I try to keep the FCH light but it *did* evolve out of the Songs For The Pandemic feature, so occasionally it gets serious. This is one of those times.

This week’s edition is dedicated to everyone who was in the path of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Unfortunately, as I know from experience, the recovery will be harder than the storms. Good luck everyone.

Gimme Shelter was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in 1969 for the Let It Bleed album. It’s one of their most intense songs. It’s just a shot away, it’s just a shot away.

We begin with The Rolling Stones:

Merry Clayton sang on the Stones original. This is her take on the tune.

Hawkwind was one of the OG prog rock bands. Their cover of the Jagger-Richards classic features vocals by pop singer and one time glamor model Samantha Fox.

Detroit rocker Mitch Ryder loved Gimme Shelter so much that he recorded it several times and performed it at most of his shows:

Patti Smith. Say no more.

What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without an instrumental version of the week’s tune? This time, Cal Tjader.

Have I told you lately that Cal Tjader is also a San Mateo High alum?

That’s it for this week. Let’s drink to everyone dealing with the aftermath of Helene and Milton. It’s what the Glimmer Twins would want. Never argue with them.