You know that feeling when a song just fits an artist like a leather glove? That's what happened in 1990. Joan Jett decided to tackle one of the grittiest, sleaziest anthems in rock history. I’m talking about the AC/DC classic. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Dirty Deeds cover wasn't just some throwaway track; it was a statement.
People were confused at first. The album it came from, The Hit List, felt like a weird move to some fans. Why a full album of covers? Honestly, Jett has always been a fan first. She grew up obsessed with the energy of the 70s, and by 1990, she wanted to pay tribute to the songs that built her.
The original AC/DC version is legendary. Bon Scott’s vocals were basically a leering threat. When Jett took it over, she didn't try to out-scream him. She made it cool. Cold. It’s got this weirdly polished 1980s production sheen that shouldn't work with a song about a hitman, but somehow, it absolutely does.
Why the Dirty Deeds Cover Almost Didn't Work
Rock purists are the worst. You've probably heard them complain. They said Jett was "too pop" for the Bon Scott era. But look at the charts. The single actually hit number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. That’s a bigger deal than most people realize.
Actually, here's a fun fact: Jett’s version outpaced the original AC/DC single on the US pop charts. AC/DC’s version was huge on rock radio, but it never cracked the Top 40 in America. Jett did. She brought that "concrete shoes" energy to the mainstream.
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The Breakdown of the Sound
The Blackhearts weren't just playing back-up. Ricky Byrd’s guitar solo on this track is filthy. It’s got this bluesy, dragging feel that mirrors the "dirty" theme of the lyrics.
Then you have the horn section. Yes, horns on an AC/DC cover. The Uptown Horns provided the brass, which sounds like it would be a disaster. It isn't. It adds a "big band from hell" vibe that makes the song feel like a dark Broadway production. It’s theatrical. It’s mean.
- Lead Vocals: Joan Jett (Stark, aggressive, and perfectly paced)
- Guitar: Ricky Byrd (Classic rock grit)
- Producer: Kenny Laguna (The man behind Jett’s biggest hits)
- Release Date: January 16, 1990
The Misunderstood Legacy of The Hit List
The album The Hit List got some flak. Critics thought Jett was out of original ideas. They were wrong. She was bridging the gap between punk, glam, and hard rock.
She covered everyone from The Sex Pistols to Jimi Hendrix on that record. But "Dirty Deeds" was the anchor. It was the first single. It proved that a woman could sing a song about "cyanide" and "neckties" without losing an ounce of authority.
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People still get the lyrics wrong. Have you heard the "Thunder Chief" thing? It’s a classic mondegreen. People hear "Dirty deeds and the thunder chief" instead of "Done dirt cheap." Jett reportedly found it hilarious. She leaned into the toughness of the track, keeping the phone number 36-24-36-0 in the lyrics—a nod to the classic "ideal" female measurements that Bon Scott originally sang as a joke.
The Gear and the Grime
Jett's tone on this record is very specific. It’s not the high-gain metal sound of 1990. It’s more mid-heavy. It sounds like a Gibson Melody Maker pushed through a cranked tube amp. It’s the sound of a garage band that got a million-dollar budget but refused to clean their fingernails.
If you listen to the extended version, there's even more room for the groove to breathe. The Blackhearts—specifically Kasim Sulton on bass and Thommy Price on drums—lock into this swinging rhythm. It’s not just a straight four-on-the-floor beat. It’s got a bit of a shuffle.
What This Means for You Today
If you're a musician or a content creator, there's a lesson here. Don't be afraid to reclaim something. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Dirty Deeds wasn't a copy. It was a takeover.
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Most people think covers have to be identical to be good. Jett proved that adding horns and a female perspective could make a song about a hitman feel brand new. It’s about attitude.
Next time you're listening to a classic, think about how the perspective changes the meaning. When Bon Scott sang it, he was a predator. When Joan Jett sings it, she sounds like the boss of a criminal empire. It’s a subtle shift, but it changes the whole "vibe" of the track.
If you want to dive deeper into this era of Jett’s career, check out the music video. She’s wearing the classic leather, looking like she hasn't slept in three days, and owning every frame. It’s a masterclass in rock star presence.
Take Actionable Steps:
- Listen to the "Extended Version": The 12-inch mix has a much better bridge that highlights the horn section.
- Compare the Mixes: Play the AC/DC 1976 version and the Jett 1990 version back-to-back. Notice the "breathing" sounds in the verses—Jett kept that detail as a tribute to the original.
- Explore the B-Sides: The single came with a cover of the Sex Pistols’ "Pretty Vacant." It’s just as aggressive and worth a spin if you like the "Dirty Deeds" energy.