FAINT WAVES

Somewhat piggy-backing off the latest from Uncle TNUC, which happens to be about a 1985 charity softball game played by, you guessed it: Ratt. After reading that piece by Uncle TNUC, these dudes were top of mind. So I thought, why not use one of their sweet rockers as song of the week? This is Song Of The Week: “Lay It Down” by Ratt, from the album ‘Invasion Of Your Privacy’.

I don’t need to explain myself when I say that this tune was among my most played of 2025, it’s incredibly easy to see why. The guitar licks are delicious and this thing, while you’re driving, in the summer? You cannot go wrong. Do your best Stephen Pearcy impression, really get that grit in your throat, and let it fucking rip. Those suburban moms won’t know what hit them. In all seriousness, I’ve been a fan of Ratt since I was a kid. My introduction of course was their big hit, “Round And Round”, like many. If you had a classic rock station in your area like I did, you probably heard this thing regularly when you were growing up. Or, if you had a rad dad or a badass mom, you might have heard it through them. Or, you may have been around to enjoy that song when it came out all the way back in 1984; if so, I salute you. All of this to say, great as “Round And Round” is, there’s more to Ratt than that hit. I do not say this lightly: there are multiple full albums worth of quality material for you and if you like that hit, seek out those records, seriously.

Ratt were underrated stars of the 1980’s, fitting nicely into the confines of the Glam Metal/Hair Metal genres of the time. I’d argue what sets them apart and makes them worth diving into now, is that they were remarkably consistent. For three, arguably four, records? Ratt had it down pat, they knew who they were, and they knew how to rock. Forget the charts for a moment and what that says about their success, instead look at the fact that their first four records went platinum. They were successful at being exactly what they were: fuckin’ sweet. The lead guitar fireworks of Warren DeMartini; a musical secret weapon that led to some of the band’s best known hits. Robbin Crosby, ripping it up on rhythm guitar and co-writing hits in the process. The explosive drum clatter of Bobby Blotzer, which stands out when directly compared to contemporaries of the time. The effective bass action of Juan Croucier, who also had a big impact on early Dokken I might add (Blotzer was initially in Dokken too). Then that voice, Stephen Pearcy himself, no one sounded like that but him. I don’t think anyone would seriously argue that Stephen Pearcy had the best voice of the 80’s, I do think it could be argued that he used his tool to the utmost of his ability and what he got out of it, well it was perfect for what he and his band were doing.

Last but not least, Beau Hill is worth a mention, producer of all four of their 80’s records. This man worked with Ratt, Alice Cooper, Twisted Swister, Winger, and Warrant, among others (you may have heard of a couple of those guys). Beau had a good grasp of the sonic realm that these bands needed to occupy and who knows, without him, maybe Ratt wouldn’t have been nearly as slick and dynamic. This tune, “Lay It Down”, exemplifies that dynamism. Give it a listen and check out the music video too. The (admittedly comical) music video features Marianne Gravatte, a lovely Playboy model, who also appears on the album cover for Invasion Of Your Privacy. That album cover continued the trend of beautiful women gracing their albums, Tawny Kitaen appeared on their first album, Out Of The Cellar. I encourage you to listen to Out Of The Cellar, Invasion Of Your Privacy, and Dancing Undercover AT LEAST. Then, if you’re hooked, check out Reach For The Sky (if only for “Way Cool Jr.” if absolutely nothing else). Even the fifth album isn’t bad by any stretch, just more Desmond Child-y than what came before, which can be a good or bad thing; your mileage may vary.

If I had to end this with one final thought: go check out Uncle TNUC and if you like what you see, subscribe. I’ve been following him various places for many years, but for the last couple, I’ve just been subscribed and get his stuff emailed. Uncle TNUC has great “content”, as the young people say (I’m in my 30’s, maybe people my age say that too, I’m just not terribly fond of that usage). In his words, he enjoys “writing about Pizza Hut, heavy metal, horror movies, 1-900 numbers, lost warriors, forgotten icons, misunderstood powerhouses and Kelly Bundy”. If any of those things appeal to you, give him a look, you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks for reading.

~ FW.