It’s the #200wordchallenge! Rock journalist Mitch Lafon has challenged me to up my game. Back in his print days, Mitch used to have a strict 200 word quota — no more no less.* It separated the wheat from the chaff. Click the link to see all the entries.
RATT – Ratt & Roll 8191 (1991 Atlantic)
Ratt used to claim that their music was so unique that it deserved the title “Ratt n’ Roll”. This 19 track compilation is the one to get to test that theory. With all the key songs, including two from the first EP and a newbie, Ratt & Roll 8191 (Yes, that’s the actual title) will provide all the spills, thrills and chills that Ratt are known for. And in fact, it makes for a heck of a 77 minute CD. You’d think that would be overkill. You’d be wrong. Sleezy hard rock, flashy 80’s guitars, big drums and hooks are in store for you.
So “You Think You’re Tough”? Spin this CD “Round and Round”. Before you know it, “You’re in Love”. Get down and “Dance” just like “Way Cool Jr.”! Soon you’ll be “Back For More”, in fact it’s only “One Step Away”. Or one click away, rather, but keep in mind that “Nobody Rides For Free”. Still, Ratt & Roll can be found affordably. If you’re loaded with cash, look for a Japanese version with a 3″ bonus EP from MTV Unplugged featuring guest Michael Schenker!
If you don’t pick up this album, “Shame Shame Shame” on you.
4.5/5 stars
*Not including title or score
A fine start to the challenge Mike, this is going to be a fun week. And if I’m going to be scolded for not liking something, it’s best to be scolded/shamed in song!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d never shame you Geoff…unless you have a Bieber album ;)
LikeLike
Haven’t caught the fever yet!
LikeLike
There was certaintly no ‘Lack of Communication’ in this review Mike. Even with all the pith! Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I pithed all over it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a trap if you think this album is cheesy.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Pus on a Monday morning! Bop’s really got this one by the tail!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am oozing with confidence.
LikeLike
My typo came to a head and blew up on me.
LikeLike
* Puns.
Not pus.
Hooboy. I’m off to get more coffee.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve talked a lot about Ratt, and I’ve never gotten around to hearing it. I suppose this would be the one to get, for a noob like me. I’m still not running out the door to get it, or anything, but if I saw it cheap I might try it.
Congrats on your first 200.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah it would be a “3 for $1o” kinda album for you I think.
LikeLike
I love the 3-for-$10 bin! Haha wouldn’t it be great if it was in there next time we go!
LikeLike
I had all their albums and still bought this just for the new song. It is a great collection to have if you only get one Ratt album. Nice and Punny review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely. And as Deke said that one new song was awesome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t bought any RATT in ages so this is my excuse to do so. Still, it would be better if “The Morning After” was on this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah that’s a good tune. Scene of the Crime too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed!
LikeLike
Definitely a great package to digest the best of Ratts catalogue
LikeLike
Best one on the market without a doubt.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always liked RATT. I have all of their albums, including this one.
I saw them in concert on their “Reach For The Sky” tour back in ’89 or so.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very cool and an underrated album!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice one, Mike. Perhaps the perfect introduction to Ratt for a chap like me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or, as I like to call it, all the Ratt you need.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I still bought this even though I owned all there albums.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Meant to add that Nobody Rides For Free is one of Ratts best tracks…I frown on Greatest Hits CDs but this is one of the better ones that ever was released!
LikeLiked by 1 person
ABSOLUTELY one of their best tracks! Warren’s tone on it is outstanding! Robbin had probably left by then. I know he wasn’t in the video.
LikeLike
The Pearcy Book i believe mentions that Robin was gone after the Japanese tour…I have to reread that book..Sex/Drugs/Ratt N Roll…..
LikeLike
Worth it for Nobody Rides! Juan’s backing vocals…oh man.
LikeLiked by 1 person