if you watch any craptastic reality shows on mtv, surely you've seen the "buzz-worthy" clips during the credits showing the classic rock band the darkness and their video for "i believe in a thing called love" (second video down). the flamboyant, over-the-top 70s glam rock video is so bad that it's good, and it is my current favorite. almost everything about the lead singer -- his vocal style, presence and performance -- is reminiscent of freddie mercury, the late-great frontman of my all-time favorite band queen.

"everyone's too uptight these days," says the darkness bassist frankie, "i hate the arrogance of bands who think their petty emotions are interesting. if you look at bands from 25 years ago, people have smiles on their faces. we're bringing a bit of that back."