5CD - Ratt - The Atlantic Years

5CD - UK mport

Taking inspiration from Aerosmith and Van Halen, Ratt originally formed in Hollywood in the mid-1970s, eventually releasing the independent ‘Dr. Rock’ single in 1980, before contributing a track to the highly influential “Metal Masacre” compilation in1981, and their independently released, self-titled mini-album in 1983. But Ratt finally made their mark when they signed to Atlantic Records in 1984 for the “Out Of The Cellar” LP. Their tuneful hard rock found favour with both radio and on MTV, where clips for singles ‘Round And Round’ and ‘Back For More’ received heavy rotation. A big influence on the growing glam and hair metal scene based around LA’s Sunset Strip, “Out of The Cellar” would soon reach triple platinum status.

In 1985, Ratt followed up their full-length debut with “Invasion Of Your Privacy”. Produced by Beau Hill (Alice Cooper, Kix, Winger, Warrant, Fiona, Europe).

Not wasting any time, and again with Beau Hill at the helm, Ratt released “Dancing Undercover” in 1986. Lead single ‘Dance’ would make a healthy dent on the charts, as well as featuring in an episode of Miami Vice.

Fourth album “Reach For The Sky” (1988) was the last album to be produced by Beau Hill, and was co-produced with Mike Stone (Queen). Featuring the single ‘Way Cool Jr.’, “Reach ForThe Sky” racked up platinum sales, proving that Ratt could still reach the US top 20.

Their fifth record, 1990’s “Detonator”, was the last album released by Atlantic and the final record to feature the classic line-up. Enlisting Jon Bon Jovi for backing vocals on ‘Heads I Win, Tails You Lose’, the album is also notable for a number of co-writes with Desmond Child (KISS, Cher, Bon Jovi), as well as production from Sir Arthur Payson.