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to anacreon in heaven

Youtube do dia: More from Jimi

As we pay tribute this weekend on the 40th anniversary of the death of Jimi Hendrix, I've embedded a video of probably his most famous live performance, from Woodstock, NY in 1969, his rendition of John Stafford Smith's 1778 composition "To Anacreon In Heaven".

You may know it better as that song about Bombs Bursting In Air. I blogged more about its history on the occasion of May Day 2006, but for now, take it away Jimi:

Oh say can you see my eyes? Then my hair's too short

The tune commonly known as "The Star Spangled Banner" has been around since the 1760s with quite a few sets of lyrics. The most recent, timed for release on May Day 2006, is "Nuestro Himno" - an anthem for the USA's second largest ethnic group. It hasn't pleased El Presidente Jorge W Bush, but you can't make everyone happy, especially an Anglophile neo-con.

Take it away guys:

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