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Critic's Review
John Bush, All Music Guide
No one's confusing it with Hot Rocks, but this Big Beat collection is the biggest, best yet available on the Standells, beginning with the A-side of their 1965 breakout "Dirty Water" and ending 20 songs later with the B-side of their final original single. Along with a copious band biography in the liner notes, Hot Hits & Hot Ones also boasts a few better tracks than any other CD-era compilation, including additions like a faithful cover of "19th Nervous Breakdown," "There Is a Storm Comin'," and the surprisingly soulful "Animal Girl" (the A-side of their parting shot). Of course, a Standells compilation just wouldn't be right without sullen classics like "Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White," "Riot on Sunset Strip," "Why Did You Hurt Me?," and "Mainline."
