Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have been familiar with Marilyn Manson for many, many years, having heard his songs both on the radio and from various friends who owned his CD's. However, I had never bothered to pick up any of his albums myself. When he finally came out with this "best of" compilation, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to finally get my hands on some of his music, and this CD has experienced heavy rotation in my CD player since. Furthermore, I have proceeded to buy many of his previous albums as well. I'm kicking myself in the bum for not buying more of his material sooner.
This particular compilation shows just how far Manson has come, and how much his music has evolved, with included songs spanning the breadth of his career. Songs such as "Disposable Teens," "Beautiful People," and "Dope Show" have enjoyed a tremendous amount of radio play over the years, and should be recognizable to most people immersed in the hard rock genre. The covers, "Personal Jesus," "Tainted Love," and "Sweet Dreams," are great, as Manson has an incredible way of slightly twisting and, some may say, tainting the well-known material, making it uniquely his own. Thus making this one of Manson's more accessible albums, serving to "rope in" those who haven't yet jumped on the bandwagon. With the sales of this album still soaring, it's easy to see that Lest We Forget has done just that.
As for Manson and his music itself, there is much more to his songs than loud, thumping, head-banging beats and good guitar riffs. The intricate layering of harsh, though never grating, sounds is near brilliance. His witty and, at times, bitterly caustic, in-your-face social commentary noticeable in his lyrics is incredible and brutally honest. Though many have come to see him as a mere poster boy for disenchanted youth, nonconformity and vehemence towards "the establishment" and many of it's practices, there is much more to Manson than that. If nothing else, you've got to admire his individualism and willingness to show his true colors despite constant criticism by the more prudish members of society. This courageous and cavalier attitude shines through in everything Manson produces.
The bonus DVD is a great addition. It's too bad that the "Personal Jesus" video, as well as the banned (s)aint video (available only through his website) didn't make this cut, but the videos that are included are great. Mason's videos reek of lush creativity and vividly artistic individualism that, for the most part, really serve to accentuate the messages put forth through his lyrics. This near-complete video collection is definitely a must-have.
Overall, this album serves as a great addition to anyone's hard rock/industrial repertoire, as well as a great introduction to Marilyn Manson himself. However, know that these selections are mere highlights and just gently graze the surface of Manson's capabilities. This album will probably leave you craving more of what he has to offer.
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