Ratt – The Atlantic Years Review

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Most of times I start my release’s week by the album that would be the easiest to review. It’s a way to begin the with the right foot. Well, I had been wanting to write about this box set since I received in April. I couldn’t hold myself to start by it because, as most veteran bands, Ratt and I have a story. Not a long and interesting one, but definitely a story. Now I’ve got the chance. I met Ratt by their “Wanted Man” video, needless to say it was the first big hit the band got with the help of MTV – I keep on guessing how it would be for many bands if MTV hadn’t existed. So, this album 1984’s “Out of the Cellar” was the very first, and only, I ever recorded on tape. No, I didn’t have the chance to buy their LP as I did to many albums that I first recorded on tape. However, somehow in my mind, Ratt are the band that represent 1980’s Glam Metal the most not only by their music but also by their looks. If one looks at Ratt’s visual all the 1980’s Glam Metal is there represented. The same for their music. Ratt are so much the 1980’s that many songs wouldn’t even be allowed to be mentally written nowdays as, for instance, “She Wants Money.” No one would in a conscious mind even think of writing a song like this today. I bet that you, my dear child of the night, when thinking about a 1980’s Metal band Ratt are one of the first that comes to mind with the choruses of “Wanted Man” or “Back for More” at the same time.

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)

  1. Wanted Man
  2. You’re in Trouble
  3. Round and Round
  4. In Your Direction
  5. She Wants Money
  6. Lack of Communication
  7. Back for More
  8. The Morning After
  9. I’m Insane
  10. Scene of the Crime

Watch “Wanted Man” official video here:

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