Friday, July 11, 2014

Patti Smith - 'Gloria' (1976)



Versions:
7" (US)
7" (France)
12" (UK)

Tracklisting:
A: Gloria
B: My Generation

What can you say about 'Gloria'? 

It's probably my favourite punk single of them all. 

I went digging for the American 7", since I haven't blogged a 7" yet. I forgot I had the French 7". Which also made me remember I had the English 12". I guess they all count for this blog.

The American 7" is one of my favourites, and is an example of why I love 7" singles. At the risk of sounding like a typical record collecting wanker, they sound really great. I listened to the 12" first, then put this on. This is the clear winner. It seems to leap off the vinyl and dance it's way into my ears - the drums, bass and piano all vying for my attention. 'My Generation' sounds even more ragged and loose. This 7" is the perfect way to hear this seminal punk single.

The French pressing sounds a little more compressed, like the 12". At the end of the day, there's no bad way to hear 'Gloria'. I do love the American pressing, though. It can get pretty pricey these days, but it's well worth the investment if you're a Patti fanatic.

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