Classic melodic rock CD of the week

By Stephen Kasenda

RATT "Out Of The Cellar" (1984)

From the frantic prowling of "Wanted Man" to the blasting celebration of "Round and Round", Ratt epitomized the glam metal breakthrough in 1984. The twin guitar attack of DeMartini-Crosby and the slutty sleazy voice of Pearcy established a new genre called Ratt n' Roll. "Lack of Communication" has their trademark dirty rhythm and "Back For More" is so freakishly addictive, you’ll want to keep coming back for another listen. Other worthy tracks that were estranged and buried six feet under are "The Morning After", "She Wants Money", and "Scene of The Crime".

Going triple platinum is not an easy task but they sealed it - and thankfully they went big and positioned many newer bands…otherwise glam wouldn’t have lasted that long. Seeing Crosby's long time girlfriend Tawny Kitaen crawling in her lusty torn lingerie actually made it easier to spot this record in the local store. A truly influential album that you have to buy and listen to before you die!

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Review: Ratt "Infestation"

Ratt is back with their seventh studio album, "Infestation". After going 'round and round' with original lead singer Stephen Pearcy, the rest of the current Ratt line-up (Warren DeMartini, Carlos Cavazo (Quiet Riot), Robbie Crane, and Bobby Blotzer) were able to let bygones be bygones. The guys were aiming for their hey day on this one, shooting for songs that could fit in-between their landmark 80s records "Out Of The Cellar" (which spawned their biggest hit, 1984's "Round and Round") and "Invasion Of Your Privacy".

"Infestation" recalls many elements of Ratt's past, but is somewhat updated. While the songwriting and lyrical content sound dated, the guitars sound pretty modern. In my mind, it is Pearcy's distinctive growl that really makes Ratt sound like Ratt. He doesn't sound like he's aged at all - in fact, all of the guys sound great after all these years and deserve an A for effort. The record is big fun, with loud guitar, sleaze, and mostly uptempo rockers.

What is missing here, though, are the memorable hooks that made their classic tunes so awesome. Some of the more commercial tracks could be considered modern day "hits" for Ratt - these are stacked right at the beginning of the CD. The blistering opener, "Eat Me Up Alive" suggests the boys are back with a vengeance, breathing fresh air into a sound that is a clear nod to their "Out of the Cellar" days. "Best Of Me" is the most radio-friendly anthem, and my favorite tune from "Infestation" - it would have fit comfortably on their underrated "Detonator" record. "A Little Too Much" is another fun track with a catchy riff and shout out loud chorus, but the record largely goes downhill after this, with a long string of mediocre hard rock songs that can be summed up as "comes close, but no cigar". In short, Ratt proves they can still rock, but by and large they left the melodic part out.

Fans of Ratt and their fellow 80s rock bands will appreciate the references of the era peppered into the songs here, including a subtle shout out to Van Halen's "Dance the Night Away" tucked into "Last Call", and the mentioned of "Wanted Man" in "As Good As It Gets".

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3

Ratt on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for "Best Of Me" here.