Speaking of classics . . . . . . . . . .this is a riff that acts like an ear worm and no mistake, I love the version by Patti Smith and Jim Morrison and The Doors too. This is rock n roll rhythm guitar! Check that but also the lead guitar and the precision here . . . . . 

On this day in music history: July 5, 1964 - Them records “Gloria” at Decca Three Studios in West Hampstead, London, UK. Written by Van Morrison, it is the second single release for the rock band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. The song is born out of an onstage improvisation with his former band The Monarchs in the Summer of 1963. It is initially released as the B-side of the bands single “Baby Please Don’t Go”. After the single is released in the UK November of 1964 by Decca Records, “Gloria” eventually overtakes the other side in popularity. Released in the US by Parrot Records in January of 1965, “Baby Please Don’t Go” is promoted as the A-side, but languishes for months before entering the chart. Only when DJ’s discover “Gloria” that any chart movement occurs. The song becomes a garage band standard, and is covered many times including a version by Chicago based band Shadows Of Knight who score a top 10 hit with “Gloria” (#10 Pop) in May of 1966, and by singer Patti Smith on her debut album “Horses” in 1975. Released on Decca’s Parrot Records imprint in the US, Them’s version charts twice on the Hot 100, first peaking at #93 in May 1965, then at #71 exactly one year later. “Gloria” is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1999.

with thanks to the most excellent Behind The Grooves by Jeff Harris