A requested rarity to collect: “Ratt EP” (1983), RATT’s first official record. We have here the very first version on vinyl 12” originally released on the band’s Time Coast label.
But the European release included an extra track, ‘You’re In Trouble’ (1983 version) different from the one appeared on ‘Out of the Cellar’. This original EP is rawer, and for many fans, the best Ratt recording ever.
Also included here is “Ratt EP” [Atlantic Records Remix]. In 1984, Atlantic remixed and re-released on vinyl this EP following the success of ‘Out of the Cellar’. This reissue featured a glossier production mix to match the band’s recent mainstream success. Here we have the Japan CD Edition appeared in 1987.
And more: the rarest “Ratt single”, independently produced 1980 (7” vinyl) which was done while the band was still using the name “Mickey Ratt” at times, but the label and back cover say “Ratt”. This single was limited to 100 copies, and very few have surfaced with sleeves.
Regarding the “Ratt EP” (1983) first vinyl 12” on the Time Coast label, the version of “Back for More” featured on this EP is a different / earlier recording than the one on the album ‘Out of the Cellar’.
The European vinyl release, as said, also features an earlier recording of “You’re in Trouble” as a bonus track, believed to feature Joey Cristofanilli on bass guitar.
A cover of Rufus Thomas’ “Walkin’ the Dog” is also included, presumably as a nod to the 1973 Aerosmith cover. It is also noted for the strong lead guitar presence of guitarist Robbin Crosby, whose trademark “blues with a twist” solos are prominent through the other songs.
“U Got It” often opened the Ratt shows circa ’83-’84, and S. Pearcy did the same during his Nitronic ‘Pure Hell’ Tour in 2000.
There’s a CD of “Ratt EP” [Atlantic Records Remix] including 2 extra tracks [Born On The Bayou (CCR live cover) & Nobody Rides For Free from Point Break soundtrack] but it’s a bootleg, not official.
The one featured here is the real Japanese CD editon of 1987.
And the Ratt 7” [1980 Self Released 7”, only 100 copies] is very, very rare. The sound quality isn’t the best, but we added it here for fans and collectors. Additionally, there’s two demos from the same era.
Highly Recommended
RATT EP [Original ’83 Time Coast Records / Music For Nations UK +1)
01 – Sweet Cheater
02 – You Think You’Re Tough
03 – U Got It
04 – You’re In Trouble (1983 version – Extra Track)
05 – Tell The World
06 – Back For More
07 – Walkin’ The Dog
RATT EP [Atlantic Records Remix / Japan CD Edition 1987]
01 – Sweet Cheater
02 – You Think You’re Tough
03 – U Got It
04 – Tell The World
05 – Back For More
06 – Walkin’ The Dog
RATT – Ratt 7” [1980 Self Released 7”, only 100 copies]
Side A – Drivin’ On E
Side B – Dr. Rock
extras:
The Ratt Madness (demo – rehearsal)
Top Secret (demo – rehearsal)
Stephen Pearcy – lead vocals
Robbin Crosby – lead & rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Warren DeMartini – lead & rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Juan Croucier – bass guitar, backing vocals
Bobby Blotzer – drums, percussion
RATT – Ratt EP [Original Mix +1] + [Atlantic Records Remix Japan Edition] + [First Ratt 7” 1980] RARE
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