|
Terry's
Reviews Page
| ||
| Movies | Music | Books |
|
Music Reviews: | ||
|
|
Ratt – Tell The world: The Very Best of Ratt Rhino – 2007 | |
|
It’s real cool how time can affect your perspective on something from the past. I was a fan of Ratt when they first came out. It began for me with Ratt’s EP. Growing up in Seattle, the word got out about their first recording; my friends, my brothers and I were digging them before they hit it big with “Round and Round.” But something happened in the late 80’s were I become somewhat burned out on the band. They were constantly on MTV, all over the rock/metal magazines and I think I become somewhat numb to what they were doing musically. Now 20 years later, my fire for the band has been re-ignited. In fact, I’d have to say they have to be one of my favorite bands and a group that represents my high school years in the early to mid 80s. “Dangerous But Worth The Risk” features Ratt’s duel guitar rhythm slicing through the mix and the strong background vocals from Juan Croucier. Stephen Pearcy says, “It’s what Robbin and I called –back when it was written-the band anthem.” The soft intro of “Back For More” really sets up for the power chords to smack you. Warren DeMartini says this was the first song he learned after joining Ratt. This song totally makes me think back to when I saw the band the first time live. Pearcy admits he gets off on performing “Lovin’ You’s A Dirty Job” live. The percussion in this track has almost the same feel as Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me.” “Nobody Rides For Free” is one of my favorite Ratt songs. The slow riff in the beginning builds up into an explosion of Ratt power. The chorus in this tune will stick with you a lifetime. My good pals from Seattle; Craig Van Ness and Andrew Krepela & I use this song title for one of our expressions since the song came out. The band states the only reason they reworked this song for the movie POINT BREAK was SURFING. I honestly didn’t realize Jon Bon Jovi sang on “Heads I Win, Tails You Lose.” I actually thought it was Jani Lane from Warrant (listen to it; you’ll make the same mistake). The riff in “You’re In Love” is pure and nasty. “City To City” was a track from Mickey Ratt, the band’s original name, which featured a different line-up with Jake E. Lee on guitar instead of DeMartini. “Body Talk” is harder and heavier than you probably remember. It is Stephen Pearcy’s favorite song live. Warren DeMartini brings the blues to “Way Cool Jr.” The groove is spicy and funky. I totally enjoyed reading that in late 1982 Warren DeMartini came up with the chorus, verse and solo section for “Round And Round” while living at Jake E. Lee’s house (he rented the couch). DeMartini says, “Jake and I would stay up till all hours playing guitar. I was working on riffs and parts that would be “Round And Round,” “The Morning After” and “You’re In Trouble” and Jake was working on parts to “Bark At The Moon,” “Rock ‘N’ Roll Rebel” and “Waiting For Darkness.” After reading that, it’s no surprise that all those songs feature some of the coolest riffs ever recorded. Those two guys most definitely inspired each other. “Round And Round” will always be Ratt’s signature song and for damn good reason. DeMartini’s riff in “Lay It Down” is awesome! I’d rank it as one of the Top-10 Riffs of all-time. Pearcy sings in his distinct style and DeMartini’s solo is totally memorable. Pearcy states, “Warren at his best with this one.” DeMartini might sum it up best, “Writing is kinda like fishing, and this riff is JAWS!” “I Want A Woman” is of course all about the what Ratt wanted on a daily basis when they made the song. I wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t succeed in getting just that. The double leads between DeMartini and Robbin Crosby standout. DeMartini speaks nicely with his guitar at the end of the track. There’s a neat guitar intro to “Dance” leads into another rock-n-roll party courtesy of Ratt. Pearcy admits that it’s tough to sing this song live. The chorus in this tune will hook you every time. Gritty guitar riffs mesh beautifully with Pearcy’s voice in “Wanted Man.” This song takes me back to riding in my friend Steve Jones’ car as we traveled to see Ratt & Bon Jovi at the Paramount Theater in Seattle. DeMartini and Crosby tag team the solos to perfection. What I also love about this tune is that it rocks until the very end. “Slip Of The Lip” grooves with the lyrics. It’s probably impossible not to move your body with this song. DeMartini comes up with another nasty guitar sound in “Shame Shame Shame.” DeMartini says the band spent more on the video for this song the whole Detonator album. Yeah, “Lack Of Communication” still kicks ass. I learned Juan Croucier came up for the riff in this song with most of the lyrics and music. I don’t know what happened between Croucier and the rest of the band but I always felt they haven’t been the same since his departure from the band. “Over The Edge” is one of the two songs I’d had never heard until getting this CD. Nice southern voice-guitar part and slide guitar feel. Pearcy says this tune is, “Safe sleaze.” “Steel River” is the other song I’d never heard before and now I’m sorry I hadn’t. The riff is wicked and the time changes in the tune are fun. DeMartini states this is one of his favorite recordings from one of his favorite Ratt albums: Collage. I’m going to go have to pick that CD pronto! (P.S. - I've done just that buying it on E-bay for $4.00) An acoustic (MTV Unplugged) version of “Way Cool Jr.” is the last track on the CD. It’s bluesy and fun rendition of the song. It would be easy and inaccurate to only describe Ratt as a glam band with pop metal songs. They are harder and tougher sounding then most of their contemporaries. Ratt’s musicality is excellent with fantastic guitar work by Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby. There isn’t another singer in hard rock or metal that sounds the same as Stephen Pearcy. Bobby Blotzer’s drums and Juan Croucier/Robbie Crane’s bass help propel Ratt’s sound. Listening to the band now, I’d have to say they were masters at crafting short songs that rocked hard with spear hooks that snatch you every time. What are you waiting for…join the Ratt Pack as soon as possible.
| ||
