All five albums inside this box set feature the classic line up of Stephen Pearcy (vocals), Warren DeMartini (guitars), Robbin Crosby (guitars), Juan Croucier (bass/vocals), and Bobby Blotzer (drums). The albums are: 1984’s “Out of the Cellar,” the album I’m reviewing here, 1985’s “Invasion of Your Privacy,” the album I haven’t recorded but I have a great recollection of it, 1986’s “Dancing Undercover,” 1988’s “Reach for the Sky,” and 1990’s “Detonator” three albums that I have no recollection at all.
Formed in Los Angeles, Ratt were featured as an unsigned act on Uncle Joe Benson’s Local Licks Drive Time Show on KLOS-FM. This was their first time on radio and led to their signing to Atlantic Records.
Ratt exploded on to the national scene in 1984 with the release of “Out of the Cellar” Featuring an undeniable hook and legendary music video, lead single “Round And Round” hit #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, while “Out of the Cellar” reached #7 on the Billboard Top 200 and was certified triple platinum. Two more charting singles followed with “Back for More” and “Wanted Man.” Ratt started the tour as an opening act, but by the end of the tour had climbed to arena headliner.
1984’s “Out of the Cellar” represents the essencial Ratt and, from where I’m standing, a lot of 1980’s Glam Metal. Its simple and direct instrumentals were the common ground for many bands back then. Ratt used the very simple rule of three direct chords and nothing more played at exhaustion. Pay attention on how they repeat their main guitar riffs with very few tempo and cadence variation. Having strong choruses is another stapler of the band which was used for many others. I admit that only recorded “The Morning After” because of the amazing guitar twins it showcases. Back then I used to listen and listen to it again and again as I used to do with “Stairaway to Heaven” guitar solo. Ratt, but not only, explored this formula until its exhaustion. I guess the trio cars, girls, and drugs wouldn’t fit better to any other band. Today “Out of the Cellar” sounds as if it were recorded to be a hit, but it’s the other way around, many platinum albums were recorded inspired on it. Back then it was a band which took fun to the ultimate.
Ratt “The Atlantic Years” will be released on June 09 via BMG.
Track Listing:
Out Of The Cellar (1984)
- Wanted Man
- You’re in Trouble
- Round and Round
- In Your Direction
- She Wants Money
- Lack of Communication
- Back for More
- The Morning After
- I’m Insane
- Scene of the Crime
Watch “Wanted Man” official video here:
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