MICKEY RATT ratt era - the best of CLO3346

The Sunset Strip Origins: Mickey Ratt’s ‘Ratt Era: The Best Of’ (CLO3346)

Today’s entry explores the roots of one of the 1980s’ most successful metal bands. We are looking at the 2023 limited edition vinyl release of Ratt Era: The Best Of by Mickey Ratt featuring Stephen Pearcy, released on Deadline Music with the catalog number CLO3346.

Pre-Fame Gems and Guitar Heroes

Mickey Ratt was the precursor to the platinum-selling band Ratt, and this compilation gathers tracks that define Stephen Pearcy’s rise to fame on the Sunset Strip. While the tracklist features massive hits like “Round And Round,” “Lay It Down,” and “Back For More,” these are not the standard studio versions found on Atlantic Records. Instead, this collection highlights unique recordings featuring legendary guest guitarists. Dokken’s George Lynch shreds on tracks including “Round And Round” and “Dr. Rock,” while Tracii Guns (of L.A. Guns) lends his talents to “Lay It Down” and “Back For More,” offering a fresh perspective on these glam metal classics.

Format and Aesthetics

Matching the flashy aesthetic of the hair metal era, this reissue is pressed on eye-catching Pink and Black Splatter vinyl. It is a limited edition release, indicated by the hype sticker affixed to the shrink wrap. The album serves as both a history lesson and a rocking showcase of the LA metal scene’s interconnected family tree.