For the release of "Rat Attack"
Stephen Pearcy has re-recorded Ratt material dating back to the very first version of Ratt that started in San Diego 1978 under the Mickey Ratt moniker.
The production of Ratt's discs was typical for that era, but I never really thought that they transferred that great onto Compact Discs. I still think that my LP's sound better so therefore this rework definitely brings a beefed up production to the table.
There are plenty of highlights on this album, since Ratt made some great songs. Among them is
Lack of Communication, which has crunchy guitars and a tight heavy groove. The up-dated sound suits the song and Pearcy's vocals remind everyone that this was made in the 80's.
Lay it Down has always been among my top 3 fave Ratt songs - this version has the prominent Tracii Guns on guitar. Tracii also plays on the fabulous
Back For More.
Another prominent guitarist
George Lynch, plays on the mega hit
Round and Round and
I'm insane. Pearcy's often criticized vocals sound great throughout the whole album. Lynch plays both guitars on the
Round and Round solo and though both Guns and Lynch are splendid guitarists the work of Warren De Martini and Robbin Crosby was magical.
The newest Ratt song to find its way is
Lovin' you's a Dirty Job - originally from "Detonator". This version is very driven by groovy guitars, but doesn't manage to capture the vibe of the original.
Most of the "Rat Attack" stuff is vintage Ratt stuff. All songs from the first Ratt EP released in 1983 are redone except for
Tell the World and the cover of
Walking the Dog. Furthermore the last 4 songs on "Rat Attack" are before Ratt was Ratt. In 1978 Pearcy started the band Mickey Ratt in San Diego and in 1980 Mickey Ratt recorded a single called
Dr. Rock with
Drivin' on E on the flipside. There are also two other Mickey Ratt songs
Top Secret (yes!the same song that also ended up on "Detonator" and
Ratt Madness. The guitarist of Mickey Ratt was a young kid named Jake E. Lee, who later became infamous for his work with Ozzy and Badlands. It is pretty cool that Pearcy got
George Lynch to play Jake E. Lee's parts on all Mickey Ratt tunes.
This album contains Ratt and Mickey Ratt classics recorded with an updated edge and sound. Except for the already mentioned guitarists, Pearcy's current guitar player Erik Ferentinos is also on the disc along with Mark Zavon. Even though they all do a great job no one can surpass the excellent work from Ratt's original guitarists Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby
"Rat Attack" is a great album celebrating the great music of Ratt in an up-dated sound and it proves that Ratt's music will live on forever!
Written by
Michael Friday, May 12, 2006
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