Ratt Era: The Best of Mickey Ratt

Buyer beware. Ratt Era isn't just a compilation of Ratt's finest moments from the '80s, but a collection of recordings by Mickey Ratt, an early version of the Los Angeles band. The recordings feature lead singer Stephen Pearcy and a backing band, with cameo appearances by '80s shredders George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) and Tracii Guns (L.A. Guns). All of the hits are represented here: "Round and Round," "Lovin You Is a Dirty Job," and "You're in Love" all appear here in fine form. These are re-recordings, so the digital age has polished the sound up a bit and gives the song a bit of an unnecessary coating of shine. For those looking for a Ratt greatest-hits record but don't mind not having the original performances, this is a sensible purchase. But for those looking for the original hits and original recordings by Ratt, it would be better to seek out 2002's excellent Essentials compilation. ~ Rob Theakston