"The Essential Jimi Hendrix" (volumes 1 and 2) was released in 1979. On the cover of Volume Two was an extra sleeve containing a 7" (33 1/3 rpm) single of Gloria. According to the liner notes -- 1979 -- "the version of 'Gloria' included here has never before been released in the United States." At 8:41 minutes, Hendrix takes quite a few liberties with the Van Morrison classic as he creates a moody, majestically soaring piece of story-telling that at times borders on a letter to Penthouse. Not really for the kids. Back in the early 80s when I'd drive to soccer games with a boombox in the passenger seat because my car didn't have a cassette player, I'd always pysche myself up with a Jimi Hendrix mixtape. Last song I'd play before hitting the field was this one.
Listen: Gloria.
Song is easier to come by now than in 1979:
- iTunes or Amazon (from The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Box Set))
- iTunes or Amazon (from The Jimi Hendrix Experience: 1967-1968 (Disc Two))
