BORN VILLAIN

My world is less bleak because Marilyn Manson still makes graphic, controversial music that non-conformists can find refuge in, refuge from this senseless, hypocritical world. He does not exactly reinvent himself with each album, but he does change his product enough to keep it from sounding dated, while staying basically on the same page for his fans. The production on this album is livelier, a little less weighty, than that on some of his previous albums. Most of the tracks feature more singing of melodies than I have heard on previous albums. But in general, there is no lack of the things for which Manson has become famous, including dark themes and loud, crunching or searing guitars.My ears pricked up at some sounds and ideas that stand out. "Slo-Mo-Tion" opens with a bass riff that sounds like some early 80's hit (I can't quite remember who or what it was). "The Gardener" and "Breaking The Same Old Ground" both have an ornamental techno background. "The Flowers Of Evil" is set to what is practically a dance beat. For contrast, "Lay Down Your G****** Arms" is loaded with Led Zeppelin blues-rock sounds. And "Murderers Are Getting Prettier Every Day" might be the hardest rocking track on the album; look out because it has police sirens in it that might startle you if you are out driving at night and not too, um, alert. In "Born Villain", when Manson sings "There is a taste for blood/And it's deep inside", I think he means all of us, not just himself. And while we're talking lyrics, "Overneath The Path Of Misery" starts out with a quote from "Macbeth" and manages to mention Oedipus and Persephone too. You gotta love that, backed by hard rock and a sort of tribal beat. In other lyrics that I like, Manson identifies as a supernatural being. In "Hey Cruel World", he says "Creator/Preserver/Destroyer/Ask which one I am." And in "The Flowers Of Evil", he is "running from the bloodless for fear of exile for all of my sorceries that shun the light".I like covers, and Manson's are no exception. On this album we get an industrial take on "You're So Vain". I couldn't help noticing that he sings it as the original was sung by Carly Simon, from the female point of view, with no alteration of the lyrics ("all the GIRLS dreamed that they'd be your partner" and later, "the WIFE of a close friend"). It's no big deal; I'm just sayin'.

I don't know why people don't go for this. (It's his best since "Antichrist Superstar" -- his more concise, "The Slip" to the more sprawling "Year Zero!") It even ends well, and then adds a bonus track, and that isn't annoying. How's *that* for too much to ask, for an enjoyable listen! :) Have fun, kids!

We are over 8 months into 2012 and I have not heard anything to rival this CD. I have been a MM fan for many years now and have seen him live. Here is how I view the career of one of the best writers ever. There is the unholy trinity of AntiChrist Superstar, Mechanical Animals and Holywood. All masterpieces. I liked Golden Age of Grotesque but felt it was a big step backwards. Eat Me Drink Me I thought might be the end as there was maybe 3 good songs and easily MM's worst offering. When I first heard High End of Low I wasn't sure what to think but, as I wrote in the review for that CD, the more I listened the more I loved it and after 5 times through I saw that this may be the most creative compilation that MM had ever done and indeed is a masterpiece. I felt most fans did not give it a chance and discarded it way too fast. The change in style was brilliant to me. Now, Born Villain goes back to the roots of Manson but mixes the modern edge as well. As has always been the case I like it more each time through. The only song I skip is Slow Motion. The rest is solid and lyrically still brilliant. I've also grown to like the remake of You're So Vain. I did not the first couple of times through. It won;t be the first time MM gets album of the year from me if the last 4 months of this year can't produce anything better. I won't go as far as to call this one a masterpiece but it cracks his top 5 and the top 4 are 5 stars so it's in good company.

The most recent record of Mr. Manson brings a very atmospheric, dark, heavy, ambient, groovy and bass sound. Yes, it's a real comeback to form, all songs on the album are really good, none of them can be graded less than 4/5. And again Manson delivers brand new idea, concept of the album, with very deep lyrics.Definitely worth buying. Even 2 copies, for your children as a present maybe. I'm almost sure the album will be a bestseller - an excellent start of collaboration with Cooking Vinyl Records.Marilyn Manson has so much more to say, at the age of 43, the energy still flows, with lots of aggression, wisdom, charm, humor and strength.

I honestly haven't listened to Manson since I was in High School. Born Villain was a great find, I feel like Manson has made a good comeback and managed to stay relevant to his own sound while still changing with the time that has passed.In the modern musical climate where every incarnation of rock and industrial has come to all sound the same so that other genres are now overpowering it, this was a breath of fresh air. Some of the songs do tend to run into each other without much distinction, but there are standouts such as Pistol Whipped, Cruel World, Slomotion, Born Villain and some beautiful melodies from The Flowers of Evil and Children of Cain . The entire album flows very nicely though, starting with Cruel World and the feel continues 'til the end.I would especially suggest getting the MP3 version as it comes with his cover of You're So Vain which was worth the album alone.

I have followed Marilyn Manson's career since Antichrist Super Star. This is my favorite album. The Gardner is the best song. The Flowers of Evil and Children of Cain are fantastic. No Reflection kicks you in the face! Slo-mo-tion is a great sing-along... I never tire of this album.

Am a fan so whatever i say will be biased, enjoyed it.

This album only received average reviews in the main musical press such as Q, NME ,Kerrang. Which for these magazines is not a bad thing but to me those marks of 3/5 are not enough . This album is a return to form and although not quite at the level of Antichrist Superstar and Mechanical Animals it is a very fine album . The stand out tracks are No Reflection, The Gardener, Born Villain, Breaking The Same Old Ground and the best track for me on the album is Slo-Mo-Tion. The album concludes with a very fine cover version of You're So Vain. I am not usually a fan of cover versions but Mr Manson has covered this really well and I think even Carly Simon would approve. The album has a very good mid section in the Songs The Flowers of Evil and Children of Cain. There are no album fillers to me. If you have never bought a MM album because of who he is then to me you are missing out. This would be a good album for you to start in his collection especially if you like Heavy Rock / Metal Music. Throughout the songs swing from very melodic one moment then to raging Metal sound the next , which I for one love. Buy this album and you will not be disappointed .

great album to slay nuns to

I've not felt compelled to buy any Marilyn Manson albums since Holywood. . I think this was upon hearing Mobscene and thinking, "Oh crap :( They've lost it.." Much to my disappointment.. Perhaps a lot of the poorer material was down to the lack of Twiggy influence? Early MM albums are up there with the rest of my favourites.Upon hearing Twiggy had returned and purchasing 'Twins of Evil' tour tickets, I thought it would be worth giving the newest release a listen. I'm glad I did. Some awesome tracks on this album. While MM will never beat their classics (I challenge them to) ;) ..this is a really good album. After Mobscene, I was concerned they were attempting to appease a more commercial audience. Not now it seems. Pleasantly surprised :)

Thanks:)