Ratt – Infestation

This is the version to own simply because of the addition of 'Scatter' to the fray. It should have never been removed from the worldwide track listing. This one song propels the entire album from a 3 star release to a 4 star release. I can't think of another single song that makes an entire LP 20% better, but that's exactly what 'Scatter' does. If you already own the other version of this record without the bonus track, then go 'Scatter' and check it out. I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

A welcome return to the scene for the band with this release. One glaring fact about this record is that the production, especially on percussions, is stellar. 14 years later and I still have to turn my radio down when a song from this release begins playing on my ipod. It still has the cheesy moments one has to expect from this band, but the guitar work is on par for DeMartini, and the structure and melodies are actually better than any of their other efforts. The lyrics could be better (I know that's not saying a whole lot considering it's RATT), but they're not quite up to snuff with their prior contributions. You can tell that some effort was actually put into this one which is more than one can say about the 1999 self-titled heap of garbage that was 'Infestation's predecessor. I don't believe that taking a decade or more in between studio albums has shown to produce better music than the 60s, 70s, and 80s way of releasing a new studio LP every two years. I can't think of any album that took more than 5 years to come out that is better than the bands' earlier records. 'Chinese Democracy' is a prime example. As a postscript, do yourself a favor and the Japanese bonus track from this LP entitled 'Scatter'. It is THE best song from these recording sessions and is in my personal Top 5 RATT Tunes Ever list, for what that's worth. That song should've been on the worldwide release as well as being the first single. It's way beyond anything else on here and certainly the best thing they've written since 'Nobody Rides For Free' from 'Ratt & Roll 8191' and the 'Point Break' soundtrack.

I think this reissue sounds great. Its low but that all records compared to other inputs like cd, radio etc.
But turned up its clean sounding and has punch. Well worth it for half the price of a original which is rare and super hard to find.

Have an extra if interested DM me Reasonable /plus shipping
They sound good. To me better then cd on my system.

Artistically this is among Ratt's best work. Unfortunately they must have hired Beavis & Butthead to be the mix engineers because the mix is absolutely brick-walled, super-loud, and exhausting to listen to after a very short period of time. If ever there was an album that needed and deserved a remix this one is it. I haven't heard the vinyl versions, but if they tried to put THIS mix onto the vinyl versions it's no wonder people are complaining about how soft the vinyl sounds. You cannot brickwall a mix like this and get it onto a record without making some serious compromises - usually in the form of reducing the output volume to the point that the noise floor of the vinyl can be heard during the track playback. It's a shame because this is a highly worthwhile album - their best writing and performance since "Reach for the Sky".

Vocals sound muddied to me . I mean it's a clean album with no hiss or pop but lacks clarity. Glad to have it in the collection but was hoping for better.

The original Roadrunner pressing sounds terrible, I sold my copy pronto. The CD is not perfect but is certainly much more listenable...

This record sounds very bad, like a mp3 low rate sounds. The vocals and guitars sound better, but the drums sound terrible, especially the cymbals.
You should not spend your money on this record and use it to fund the purchase of the original LP. This record has no value at all, and the only value it has is as a room decoration for heavy RATT fans.
Does anyone know if the original pressings also sound this bad?

However, I would recommend listening to this on CD, as all of the songs on it are excellent.

RATT - LIVE AT ROCKLINE Wednesday (March 5) 2008, the most important thing is ALWAYS rthe exact concert date please, that way I can determine if I wanna buy it or not, it would have to be a 1984 show for me to be interested, but if this information is not provided, how can I know..?? please always make sure to include the exact concerts or demos dates please..!!

It doesn't sound good man, I don't know what these other guys are running but it must be the turntable setup equivalent to Hector's Civic. It's super flat and the volume is low. Even for 40 bucks it sounded too bad for me, and I just wait for an OG. Your call though hotshot I don't care either way.