Ratt's brash, melodic heavy metal made the Los Angeles quintet one of the most popular rock acts of the mid-'80s. The origins of Ratt go at least as far back as 1976 with a San Diego band called Mickey Ratt, which was formed by founding member vocalist Stephen Pearcy. Mickey Ratt went through various line-ups. Members included guitarists Jake E. Lee, Chris Hager, Paul DeNisco, and Bob DeLellis, bassists Matt Thorr, Tim Garcia, and Dave Jellison, Mike New, and drummers John Turner, Dave Alford, and Bob Eisenberg. In 1980, the band moved to Los Angeles to increase their chances of landing a recording contract with a major label. Later that year, guitarist Jake E. Lee joined the Mickey Ratt line up and the band recorded a single called "Dr. Rock" / "Drivin' on E", which was given to fans at their early Los Angeles club shows. The band would later work at various fast food restaurants in order to pay back the studio time for their initial recording. Jake E. Lee, Chris Hager, Matt Thorr, and Dave Alford all left Mickey Ratt to form another band called Rough Cutt. In 1981, the band's name was shortened to Ratt. Guitarists Warren DeMartini and Robbin Crosby, bassist Juan Croucier (who had left the band Dokken in 1981), and drummer Bobby Blotzer replaced the former members. DeMartini was only 18 years old when he was called up to Los Angeles to join Ratt. At the time he was attending college in San Diego and reluctant to drop out to join a band that had, so far, had only limited success. By 1982, the classic Ratt line-up of Stephen Pearcy on lead vocals, Warren DeMartini on lead guitar, Robbin Crosby on rhythm guitar, Juan Croucier on bass guitar, and Bobby Blotzer on drums was complete. The band released their self-titled first EP independently in 1983, which led to a major label contract with Atlantic Records. Their first album under this deal, 1984's 'Out of the Cellar', was a major success, reaching the American Top Ten and selling over three million copies. In 1992, Pearcy left Ratt to form his own band, Arcade. With their brand of glam metal out of step with the then-burgeoning alt-rock movement, Ratt decided to sit out much of the '90s -- during which time DeMartini issued a solo album. But by the late '90s, the public's interest in '80s rock began to perk up, leading to Ratt reuniting in time for 1997's 'Collage'. Shortly thereafter, Pearcy left the group once again. Ratt continued to carry on with new members Jizzy Pearl (ex-Love/Hate) on vocals, John Corabi (ex-Mötley Crüe, ex-Union) on guitar, and bassist Robbie Crane joining original members DeMartini and Blotzer. In the summer of 2001, long M.I.A. guitarist Robbin Crosby disclosed to the public that he was battling AIDS, and Croucier soon began organizing a benefit album for his former band mate. After struggling for years with the resulting health problems, Crosby died in Los Angeles in June 2002.

OUT OF THE CELLAR (1984) ATLANTIC

Ratt's first release on a major label, and also their first full-length album is still today regarded by many fans as the bands finest moment. That is not so strange, considering the fact that the album is indeed packed with some of the best melodic metal around. You will certainly find most of the bands best known songs on 'Out Of The Cellar'. And when a band manages to sell over 3 million copies of an album, you can rely on the fact that the majority of people have heard at least one of their hits. Ratt might have turned into a pop metal act, and some might also say that they were more known for their hair metal image, rather then the music. But the fact remains, Ratt were one of the originators of this genre. And they had their own sound, much thanks to the wonderfully unique voice of Stephen Pearcy. And it doesn't hurt to be able to write some memorable song either. Hooks with enough meat to feed a rhino, riffs and licks that'll make your face light up in the biggest grins, and choruses that just won't leave your head for days! Yes, Ratt had it all! And this is the album that showcases just that!

Killer tracks: You're In Trouble, Round And Round, Lack Of Communication, The Morning After, I'm Insane

INVASION OF YOUR PRIVACY (1985) ATLANTIC

Ratt enjoyed massive success with their major-label debut. So when MTV also embraced them as their Sunset Strip darlings, helping to pave their golden way to fame, they had to come up with a strong follow-up to continue the success. The result was 'Invasion Of Your Privacy', released a year after the debut.

The second album didn't fail to deliver more of the same. It contains the same cocky attitude, the same sex-drenched lyrics and ultra-catchy choruses, and also the same tasty guitar-work, and trademark vocals. Here Robbin Crosby was still as much a vital part of the dynamic guitar sound as Warren. But in hindsight it is the latter that has been mostly known as the shredder in Ratt. And although the "upgrade" in the production department, courtesy once again of Beau Hill, resulted in a slightly more polished sound, it was still apparent that Ratt were a heavy metal band. The production might not have been bombastic, but it let all the instruments be heard clearly, and that is a plus in my book.

'Invasion Of Your Privacy' spawned some of the bands most recognizable songs, and 3 singles were released. The video for "Lay It Down" was put on heavy rotation on MTV, and featured the same Playboy model, Marianne Gravatte, that is shown on the cover of the album. Ratt was in fact one of the first bands to use a beautiful female model on an album cover. This of course later became a trend copied by many glam metal bands of the 1980s. 'Invasion Of Your Privacy' went on to sell 2 million copies, and was awarded double platinum in the US alone. So it might not have sold as good as it's predecessor, but it is regarded by most, myself included, as one of the best album in it's genre.

Killer tracks: You're In Love, Lay It Down, Closer To My Heart, What You Give Is What You Get, Got Me On The Line

REACH FOR THE SKY (1988) ATLANTIC

Ratt were at the top of their career during this period. They were MTV favorites, and hair metal was the flavor of the day. But they certainly had to pay the price for the success the following 2 decades. Their brand of light weight pop metal was soon hated as much as the plague. And I have always thought that the grunge wave was a direct answer to the image-conscious girly-men from this era. It's unfair though, as a band like Ratt was so much more than just an image. They really had some great, catchy songs! And today I don't think there is anyone questioning the talent of one Warren DeMartini! Combined with Stephen Pearcy's raspy, yet melodic voice, you have a winning formula. Now, I don't think 'Reach For The Sky' is the best album from these L.A. dudes. But it does contain some of my favorite songs by them. Who can resist the cheesy "I Want A Woman", or the blues-ridden "Way Cool Jr."? There are no real surprises here, so you know exactly what you get. But if you already like this band, that can only be a good thing.

Killer tracks: I Want A Woman, Way Cool Jr., No Surprise, Bottom Line, What's It Gonna Be

DETONATOR (1990) ATLANTIC

Ratt entered a new decade by releasing yet another album with their trademark Sunset Strip sound. This time around, however, the record company brought in Desmond Child (Bon Jovi, Kiss, Aerosmith etc.) to co-write all of the songs. They also changed producers, from long time collaborator, Beau Hill, to Sir Arthur Payson.

'Detonator' still sounds 100% Ratt though, albeit with slightly "nicer" overall sound. They always had that slick, polished production, but 'Detonator' still manages to come across with a little less edge, or punch. But a long time fan still finds a lot to glee over here. As long as Warren and Stephen keep doin' their job, this fans is more than content. Warren still amazes me to no end, as he keeps playing circles around his contemporaries. Even the strongest haters of the hair metal movement have to admit that the guy can play! It's also noticeable that his best work often appear in some of the more anonymous songs. Just check out "Hard Time" for example.

The opening track on the CD is listed as "War In D" on the back of the trey card. But on the CD itself the more common "Intro To Shame" is written. Yes, 'Detonator' is yet another prime time Ratt album. Nothing less, nothing more.

Trivia: It is widely acclaimed that Sir Arthur Payson is nothing more then a pseudonym used by Desmond Child. His name shows up almost exclusively on albums with Child-penned songs. And since pictures of Sir Payson ha still not appeared anywhere, the rumors continues. However, it has never been confirmed.

Killer tracks: Shame Shame Shame, Lovin' You's A Dirty Job, One Step Away, Givin' Yourself Away

Ratt also appear on:

V/A - 'Heavy Metal Hits Of The '80s''

Stephen Pearcey guest appearances:

Liberty N' Justice - 'Soundtrack Of A Soul'

Liberty N' Justice - '4 All: The Best Of LNJ'

John Corabi guest appearances:

Liberty N' Justice - 'Independence Day'

Liberty N' Justice - '4 All: The Best Of LNJ'

Related artists:

Dokken