I kinda miss Joan Jett. As far as rocker guitar lesbians go, she couldn't be topped. Sure, "I Love Rock & Roll" is over-played to the point of nausea even today, but she put out some great guitar-driven singles back in the day. "I Hate Myself for Loving You" is pretty much her last hurrah, unfortunately. I though at the time of its release that it signified a resurgence in her career and willingness to get down and dirty with her riffs once again. Alas, those hopes were pretty much shot with her follow up single, the distressingly limp "Little Liar." And that pretty much ended it for her as a commercial artist.
"I Hate Myself," though, remains an overlooked gem. No, it's not particularly deep or contemplative. It doesn't take on any pressing social issues or break new ground with its musical arrangement. But damn, she can infuse the simplest, most contrived lyrics with character and weight they have no business having. She sells this song like no other, and for that I'll even forgive her that goofy '80s hair band look she sports in this video...
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