Marilyn Manson - The High End Of Low

Marilyn Manson
The High End of Low
Interscope
CD

It has been well-documented of the self parody that Marilyn Manson has become. The curse of trying to live up to his image has tainted his work ever since 2000's Holy Wood. His message is much more effective and interesting when he is at his most honest instead of painting himself as society's number one pariah. Manson's tales of personal struggle ("Devour," and "Running To The End Of The World," are far more arresting than his childish word play (most other tracks).

In recent years, the musicianship in Manson's albums has suffered. Now, former bassist/guitarist and musical director Twiggy Ramirez (a.k.a. Jeordie White) has returned to try to write honest to goodness rock songs (with a little help from former Nine Inch Nails drummer, Chris Vrenna). The fault in most of the songs is in fact Manson's limited lyrical and vocal scope. Like his last few efforts, there are only a few tracks that can hold the listener's attention for more than 30 seconds. The music is the most interesting since 1998's Mechanical Animals but Manson himself stands in the way of most of the tracks' success. The one ingredient that helped him overcome his abilities was his fury and that is largely missing, along with the intrigue.

Track Grades

1. Devour – 8.3
2. Pretty As A ($) – 7.0
3. Leave A Scar – 6.3
4. Four Rusted Horses – 7.4
5. Arma-goddamn-motherfuckin-geddon – 6.4
6. Blank And White – 5.8
7. Running To The Edge Of The World – 9.4
8. I Want To Kill You Like They Do In The Movies – 6.6
9. WOW – 4.8
10. Wight Spider – 5.3
11. Unkillable Monster – 8.3
    
12. We're From America – 7.2
    
13. I Have To Look Up Just To See Hell – 7.0
    
14. Into The Fire – 7.5
    
15. 15 – 6.8
    

Overall=6.94