Ratt aren’t making any new albums it seems, so how does a label make money off their catalog? One way is it to keep reissuing the albums. Another is to release greatest hits compilations and a third is to release a collection or rarities and unreleased versions of the band’s catalogs. And that is what we have here. Heck, the label has been doing other two constantly so this a nice change of pace. But, they definitely went cheap. No liner notes and a cheap cardboard digipack. Plus there are only 9 tracks.

Here is the promotional line they sent out that various sites have posted. Not too much in it either…

From the ’80s metal vault comes this collection of vintage demos and live recordings of one of the scenes biggest hitmakers, Ratt. Features the earliest known recording of the band’s signature hit, “Round & Round”, complete with alternate lyrics and melody, as well as vintage performances of classics like “Body Talk”, “Wanted Man” and more.

The thing is I think this was already released back in 2007 with a different album cover, but same track listing and same label. I can’t find it on Discogs which leads me to believe it was a digital only release. Interesting though.

It is noted that the label did get to do the release under a license from Stephen Pearcy so it is approved by at least one member of the band. I’ll take that. The album was released digitally as well as CD and vinyl. Vinyl. There is a Red Marble limited eidtion vinyl taht is said to be limited to 400 copies…I have a vinyl coming, but don’t know if it is the red or a regular black vinyl. We will see. Let’s talk about the songs.

The opening track is a studio version of “Tell The World” from 1983. It is very raw and I like it for that reason.  It isn’t over-produced and left for what it is.  There is more double kick drum and some extra bass notes in the opening that aren’t on the E.P. Version where this first appeared. I also like Stephen’s scream during the song, now that is on the E.P. version.  It is always been a great little rock track and no different here.

Next we get what is claimed as the earliest recording of the band’s big hit, “Round and Round”. This was a rehearsal from 1982 and the album debut album wouldn’t come out until 1984. So two years prior. It sounds like it was already mostly complete at this point. Yeah, the lyrics get re-worked for the final version, but still pretty damn cool. It does sound like a rehearsal as it is rough, and it is played live. But it sounds awesome. This is a big treat on this album.

Next is a demo for a song called “I Want It All” which the final version appears on their 1997 album ‘Collage’. The song is basically a complete re-working of “All or Nothing” from ‘Detonator’ as that is really the session this song is from.  It lacks that powerful drum opening and wicked guitar riff that the studio version has which is a cool little shuffle. Maybe this is the beginning of that song.  It is pretty great.  Not as great as the “All or Nothing” version, but it has a kick ass guitar solo and still sounds like a great Ratt song. 

Then it is time for a handful of live tracks that are from 1987, but it doesn’t tell me what shows they are from. First up is “In Your Direction”. This sounds like an audience recording as it is a little hollow sounding and nothing is real clear. Stephen Pearcy actually does sound good though. Musically, it is rough around the edges and tough to make out at times.

Next is “Round And Round” and this one is a way more professional recording. Everything sounds full, huge and fantastic. You already know the song so we won’t dive in to it except to say a great live version of this one!!

“Body Talk” is up next and this one is live from Germany in 1987. It says at least that much. It is a high energy, revved up version that is going even faster then the studio version. This might be an audience recording as well or a not so great soundboard. The strange thing with this one is it abruptly ends with a very fast fade out. You don’t even get the whole song. Disappointing.

“Drive Me Crazy” comes rip roaring at you next. Another overly amped up tempo on the song. Do they have someplace to be? This is also from 1987, but nothing given. Sound wise, similar to “Body Talk”. The band sounds good on this one, really giving it their all. Backing vocals are loud in the mix on the chorus which is strange, but still a great track.

Now it is time to call the police because up next is “Wanted Man”. This one is live and it is from 1985. A younger, more hungry Ratt here. The song has a cool groove, Stephen nails it vocally and another great live track, backing vocals are a little rough. No denying that solo though.

The final track is a demo of a song called “Love on the Rocks”. This demo is from 1989. It is definitely a demo. Stephen’s vocals are less polished and loud in the mix. Musically not much to it. A basic drum beat, a bass rhythm and some noodling on guitar but needs more as it isn’t fully flushed out. There is a decent little solo too. Not a bad track at all, should cook a little more though.

And that is everything. Not much too it, but still some cool stuff. Like I said earlier, it might’ve been released back in 2011, but it is finally getting a physical release. I have both the CD and Vinyl now so I’m good. It is an interesting mix of material, nothing real earth shattering, but it is cool to have such an early version of “Round and Round” and the demo for “Love on the Rocks”. The live stuff isn’t bad either. But it is a cheap money grab with not much meat on the bone. My Overall Score is a 3.0 out of 5.0 Stars. And i’m probably being generous. But, we aren’t getting new music so this is better than nothing.