Retro Review: Mechanical Animals by Marilyn Manson

Hallo everyone,

Here's another old school review by myself. This is even older than the Pokemon one, this must have been around 2004, possibly 2003, so I was 14 or 15 writing this. I don't have an exact date of writing the review, the website it was on doesn't say. Constructive criticism and compliments are both welcome. Anyway, onto the review, enjoy.

"I consider ‘Mechanical Animals’ to be the black sheep of the albums, as it’s moody style is not used on any other Manson album."

Great Big White World

Music – ****

Lyrics - ****

Vocals – ****

Overall – ****

This is the first song on the album shows that this is a different album to ‘Antichrist Superstar’ and ‘Portrait of an American Family’. This is often used as a live track, used very often in Manson’s tours. It’s a slower, more moody start to an album, opposite to ‘Antichrist Superstars’. Glam Rock guitars really show the influence of David Bowie in this one. Great start to an album.

 

The Dope Show

Music – ****

Lyrics - ****

Vocals – ****1/2

Video – ****

Single Value – ****

Overall – ****

The first single from the album. Once again, this is a very creepy video, however not in the same sense as previous Manson videos. In this video, Manson has breasts… Anyway the Glam Rock is heard a lot more than in the previous track. Manson sings the chorus with a creepy voice, hard to describe, as it is very unique. Single value was very good, as this is one of the more noticeable songs on the album. Wicked stuff.

 

Mechanical Animals

Music – ****

Lyrics - ***1/2

Vocals – ***1/2

Overall – ***1/2

Considering it’s self album titled track, this song isn’t one of the highlights of the album. I don’t think the song delivers as well as some of the other songs on the album. I like the drumming in this song, specifically the chorus. Other than that, this is a good song, but isn’t as good as others. The lyrics are also used in a B-Side track, called ‘Diamonds and Pollen’. A little tip there for you. ;)

 

Rock is Dead

Music – ****

Lyrics - ****1/2

Vocals – ****

Video – ***1/2

Single Value – ****1/2

Overall – ****

This is the third and final single from ‘Mechanical Animals’. And, it’s actually my favourite out of the three. This song is on ‘The Matrix’ soundtrack, and to be honest I don’t think it was actually in the film… (Credit goes to anyone who can give me the answer) Anyway if you bought the soundtrack to the film, this is where you thought “Oh yeah, I heard that before…” This is a more upbeat song, as the album in general is a lot slower and moodier than other Manson albums. The video is rather dull, as it is basically just Manson performing in a see-through green suit, and a only a black thong to cover his bitties. None of the less a good song.

 

Disassociative

Music – ***1/2

Lyrics - ***1/2 

Vocals – ***1/2

Overall – ***1/2

Like ‘Mechanical Animals’, this is one of the slower songs on the album. In my opinion, the album doesn’t really kick off until later. This is definitely not one of the highlights from the album. Don’t get me wrong, it’s Manson, and still plays well, as a part of the album. However, if you want to pick individual Manson songs, this probably wouldn’t be one of them. Average.

The Speed of Pain

Music – ****1/2

Lyrics - *****

Vocals – *****

Overall – *****

Now this is what Manson is all about. To me, ‘The Speed of Pain’ is the ‘Man That You Fear’ of ‘Mechanical Animals’. This song is beautiful, especially when he did it live. This is Manson at his best. The song slowly builds up, and the use of background vocals is used perfectly. This is my favourite song on the album, and highly underrated. This is also, the song that turns the album upside down. The start of the album is not very special in my opinion, and this song onwards shows that this album is definitely a spectacle. Brilliant.

 

Posthuman

Music – ****1/2

Lyrics - ****1/2

Vocals – ****

Overall – ****1/2

This is a very upbeat song, and Manson goes back to his Antichrist lyrics. “God is a number we cannot count to” Manson says after every chorus. I consider this song underrated too, as the drumming in this song is some of the coolest I’ve heard.

 

I Want to Disappear

Music – *****

Lyrics - *****

Vocals – ****1/2

Overall – *****

Now if I were to do a cover version, this would be very high on my list. I really thin this should have been a single, but ah well, it wasn’t. “Look at me now” Manson says in an almost cocky voice. These lyrics in this song are awesome, and the only thing that brings this song down is the fact that it is so short. Very underrated, as I’ve never heard Manson do this live, and I would have expected it to be an awesome performance.

 

I Don’t Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me)

Music – ***1/2

Lyrics - ****

Vocals – ****

Video – ****

Single Value – ***1/2

Overall – ****

This was the second single on the album. I think this a double edged sword in a way, as I think some aspects of the song are good, and others aren’t as good. Vocals get an eight from me, as I love the way he sings at the end, and the background vocals are very effective. Not one other song by Manson is as influenced by David Bowie as this one, as you can hear in the start of the song with the little instrumental. Before he did this song live, he would say a little story, and I’m not going to go through it with you. Just by the D.V.D. and find out you lazy cheese toastie. Anyway, also the video was different for Manson’s tastes, as it gave an almost comic style, as Manson loses his arm and gets chased, but the song delivers a more important message. The lyrics are really good, just look at the name of the song and find out what exactly the song is about.

 

New Model No.15

Music – ****

Lyrics - ****

Vocals – ****

Overall – ****

This song is very upbeat, and jolly, in a way. I love the clapping in the song, as I don’t remember any other Manson song using it. This gets straight eights from me, as everything about the song is plainly great.

 

User Friendly

Music – ****

Lyrics - ****

Vocals – *****

Overall – ****1/2

“Do, do, do, do, do, do-do, do, do do, do-do, do do dooooo…” This song is very dirty and kinky. Manson’s vocals have came back from the high pitched voice styles from some on the ‘Antichrist Superstar’ tracks like ‘Wormboy’. This tech-rock cracker delivers very well, with some very adult rated lyrics, and weird orgasm background effects. Unique to say the least.

 

Fundamentally Loathsome

Music – ****

Lyrics - ***1/2

Vocals – ***1/2

Overall – ***1/2

Very slow glam rock style song. This is very slow, with a strong guitar riff instrumental near the end. The guitar riff at the end is definitely been influenced from 70’s glam rock in general. I think it’s overrated though, as a lot of people really like this. I think it’s good, different, but doesn’t get my vote as a standout on the album. Still a decent track though.

 

The Last Day on Earth

Music – ***1/2

Lyrics - **** 

Vocals – ***1/2

Overall – ***1/2

Now I can say this, I don’t really think the album version of this song is one of my favourites on the album. But I sincerely, sincerely ask you to listen to the acoustic version on the ‘Last Tour on Earth’ album. That is one of the best acoustics I have ever heard. Back to the album version, this a slowish love song. I don’t particularly consider it a favourite on the album, and possibly overrate the track. The acoustic version is far better.

  

Coma White

Music – *****

Lyrics - *****

Vocals – ****1/2

Video – *****

Overall – *****

The little harp-like guitar riff in the start of this song reminds me of an old Bauhaus track. There was a video for this song; however it wasn’t a single (It should have been. Damn you Manson. Damn you.) The video is one of his best again, as Manson lives as John F. Kennedy, and imitating his death. It’s a very good video, and the lyrics are awesome too. Like the previous song though, I think the acoustic version is better. It is still an amazing song and a great ending to a very good album.

 

Here are the final ratings:
Music: 82% = ****
Lyrics: 84% = ****
Vocals: 82% = ****
Videos: 83% = ****
Single Value: 80% = ****
Overall: 82% = ****

This is an amazing album, that would stands out in any collection that you will have (mainly because of the front cover and yeah…) I consider ‘Mechanical Animals’ to be the black sheep of the albums, as it’s moody style is not used on any other album. It’s also quite a quiet album in general, with 70’s Glam Rock. I recommend you to buy this, but it wouldn’t be an album to start getting into Manson.

Rating: ****

 

I'd like to say if I were to re-review this album it would get close to an instant 5 stars from me, it's truly a classic, and one my favourite albums of all time. I also wouldn't rate each song, as that isn't a way I'd like to review music now. But I'll keep the review in int's original context. I'm not ruling out re-reviewing albums by the way. Once again I'd like to point you to the direction of my poll, I only have three votes and I'd like more if I'm honest. It only takes two seconds, please vote. Have a good day everyone.

 

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