I have a (no pun intended) love/hate relationship with Jizzy Pearl's music. I never cared for L/H, and yet, Pearl's solo album JUST A BOY absolutely threw me for a loop. VEGAS MUST DIE does the same, and shows a nice pattern of growth, which might surprise those who are most familiar with him via the slew of Cleopatra tribute albums on which he appeared.

The CD opens up with "Hit and Miss", a nice bluesy stomp with Pearl's patented cat-in-a-blender yelping providing a nice counterpoint to the meaty groove. "True Love" is a sweet seduction for the S&M set, but is slightly marred by solos that seem somewhat tacked on to what could've been a classic tune. This is followed by "Look at You Now" which sounds as if it was great fun to record, and would make a great live song, if Pearl were touring behind this record.

The twenty or so people who actually bought the Adler's Appetite EP will be familiar with the tune "Little Dancer", which is highly improved in this version. And while I like it, for some reason it reminds me of Craig's song for Paige on the new Degrassi. Since I admit I'm a sucker for a good power ballad, I'm not ashamed to say that "How'd I Get So Lonely" has been on constant repeat. The lyrics are good solid Midwestern rock that can speak to anyone who's reached a certain stage in life… it's not a slam when I say it reminds me of John Cougar Mellencamp or old Bob Seger songs.

Another Adler's Appetite resurrection, "Lies", is an archetypal squealer in the best sense. With a little less gloss, I'd consider it a great punk tune. Unfortunately, "Long Time", which happens to be the longest song on the CD, reminds me of Jon Bon Jovi whining over an atonal mess at its beginning. The song redeems itself a bit later, but the intro is enough to make me skip past it in rotation. "You Don't Own Me" (NOT the Lesley Gore tune) is a cheery tune with bitter lyrics - Pearl's strength in writing, honestly. "Only Wait So Long" goes back to the Stripperella sway of "Hit and Miss" with what sounds like an improvised scat-style vocal… not a bad combination. "Ball and Gag", however, is pretty much forgettable, and deserves its position near the end of the CD. The collection ends with "Good Girl", which is a nicely melodic return to the days of power pop. Pearl utilizes some interesting enjambment in his delivery, as well.

In all, it's a good CD. I disagree with some of the mix choices, especially where Pearl's vocal is occasionally submerged under what sounds like flash for the sheer sake of show-offery, but for a disc written on five pounds of coffee in a 3-week period, I'd have to say it's easily best of show!

VEGAS MUST DIE will be released by Shrapnel Records July 19, 2005. 

Jizzy Pearl can be found at his official website: http://www.jizzypearl.com

Jizzy Pearl

“Vegas Must Die”

Reviewed by Marie Braden