09092015 - Good Rats "From Rats to Riches"

Good Rats are one of those bands whose name I have seen a lot, but before now I hadn't heard any of their songs. They were part of the same Long Island, New York club scene as Twisted Sister, but arrived already in the mid 60's. Their first album was released in 1969, and this is their fourth, from 1978. Without having heard the previous three records (maybe later...), so not knowing if they started out sounding different, I will say that this seems to be a good place to start listening. From the first track, "Taking it to Detroit", we're talking soulful yet gritty hard rock and blues that should sit well with fans of Grand Funk, Free, early Aerosmith or Stretch. The songwriting is solid, if not exceptional, and there are lots of memorable hooks here, but what makes the band stand out is the fantastic voice of vocalist Peppi Marchello, who rasps along with the best of 'em with a whole lotta heart and soul. Yup, I will definitely be back for more!