We started things off with a garbage release of a compilation in the form of The Best Of Type-O Negative. A soulless, commercial, deceptive release of a compilation, it’s one of the most worthless of albums ever released (Apart from the Highway Star cover). Today’s release? Not so much! The compilation I’m covering today is fun, doesn’t reek of commercialism, and might be a bit hairy. That’s right, we got a Hair Metal compilation today, and from one of the greats of the 80s. So put on your clothes that would make peoples’s heads spin, put on so much makeup & hairspray that would turn you into a walking fire hazard, and enjoy my review of Ratt’s 1997 compilation, Collage. Let’s begin!
Background
Kinda like the Kreator compilation I covered back in 2017 (Read here), there isn’t that much info to go on for Collage. Even Wikipedia doesn’t have much, but what little they do have will be enough. Effectively consisting of alternate recordings, B-sides, and versions of songs from the band's Mickey Ratt period, Collage was mostly recorded and released in 1997 concurrently with their reunion tour at the time, which in turn would help them promote a new album. In 1998, Ratt would go on to sign a new major deal with Sony.
I should make mention of some odd facts about Collage. The track Mother Blues first appeared as an Arcade (A Hair Metal supergroup that had ex-Ratt members on it) song off their 1993 self-titled record, but was originally a Ratt demo. Meanwhile, Steel River is an alternate version of the Mickey Ratt song, Railbreak. Again, some odd facts right there.
Basic Description
A motley collection.
Ratt has always put out fun music. From the early 80s all the way to today (Supposedly a new album is coming out this year or next), the band was always on the fun side of Hair Metal, and Collage is no exception. It’s cool to hear material that didn’t make the cut the first time around get a little moment in the spotlight. As a way to announce a comeback, this is definitely a good way to do it. Even if you’ve never listened to Ratt before, Collage is certainly a gateway for potential fans to come into the fold.
Best Track
If there’s one thing about compilation albums, it’s that there’s a “Chinese Buffet” feel when it comes to songs. There’s definitely something for everybody, whether it’s the more popular songs or the ones that the fans might not know about. For me, I’d go for the laidback Mother Blues. There’s always something about a metal band going for a Blues style track, but Ratt doesn’t do that. Instead, they go for a full-blown Blues song, and it’s the best thing on Collage. Mother Blues is the kind of tune you’d here on the Mississippi Delta, sitting on your porch, and just enjoying the day. It’s easy listening, and it’s easy to get into your head.
Mother Blues
Worst Track
There honestly isn’t a single bad thing on here. Every song is great, the band seems to be at the top of their game, and the production value is good too. The only complaint I could give was that the selection of music is a little scrapped together, but even then I can’t really complain. It was 7-ish years since their last release, so they might have had a little bit of rust on the joints.
Other
This is the first time that I can’t link an album in a review. You can find a few songs from Collage on youtube, but this looks like the only time you can find this release on Amazon or one of the many music streaming sites. Sorry.
Overall Impression & Rating
Collage is certainly a fun collection of songs. It definitely comes across as scrapped together, but Ratt wasn’t really trying to release something grandiose. The band was trying to release a statement, and that was the fact that they were still around despite Hair Metal not being in the public eye anymore. Whether you’re a longtime Ratt fan that’s never picked this up, or somebody that has an interest in the band, Collage is definitely something to consider.
Collage gets a 9.5 out of 10 objectively, but a 10 out of 10 due to the fun factor.
So that was my look at Ratt’s 1997 comeback, Collage. A fun collection of songs, and unlike my first review this month, is definitely worth your time. There’s plenty more of Compilation Month to come, so come back at the end of the month for a......unique conclusion. See you them!
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