There was always something about the music that Marilyn Manson made that instantaneously made me want to get into trouble and do bad things. “God damn your righteous hand!” I would say to those who would attempt to get in my way, and then off I would go to make a mess of the world and of myself. Even if only temporarily.
Listening to Marilyn Manson brings back fond memories of my wicked, little girlfriend who, with her, I would find only the naughtiest ways to while away the hours. We would listen while we drove around all night in my black car. We would listen while we slithered into lacy, black, slip dresses and matching lipstick. We would listen while we slept; when we slept, that is. Manson makes me think back a few years to when I would go on the most depraved and immoral and yes, illegal binges of all sorts. Tsk tsk tsk. Those were the days.
In that period, I remember seeing Marilyn Manson live many, many times. Every show was a surreal experience. There was nothing on Earth like a Marilyn Manson performance, which is why I was so thrilled to find out that “The Last Tour on Earth” (Nothing/Interscope) was released to the masses who haven’t been as fortunate as I. You had to be there in the presence of the Reverend, baby.
The complete anthology is not what you will get here. What you will get is a mere tease, but oh, what a nice tease it is. To just hear a live show is still nothing like what goes through you while you’re watching the spectacle onstage when you’re there, but it will at least let you in on the fact that Manson can sing his ass off. Twiggy (bass), Madonna Wayne Gacy (keys and synthesizer), Ginger Fish (drums) and newest recruit, John 5 (guitar) can all play like the “big rock and roll stars” that they’ve always wanted to be. Or not to be. So don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re not going to hear anything decent. You’ll be wrong.
There is far more substance and talent in this band than many critics give them credit for. The live concert has plenty to do with lights and mirrors and make up and costumes and props, sure. But all of that is taken away on this release. All you get is the way it sounds. Marilyn Manson pull it off just fine, just the way they always have. I’ve already heard people who aren’t even into Manson say that after hearing this live collection, they had to pay attention.
The live versions of the classics such as “Lunchbox”, “Sweet Dreams”, “Antichrist Superstar”, “Get Your Gunn” and “The Beautiful People” are just as clear and heavy as anything you heard on the studio releases. The newer material from the Dope Show tour is outstanding. I honestly found nothing lacking on this CD; except for the sad fact that I was at home instead of at a Marilyn Manson show. God damn.
Lesa Pence
