One Way Ticket to Hell...And Back (by The Darkness, Rock)

Remember Spinal Tap? The hilarious "Rock-umentary" of an overblown, over-indulged English band on tour in the U.S. finally gave us permission to laugh at self-important glam-band posturing. On ONE WAY TICKET TO HELL ... AND BACK, The Darkness come inches away from delivering deliciously wicked parody but veer off at the last second, leaving us to wonder if these guys might actually take themselves seriously after all. Yet the heavy use of cowbell on the title song's introduction, the stylized high vocal acrobatics contributed by lead singer Justin Hawkins, the Queen-like arrangements by Roy Thomas Baker (who actually did produce Queen), and the loud, retro, wailing wall o'guitars could induce non-stop giggles if you let them. The problem is that despite all the posturing and posing, these guys are, well, they're actually really good.

With just a bit more subtlety, most of the sexual and drug innuendo would fly right over the heads of parents and tweens alike. As it is, we have to confront the tedious fact that yes -- that does sound like someone snorting crank on the beginning of Track 1 and -- sigh -- "Knockers" is indeed a tribute to female body parts, and (go figure) even rock stars aren't immune to fears of male-pattern baldness and/or impotence. For those families who aren't uncomfortable with the occasional un-PC lyric, there's some amazing talent showcased here. Parody or posturing? Innuendo or naiveté? You (and your teens) will have to be the judge.

Released on: November 29, 2005
Label: Atlantic
Genre: Rock
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes