Search - Joan Jett & the Blackhearts :: I Love Rock N Roll

Solid album ruined by "remastering"

Jeff Shew | 07/02/2010

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I hope I don't give anyone the wrong idea. Joan Jett's 1981 breakthrough album "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" is a solid classic that showcases Joan Jett's attitude and skill, and it really benefits from the Blackhearts (Ricky Byrd in particular), though I prefer her earlier album, "Bad Reputation." Regardless, this is one of numerous albums ruined by "remastering" to the point of being virtually unlistenable. I do hope this wasn't an anomaly, because I'm posting the review for the exact CD I own, and there don't seem to be any other complaints.



If any of your are confused as to how an album could be ruined by remastering, go watch any number of videos on "The Loudness War" that have been uploaded to YouTube. Since the mid-90s, noticeable increases in the volume of CDs have been prevalent to the point of clipping and distortion on songs. It actually hurts your ears to listen to some of these songs, no matter how good they may be.



I first encountered this problem when I purchased the CD. I was quite excited to finally get my hands on a Joan Jett album, though once I saw the "remastered" tag at the bottom, I got worried. I hoped it wouldn't be too bad, but when I got home and listened to the title track, my ears were in terrible pain. I knew Joan Jett liked distorted guitars, but they sounded a lot more disorted than usual; the whole thing did.



The audio quality is terrible, but the package comes with some nice bonuses (live footage, bonus tracks, a small poster). The songs are great, especially the first half of the album, with the title track, "Love is Pain," the energetic and silly "Nag," the sultry "Crimson and Clover," and on the second half, the criminally underrated "Victim of Circumstance," and "You're Too Possessive."



I reccommend purchasing this album, but please--purchase a CD from before 1995 (I saw some copies from 1993 on the site), or do yourself one better and pick up the copy on Vinyl. Do your ears, and Joan Jett, a favor."

They don't make'em this good anymore!

Kat | NYC, NY | 03/12/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have this on vinyl (original book style with very cool band photos) and it still blows everything else today way out of the water!!!! Can't even compare!!







"