I have great affection for musical artists who can effortlessly perform simple
and short songs that are easy to digest and recall. In the vintage rock genre,
there’s everyone from the Beatles to Creedence Clearwater Revival to the
Police. And then there’s Joan Jett. On the double Greatest Hits
are 21 of the singer’s most precious nuggets, spanning her career from
the early 80s right through to the present.
How about the solo take of the Runaways classic, “Cherry Bomb” re-recorded
for 1984’s Glorious Results Of A Misspent Youth, before veering
off into “You Drive Me Wild” and “School Days,” with some
good backing vocals. There’s those Jett classics like “Bad Reputation”
and “I Love Rock and Roll,” trademark examples that marry tightly-knit
riffs around infectious choruses. A cover of “Crimson and Clover,”
recorded live in the studio with no overdubs, finishes off the first CD.
Another cover, Gary Glitter’s “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)”
lifts off the second disc. “The French Song,” a pretty obscure little
ditty might actually be my most favorite song on the whole set. The aspired
vocal during the verses, the tough sneer during the choruses, and that rigid
rhythm guitar — this is what we love about Joan Jett.
Bruce Springsteen’s “Light Of Day,” written for the movie (in which
Jett starred) of the same name, also made the grade. With the addition of the
Uptown Horns in her corner, Jett delivers a really great read of “Every
Day People,” driving it in a way Sly Stone could never have imagined.
Another great single from 1988 is “I Hate Myself For Loving You,”
followed bv the nah nah-ing of “Fake Friends.” It’s hard to
resist “Activity Grrl,” a punky, raucous number with loud drums
and a great, sardonic lyric. There’s “Androgynous” from the
2006 Sinner album
and a revved-up version of The Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song, “Love
Is All Around.” A blistering cover of The Sweet’s “A.C.D.C.”
ends the set.
The Runaways bio pic has stirred new and warranted interest in Joan
Jett, who continues to release albums and tour. Greatest Hits offers
a wide-eyed glimpse into one of music’s brightest, baddest and most influential
female rockers. Long live Joan Jett.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
