Search - Joan Jett & the Blackhearts :: Fit to Be Tied

Why we all love Rock and Roll

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 06/04/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Now that Joan Jett is getting her due as a seminal rock and roll influence, it's about time a decent hits set appeared. Sadly, this isn't it. While the music on "Fit To Be Tied" certainly merits the four star rating, I am going to have to assume contractual issues with CBS forced Jett to either omit or substitute alternative versions of well-known songs.



For instance, her huge hit "I Hate Myself For Loving You" is an alternate take from the "Up Your Alley" version, and "Little Liar" is a live version. I am not sure how many versions of "Roadrunner" Joan has recorded so far, but the take here is previously unreleased and kicks butt. So does the new recording of the signature Runaways song, "Cherry Bomb." MIA are such well known Jett tunes as "Good Music" and her version of "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap." The albums she recorded for Warner Brothers are bypassed entirely.



Nonetheless, you still get some of the great proto-grrll rock from "Bad Reputation" to the terrific new "World of Denial." Joan Jett also was queen of the perfect cover choice, as her hit versions of "Everyday People," "Crimson and Clover" and - of course - "I Love Rock and Roll" prove. She also had that glam bam done like few before or since. The BOOM/whack/BOOM/whack that explodes from her cover of Gary Glitter's "Do You Wanna Touch" and her own "I Hate Myself For Loving You" made both songs burst from whatever radio played them some eight years apart. You'd be hard pressed to know that much time had passed between these songs...which proves that Joan Jett is a timeless artist.



But she deserves better. There is a good Japanese compilation that covers all the albums up to "Naked" (which eventually formed the base of "Sinner"), called "Jett Rock: Greatest Hits of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts." It boasts a pretty hefty price tag, so if you're just a casual fan looking for "I Love Rock and Roll," this will do. If not, hit that link."

Look No Further. The Definitive Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Anthony Nasti | Staten Island, New York United States | 12/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When it comes to the best women in rock, few can compare to Joan Jett. With her powerful voice, one of a kind attitude and overall presence and energy, she is truly a force to be reckon with. With her band The Blackhearts, she scored a string of megahits throughout the 1980s', all of which are compiled on this very brief (47 minutes) but very concise best - of.



"Fit To Be Tied" contains all Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' biggest hits, including the classic "I Love Rock N Roll", "Bad Reputation", "I Hate Myself For Loving You", a live version of "Little Liar", her superior cover of Tommy James And The Shondells' "Crimson And Clover", "Cherry Bomb" and others. All the songs have been remastered, and it really shows. The songs sound fiercer, louder, edgier and just plain better than ever.



The liner notes are ntohing more than photos as well as snippets of praise from various rock figures, but who can complain when you got such great music on this cd?"

I love Joan Jett

S. Hayes | MN | 04/01/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"And this does have all her greatest hits, from Cherry Bomb to I Love Rock'n'Roll.

My complaint, though, and it's a big one, is that it won't play in my computer. I know artists have a problem with people illegally downloading music, etc. But it's a real pain when you actually pay money for a cd and then can't listen to it wherever you want to. I should be able to play this at my desk and I can not. It's irritating to no end. I wish these cds had warning labels so I'd know not to bother with them."