Bald (song)
"Bald" is a song by the English rock band The Darkness.
| "Bald" | |
|---|---|
| Song by The Darkness | |
| from the album One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back | |
| Released | 2005 |
| Recorded | 2005 |
| Genre | Hard rock |
| Length | 5:31 |
| Label | Atlantic |
| Songwriter(s) | Justin Hawkins, Dan Hawkins and Ed Graham |
| Producer(s) | Roy Thomas Baker |
Background and release history
The song is a hilarious melodrama about a rock god's worst nightmare, according to Rolling Stone magazine. [1]
In another review, Rolling Stone states that the song is "about premature hair loss". [2]
Stylus states that the song is about "losing your edge". [3]
Justin Hawkins commented on the song saying ""The irony of it is that it's a super-powerful song about losing your virility," [4]
It is the seventh track in the band's sophomore album One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back, clocking in at five minutes thirty-one seconds, making it the longest song on the album.[5] The song was recorded at Chapel Studios, South Thoresby, Lincolnshire; Paul Smith Music Studios, London.
Release history
The song has been released in three different albums:
On 28 November 2005 on the band's second album One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back.[5]
On 1 April 2008 in the first compilation album "The Platinum Collection".[6]
On 4 August 2008 in the second compilation album "2 in 1: Permission to Land/One Way Ticket to Hell".[7]
Critical reception
Rolling Stone called it the "best song on the Darkness' eccentrically flawed second album". [1]
Pitchfork Media praised the song for exploring new territory, but ultimately concluded that the song was undercooked. [8]
Drowned in Sound stated "The chorus is sung in the staccato tradition of oddball duo Sparks (whose _‘This Town etc’_ Justin covered on his summer solo release) and the accompanying guitars are of the have-a-go-hero variety. Essentially love on the rocks with no hair." [9]
Personnel
- Justin Hawkins – vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, synthesizer, piano
- Dan Hawkins – rhythm and lead guitar, bass
- Ed Graham – drums
- Additional personnel
- Pedro Ferreira – production, mixing, engineering
- Mike Marsh – mastering
- Will Bartle – recording assistance
- Nick Taylor – mixing assistance
References
- "Internet Archive Wayback Machine". Web.archive.org. 2007-10-02. Archived from the original on October 2, 2007. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- Lauren Gitlin (2005-10-04). "Darkness Find Redemption | Music News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- "The Darkness - One Way Ticket to Hell…and Back - Review". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on 2006-05-26. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- Lauren Gitlin (2005-10-04). "Darkness Find Redemption | Music News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- Phares, Heather (2005-11-28). "One Way Ticket to Hell...And Back - The Darkness : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- "The Platinum Collection – The Darkness – Discover music at". Last.fm. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- "Darkness - Permission To Land/One Way Ticket To Hell CD Album". Cduniverse.com. 2009-01-01. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- "The Darkness: One Way Ticket to Hell...and Back | Album Reviews". Pitchfork. 2005-11-28. Retrieved 2012-12-26.
- Gloom, Stryker (2005-11-30). "The Darkness - One Way Ticket To Hell...And Back / Releases / Releases // Drowned In Sound". Drownedinsound.com. Retrieved 2012-12-26.