We posted a link to this gem on Twitter last week but it’s too awesome to hide away in that ghetto so we’re putting it here on the front page.

Merry Clayton is responsible for the spine tingling backing vocals on the Rolling Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” and in 1970 she released her own version. This is a scorcher, folks. It’s just a kiss away.

Video: Merry Clayton – “Gimme Shelter”

And check out the isolated tracks of the original Stones version. The genius of this song just becomes clearer.

Merry Clayton: iTunes, Amazon, Insound, eMusic, MOG, wiki

The Rolling Stones: iTunes, Amazon, Insound, eMusic, MOG, wiki