out banger. Love you guys, especially your views on the music. Thank you for all the hard work.

[@vicprovost2561]

Mick Taylor era at its best. 🎸🎤🎸🎷

[@umpdaddy1]

The last part is some of the tastiest jazz/rock fusion ever put on tape. One of my favorite Stones songs.

[@joescott8877]

Hard to say, but i tMAY be my fave Stones song. A Banger of Bangers. NO reactor comes away unscathed, lol!

[@barsandbarbells2022]

Thx Clifton! Your comment is appreciated!

[@orla556]

Overproducing squeezes the heart and soul out of the track

[@tyrannicaltypomichaeltester]

Rolling Stones are the definition Of Rock N Roll

[@markhodge7]

Such a great song. An unparallelled band. 60 years and still releasing new and creative music.

[@nthdegree1269]

I saw them live numerous times, sometimes they would dial in a show, but I'll tell you what, when they came to play and they were feeding off each other ...they were something to see on stage.

[@Gashouse69]

If I only was allowed to listen to one Stones song for the rest of my life I would choose this one.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Yes. It's their most honest and serious number.

[@davidboivin7996]

Can't You Hear Me Knocking is a pure jam.

[@SG-js2qn]

The Stones have a ton of great songs, hits galore. This is one to highlight to a new Stones listener. Iconic for the feel of the late 60s.

[@doughaviland1729]

CAN'T YOUHEAR ME KNOCKING! ❤ This is just the tip of a SIX DECADE playlist! They are touring NOW with a new album! PHENOMENAL!😂❤

[@nthdegree1269]

This is a GREAT song of theirs. "Angie" or "Wild Horses" show another side of them. Try those songs

[@larrywright3132]

Those two songs are great suggestions. I’m glad I looked at the comments before saying the same thing. Wild Horses is just a phenomenal song

[@allendesalme197]

Also "Angie" - oh yeah, you said that. Well, me too!

[@headlibrarian1996]

Love Angie!

[@binxbolling]

Angie is horrible.

[@ziggymarlowe5654]

I’m adding my voice to another commenter here: “Wild Horses” is a must hear. A different style than you’ve heard so far, but heartbreakingly beautiful and poignant.

[@ronaldriis1023]

The Merry Clayton vocal crack is the greatest vocal crack in the history of vocal cracks.

[@rmacdougallaliasdogviticus]

One of my favorite Stones tunes for sure. The intro's / rhythm to these Stones tunes really can't be beat. I'd suggest 'Monkey Man' for your next tune. Cheers.

[@vicprovost2561]

Great song from an album full of them!

[@anthonyhedberg6471]

This was/is one of the most important anti-war anthems of the Vietnam era. The Rolling Stones are true icons. Over the decades, they have crossed genres, musical styles, popularity, etc., and have still managed to not only remain popular...but relevant as well. They have a greatest hits album called "40 Licks"...and since its release they have had at least a dozen more bona fide hits. Dig deep...you won't regret it. Peace! ✌😎

[@tomhaan1633]

Bill Wyman likely the most underrated bass player from a major band all time, his bass lines are so good. His bass on Angie is beautiful.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

This song was on the radio all the time when I was a little kid. And it just resonated so well. The Stones have so many incredible songs. There is such a huge variety but they always have their own distinct sound. Wild Horses is more or less dedicated to the loss of a former bandmate who died way too early, and it not only was a hit, it is a huge fan favorite as well.

[@donaldallen4285]

I’m so glad I got to grow up in the sixties and seventies. This was the time of real talent

[@TheNewRevolution]

One of the greatest rock songs of all time.

[@christianmattison6096]

This song is personal for me. The US started sending advisors to Viet Nam the year I started kindergarten. Saigon fell in April of 1975. I graduated from high school 2 months later. All the years in between I wondered if I would be called up to fight in that war. It's something that affects you in a very real way. This song really describes the mood for all those years. Thank you for reacting to this.

[@cheezer57]

I go the whole way back with them, and my favorite, by far (and I love 90% of their stuff), is "Can't You Hear Me Knockin'?"..When you hear it keep in mind that the song (studio version, which is the best version) was supposed end, to the point that they were putting their instruments down, but Mick Taylor (lead guitar) and Bobby Keys (sax) were in such a groove that they didn't want it to end just yet, as the tape kept rolling..They all jumped back in, and what ensued is what legends are made of...It was so counter to what the Stones were known for, as they were never a Jam band, and this was their version of a pure jam, and they absolutely kill it!

[@kikovazquez7277]

Yup, I agree. There are so many to choose from, but this is THE ONE!

[@mneugent7658]

God bless the great Merry Clayton!

[@kf9346]

So glad you gave Merry Clayton respect by mentioning her by name! Every time I have heard this song for the last 50 years, whenever I hear her vocals in this I get chills. The part where her voice cracks that you pointed out, listen again, you can hear Mick Jagger let out a whoot in the background they also left in.

[@fccrick]

Merry Clayton puts this song over the top....just kills it

[@lisaberry862]

Not to mention, it's got the coolest beginning of any song ever!

[@todvball]

...this song "cooks" as we rock n roll fans say . And Mary Clayton propels it to another dimension. The lyrics are profound... and the older I get, the more I understand the implication of their meaning. Gr8 tune!!!

[@visarr]

You can hear Mick "whoo" in shock when her voice cracked during the last "murder" at 6:51.

[@draguladirt]

I was born in 1970 - so I missed the beginning of this journey - but caught up and even today they are still brilliant. Their latest album is also brilliant - and there's no other band that can make that claim after decades of performing. And their live shows are amazing as well.

[@a-stranger-passing-thru]

I saw the Stones on November 1, 1981 in the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. It was a gorgeous fall day, and there was a buzz in town because Mick and Jerry Hall, a model from Mesquite and near Dallas, got engaged. The show was amazing!

[@rubroken]

My favorite "Stones" song!

[@ac9110]

A beautiful, grubby, dark, powerful song.

[@lanazugg-zugg8433]

It's nice to hear someone who gets it. I've watched a ton of reaction videos where they really have no idea what the song is about. You guys are so much more intuitive and articulate

[@michaelhandy4968]

Definitely my favourite Stones track. The intro is absolute fire! Never get tired of hearing this

[@MikeWalsh-f1g]

Jumping Jack Flash, Street Fighting Man, Satisfaction, Start Me Up, You Can't Always Get What You Want are a few greats that could get you to 6 for 6 or so. Great reaction/review!

[@billn7183]

This list is perfect !

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

All SUPER suggestions! Sam and Phil, take note, please! 😁

[@samlewis7878]

I was lucky. The Stones originated and took off when I was quite young. Tune after tune, album after album they created masterpieces. This went on for years. It was all truly stunning. I lived and loved Stones' music and grew up with their potent creativity

[@mattblatchley2061]

Musically their finest song...imo

[@tinalinge2782]

No matter how many times I've heard this it still strikes a nerve and just kicks ass!!!

[@PhilPastor]

Great reaction, guys. This is my favorite Stones song, and your analysis is on point. It is an awesome moment when Mary's voice cracks, and you hear Mick in the background with a "woo!", because he was just as blown away as the rest of us.

[@gdubbya804]

Slave, tumbling dice,heartbreaker, waitin' on a friend, just a few of my favorites through the years.

[@user-ot1eb6mt4k]

Can't you hear me knocking is another excellent song by them.

[@lawrenceschabell5740]

This song should be the main theme song for 2024.

[@Dave-yq8rb]

Brilliant, and I was one of the many badgering you to play this, thank you

[@nancy9891]

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” is another banger on fire 🔥 They use a children’s choir in it and it’s unforgettable!

[@artiewithers6980]

You have just begun, keep going. You won’t regret it.

[@31wst83]

Charlie's drumming is INCREDIBLE, he hits all those accents perfectly!!

[@Bikebrh]

That was probably the most famous blown note in all of music history.

[@sweisbrod6109]

This was an anthem to the Vietnam years. This and CCR's Run Through The Jungle.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

"Run Through the Jungle" had nothing to do with Vietnam.

[@sandsoftime1954]

@@RideAcrossTheRiver Neither did this song. Sure, it was in a Vietnam based movie and it came out about the same time, but it's not. Gimme me shelter, it's just a short away.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@sandsoftime1954 Both songs were about domestic gun violence. It really pisses off 'conservative' fans who claim Creedence when they find out Fogerty was lambasting gun culture and gun violence.

[@astonsfan]

Want a Blues song or a Rock song or a Disco song or a Funk song a Country song or a mellow song that will make you cry......the Stones got you.

[@thorntonovski]

The craxking in the voice jist makes this song 10 times better

[@timjenkins4065]

They have so many great songs it’s ridiculous. They got me through one of the shittiest times. They do so many things so well! Over many years, and while they have their ‘sound’, no two songs are alike, that’s talent!

[@johnnyhock]

Merry Clayton was apparently called last minute late at night when they recorded this, the story goes she arrived at the studio at like 11pm in her dressing gown, belted this out in one take, and left ! Great story if true ! You can hear Mick in the background shrieking with glee when she hit the high note !😂

[@nflr92]

And 9 months pregnant

[@christophermerlot3366]

And hair in curlers.

[@kevind4850]

@@nflr92 and she lost the baby as soon as she returned home from this recording session

[@curiousman1672]

Yep. Don't care what anybody says. Merry Clayton is the star of this ditty. She did an interview a few years ago where she and Mick listened to the song together. Knowing she miscarried later that day, after singing her part.

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

Well, I'll disagree with you. The stars of this track are Keith and Charlie. They both drive this song

[@ericlewis217]

damn that opening line just sends chills, a total masterpiece.

[@farmerbill6855]

I've been to a few Stones shows. If you're a rock fan , you haven't lived until you hear this on a stadium sized sound system. The Stones are the best rock band ever.

[@dreambrother82]

Right at the part where Merry Clayton’s voice ‘breaks’ you can hear Mick kinda cheer her in the background…another great thing they left in.

[@Kevin-i1d8u]

The part where the female vocal breaks, and she hit an extremely high note perfectly is my favorite part of the song.

[@ronnielarson9603]

Great song and super solid commentary. ❤

[@zeus6793]

It's the Stones baby. Nothing more needs to be said.

[@russellfisher2853]

Charlie Watts, one of my all time favorite drummers. Honkey Tonk Woman.

[@mikeconway9849]

Great reaction, Sam and Phil! Happy New Year to you both!

[@barsandbarbells2022]

Happy new year!

[@joescott8877]

Outstanding reaction to this masterpiece marriage of music and message. my appreciation for your REWINDING after pausing can't be overstated. I know I and many others appreciate the hell oiut of it when we see reactors rewind 5 or 10 sec. because not many of them DO! I mean, myGod, to have paused , as you did (which is fine) in the middle of Merry Clayton's iconic contribution, and THEN just keep going without hearing it as a WHOLE would be, like, artistic butchery, right? But many reactors do. THANKS for being the exception!!

[@GroinStrain_]

I could argue this to be the best song ever made. Every time I hear it, it just throws you into late 60s and paints an amazing picture through music. Gimme Shelter could be the best song ever made

[@rollon863]

Mary Clayton was like 7-8 months pregnant when she cut this vocal. RIP

[@extracaliber432]

You can't always get what you want.

[@dr.strangelove7788]

After The Beatles, probably the biggest library of popular songs

[@peterstrayhorn5316]

Yeah this song is about the Vietnam war. It's really good to watch this song live the way in the backup singer reacts and hits the high notes definitely a good band to see back in the 90s

[@AW11-e4h]

Greatest rock and roll band ever 🤘

[@rentalguy1]

The voice crack heard around the world! Love it!

[@sdp-co9pq]

This song has so much meaning

[@henkbeckmann5537]

This song is a very, very good example for that the background musicians are so important. Merry Clayton was nothing less than amazing.

[@daseguin]

This came out at the height of the protest of the Vietnam War, and the turmoil that everyone was feeling in the streets at the very end of the 60s.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

This classic will blow your socks off,, TRUST ME on this one,, The Rolling Stones "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" 🔥

[@ster1500]

Out of control great song

[@stevehurst916]

There's The Stones and then there's everyone else who TRIED to open for them. World's greatest rock band!

[@thekingcobra63]

Merry Clayton was an animal on this track! Two favorite Stones songs and a must listen, "Brown Sugar," and "Miss You," but all of their work is amazing.

[@carolebuckle7977]

One of the GOATS of the UK 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔥🤛🏻🇬🇧

[@bc2907]

Stones- "Can't you hear me knocking" is a great unique listen

[@jimcomvideos]

"I'm a Stones fan..." Love that!

[@kjmorley]

“I’m a stones fan.” That’s great! Their catalogue is so deep, they alone could keep you going for another three years.

[@IIChristisKingII]

Merry Claytons backup vocals on this is outstanding however you should check out the live version with Lisa Fischer. One of the best live performances from this band. Fun fact about Merrys part, apparently she was woken up in the middle of the night to come into the studio to record this at 3 in the morning, she did it in one or two takes and said thats it.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

Not a “fun fact” when you learn that she suffered a miscarriage the next day.

[@MySundin13]

There's a reason the Stones have been able to stay on top for over 60 years. BEST band that ever graced us.

[@russrollins9978]

They have so many songs to choose from. I suggest (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, Brown Sugar, Midnight Rambler, You Can't Always Get What You Want, I Know it's Only Rock and Roll, and Honky Tonk Woman.

[@mjeffn2]

I was Stones guy and my sister was a Beatles person back in the 60s. 😊 Nice reaction, guys.

[@Mare_bear738]

Great song! Next, you should consider You Can't Always Get What You Want, Satisfaction, Wild Horses. So many Stones songs to choose from. 🤔 Good luck lol. Thanks for all you do, love your channel.

[@barsandbarbells2022]

Thanks Mare! Looking forward to more Stones without a doubt!

[@talulah67]

To this day…still, my favorite Stones track!

[@hognuckles]

They called the young lady in to do the backup vocals at about 3:00 a.m. she was pregnant but she did it anyway. A few days later she lost the baby to a miscarriage.

[@VintageWanderer]

Legendary song I love for over 50 years and don’t really know the words till a year ago and WOW! Makes the song even bigger ! Cheers.

[@trickhayproductions]

The Stones are so good. They have over 60 albums. They are the longest running group in history. They started in the early 60's and still on tour as of 3 weeks ago. So they been singing for around 62 years. Heck I think Mick Jagger just turned 80 years old.

[@spiritof6663]

I don't think the Stones quite have 60 albums just yet, unless you're including all live albums, compilations, archival releases, etc. I think they have 24 official studio albums total.

[@billblack8417]

I cannot believe you have never heard the Rolling Stones. Humans in the jungle of Brazil have heard of them.

[@paulward1799]

One of my favorite Stones song is 'Far away eyes', It's very different!

[@RockinMamaT]

Got to see the Stones in Toronto Canada in 2003 SARS relief concert❤Mick is incredible energy❤Much lobe from Canada Guys❤🇨🇦

[@marvinc9994]

It's too easy to become so familiar with a song over the years that its initial magic becomes just a distant memory. Luckily, there are nowadays many exceptions to that general rule - and THIS is one of them! Classy AND classic.

[@mrnobody9104]

Merry Clayton brought me here....top notch vocals

[@John-nx9hx]

Other great rock bands put on great concerts but the Stones put on epic shows! The combined talent in the people they have with them on stage is amazing.

[@davidburton9136]

Charlie Watts RIP wasn't the most technical drummer, but his groove and swing are what drove all the Stones hits.

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

Charlie was also a Jazz-man, so a number of his drum method was not always “Rock”. When the Stones were off duty, Charlie had a Jazz band he drummed for.

[@ChrisSmith-xh9wb]

The contribution Charlie makes to this track should not be underestimated.

[@ronaldbolton7338]

Love your channel and what you do- I'd love to hear your reaction to "Street Fightin' Man" and "Wild Horses" two totally different sounds from them. Great stuff!

[@barsandbarbells2022]

THx Ronald!

[@joeking5310]

2,000 light years from home is also brilliant.