History was made in the second week of October when black artists claimed every single in Billboard's Top 10. Black artists dominate the nostalgia circuit, too, with the Commodores about to hit the Vegas Hilton. Yes, the Commodores without Lionel Richie are like Bon Jovi without Jon. But at least you know they're going to play their hits. If that isn't enough of a reason to see them, maybe this will convince you:
Reason No. 1 The chorus to "Brick House" is rousing and lecherous enough, but there's also a line later in the song that's as straightforward about its intentions as anything Nelly has ever come up with. "36-24-36, what a winning hand!" Never mind that I can't think of any gambling games where getting 36 or 24 is a goal. The point is that the line sounds good, it makes adequate sense, and who cares about eloquence when you just want to get down with a fine lady who's stacked and ain't holding nothing back.
Reason No. 2 These guys can be charming gentlemen, too. "Three Times a Lady" is all about thanking a good woman for her wonder, beauty and love. It's as schmaltzy as that Celine Dion song in Titanic, which, come to think out, is proof of the Commodores' range.
Reason No. 3 You know all that stuff you've heard about the Motown sound? Well, this is it, pal. Rock 'n' soul, with guitars, keyboards, horns, harmonizing and all that. I have no idea if the current incarnation of the Commodores involves just three guys singing to music on a CD, but take a chance. They've endured Lionel Richie's absence since '82, which means they're either the most resilient band in history or they still have house payments. But people in cities without casinos have to pay thousands to go on a Carnival Cruise ship to experience this kind of time machine (and the buffets aren't even as good). Consider these Vegas shows a wonderful value.
Reason No. 4 If you're white and James Brown is too scary for you, these guys are a lot less menacing. They're also a lot more melodic.
Reason No. 5 The Commodores laid the foundation for decades of R&B to come. Their music still has the power to remind adults of the days when they were young, grooving the night away, whether they actually grooved to the Commodores and the Jackson 5 or to New Edition and Boys II Men. You can take the kids to their shows, too, because they'll probably play something that sounds just like the new Justin Timberlake single.