Tuesday, January 13, 2015

CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#64 I LOVE ROCK 'N ROLL
JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS
(1981)
Writers: Jake Hooker & Alan Merrill
Joan Jett was astute enough to recognize the hit potential of an obscure song she saw performed on British TV. To her surprise, the track was a B-side by the relatively unknown American- British group named The Arrows. Its bass player/ lead singer (Alan Merrill) and guitarist (Jake Hooker) were the 2 writers of the song. The Arrows' original version of "I Love Rock 'n Roll" was released in 1975, but flopped.  
Jett's remake amped up the energy, infusing it with raw sexuality and rock might. Ritchie Cordell and Kenny Laguna produced the new version. The song became the title track from Joan Jett & The Blackhearts' 3rd studio album, which was issued in 1981. 
The following year, "I Love Rock 'n Roll" was unleashed as a single. After years persevering as a member of the female rock band The Runaways and waiting for success with her own Blackhearts, the song made Jett an instant star. As it developed into an anthem, the disc climbed to the top in America, Canada, Australia, Sweden, New Zealand, the Netherlands and South Africa. In Britain, the single peaked at #4. 
In 2002, Britney Spears released a remake of the song and charted well, despite it paling in comparison to Jett's definitive version. Miley Cyrus covered it in 2010 on her 'Can't Be Tamed' album. In the meantime, Jett continues performing and recording. Her most recent album, entitled 'Unvarnished', was issued in 2013. Also on the recording were longtime Blackhearts Dougie Needles and Thommy Price. Laguna helped produce the album.
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

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