The Black Parade [Edited] by My Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance: Gerard Way (vocals); Frank Lero, Ray Toro (guitar); Mikey Way (bass guitar); Bob Bryar (drums). Additional personnel: Cheech Lero, Jamie Muhoberac, Liza Minnelli, Rob Cavallo. Recording information: Eldorado Studios, Burbank, California (2006). On this ambitious 2006 outing, My Chemical Romance boldly follows in the footsteps of Green Day, both in working with producer Rob Cavallo and in taking a conceptual route (a la AMERICAN IDIOT). The result is an impressive collection of songs that finds the goth-leaning New Jersey punk-pop group transforming itself into the title's "Black Parade," a darkly clad marching band that relates the woeful tale of "the Patient," as portrayed by frontman Gerard Way (who bleached his hair blond to convey the character's sickness). In addition to bringing--believe it or not--the equally dramatic and eye-liner-loving Liza Minelli on board for a guest appearance, My Chemical Romance proves its theatrical mettle by moving from the melancholy grandeur of "We...