After buying Marilyn Manson’s last album, The High End of
Low, and finding it utterly disappointing, I was excited but concerned as to
how his new album, Born Villain would turn out.
But, as a faithful fan, I preordered the album and listened to the whole
thing.
This album is a big improvement over his last album
attempt. The single, “No Reflection,” is
creepy; yet pop enough to be enjoyed like some of his previous hits such as
“Tainted Love” (I knew it was pop because they actually played it at school
dances).
I still maintain that Marilyn Manson is not what he used to
be, and maybe that is a good thing, but I do miss the days of the asexual
onesies, the buttless chaps, and masturbating on stage. Maybe he is getting older, maybe losing his
desire to go against the Man, but his albums no longer have that, I-feel-rebellious-as-I-listen-to-this-and-I-like-it,
quality. However, I have to say that
Born Villain has done a better job of staying true to his Antichrist Superstar
self.
The key tracks to check out are “No Reflection,” “Overneath
the Path of Misery,” “Children of Cain,” “You’re So Vain” (which I will get to
in a minute). Born Villain is edgy but
less harsh. The tunes are dark but
beautiful. He is more Edgar Allen Poe
than H.P. Lovecraft on this album—subtlety has come with maturity.
The version of Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” is a
highlight! This was a treat because a
bonus of Manson’s albums has always been his covers, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of
These),” “Tainted Love,” “Personal Jesus,” and “I Put A Spell On You.” No one does covers like Manson. In addition, this track features Johnny Depp
on guitar. I thought I had seen it all
when Johnny Depp performed with Marilyn Manson at Revolver’s 2012 Golden God
Awards, but there was no preparing me for seeing Johnny Depp on the track list
of a Marilyn Manson album.
All in all, the album is a success. And, if Marilyn Manson ever goes on tour with
Johnny Depp, I will be front row center.
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