From
Sly Stone's "Everyday People" to
Tommy James & the Shondells' "Crimson & Clover," cover songs have long been one of
Joan Jett's strong points. Covers can be a waste of time in the hands of some rockers; but they've always worked well for
Jett, who's been wise enough to make sure that her own personality never became obscured when recording other artists' material. The one-time member of the criminally neglected
Runaways embraces covers exclusively on
The Hit List, tackling everything from
the Sex Pistols' "Pretty Vacant" to
AC/DC's "Dirty Deed" to
the Doors' "Love Me Two Times" with spirited, inspired results. While those investigating
Jett's career would do better to start out with
I Love Rock N' Roll or Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth,
The Hit List was a welcome addition to her catalog. ~ Alex Henderson