File this one under “Guilty Pleasures” if you must, but after checking it out over at good ol’ mtvU’s Music Blog — I’m quite liking the new MCR track “Desolation Row” (yes, pals, that really does stand for My Chemical Romance).

OK, well, first off it’s a cover of a Bob Dylan song (Rolling Stone’s #185 best song of all time, for whatever that’s worth) so how bad can the archetype really be?

Second, while clocking in at just 3 minutes — down about 8 from the original’s beautifully rambling 11 or so — MCR manages to pack into the rip-roaring-fist-pumping-mosh-riling-punk-homage that comprises its hypercondensed version what sound to be at least 20 knowing winks and nods to all manner of influences as varied as Meatloaf, Poison, Social Distortion and more. Not the least of which being a fun little tease of the “God Save The Queen” riff and a sweet Brian May-ish solo for good measure.

It all seems to reveal a level of knowing musicianship I had no idea this band possessed and adds up to a fun listen and great watch. And yes, in about 2 weeks, dear readers, I might be kicking myself for admitting to enjoying a My Chemical Romance track. Til then, Desolation Row is the place to be.

Oh and PS, I’m pleased herein to report the unexpected resurrection of a once left-for-dead feature on this blog: the Tass Cover Song du Jour.