???People say that glam rock died sometime during the '90s, along with Zubaz pants and the Jheri curl. Listening to The Last Vegas will prove otherwise.
???The Chicago-based band's first major label album, Whatever Gets You Off, displays the five members' in-your-face personalities, causing any disbeliever to reach for their leather pants again.
???Kicking off the album is the title track, proving to be a direct throwback to the sounds of Skid Row with just a pinch of Cinderella. The lyrics themselves fit perfectly into the typical rock scene of sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
???The second track and hit single, "I'm Bad," is easily a paramount addition to the album. Featuring a classic, bluesy guitar riff a la ZZ Top, and closely resembling the song on Tom Petty's "Saving Grace," the track is as close to mainstream perfection as it can get. With a mind-blowing guitar solo, the crux of the song makes light of some darker lyrics.
???"Sucked the life right out of you/ You were once so alive/ Rotting, stinking, wilted rose/ Completely paralyzed/ Destruction is in high gear/ And your heart is what I sell/ Now pack your bags, we're leaving here/ I'm taking you to hell," sings lead vocalist Chad Cherry.
???Of course, there is a ballad accompanying the record, and a good one at that. ???"Apologize," tells a sob, love hurts kind of story about a guy trying to make amends with his girlfriend.
???"Every time I come home late/ Every time I made you wait/ ...Every time I lied to you/ I wish I would've told the truth/ For all those times/ I apologize to you," sings Cherry.
???The album trails off with the song "Cherry Red," an uninspiring track that simply takes up space and isn't worth your time. But thankfully, the group returns in full force with "White Lies" and its rocktacular guitar licks.
???The musical inspiration behind the band isn't hard to spot. M?\0xA6tley Cr??e underlines the album, and the song "Loose Lips" reeks of Alice Cooper. It's obvious that Cherry tries to emulate Axl Rose throughout, and that's not a bad thing.
???The Last Vegas and their new album, though probably more of an acquired taste than an instant favorite, represents everything that '80s rock and roll stood for, but with a modern twist and no hairspray.
???For that, let's rejoice.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
