"I was drowning in a sea of liquor, and I washed up on a beach made of cocaine. The sky was made of LSD and every tree was made of marijuana!" Sounds like dream only Marilyn Manson would have. This he shares with the Cedar Rapids, IA crowd before his live rendition of "I don't like the drugs (but the drugs like me)" on the latest release from Marilyn Manson, the man and the group.

I picked up the "The Last Tour on Earth" CD today, the week of release, as I have for every previous Manson effort since "Portrait" in July of 1994. There always has been something about Manson (the Man & the Band) that's made me hunger for the newest CD upon its arrival. Maybe it's the shock theatre. Maybe it's the complete change of musical style. Or maybe it's that Manson really does have something to say. For me, probably all the above and then some. I gave it several listens. And I listened some more.

Unfortunately, "The Last Tour on Earth" didn't meet my expectations unlike the previous "Mechanical Animals" and "Antichrist Superstar" which both surpassed anything I could've imaged. This is not to say that "Last Tour" is bad because it is a really good live album. But having seen Manson live a couple dozen times, from the club days to the arena tour, "Last Tour" just doesn't capture the magic of Manson's live show. Of course, some would argue that the last tour (in support of "Mechanical Animals" with its "DRUGS R US" theme) lacked that Manson Magick in general. Only seeing five shows on the last tour, I might have to agree with that... as there definitely was something missing, so much so I only went to 5 shows instead of 10 or 12.

The Last Tour was more of a visual treat and one that a live CD could never capture. The Last Tour was colorful and full of Moviestar Sex & Glitter. You'll never hear that on the CD. Personally, with all the controversy surrounding the ACS tour ('96 - '97), I think that would've made a better live CD. Plus that show was more emotional, particularly the live versions of "Mr. Superstar" and "Man that you Fear". There is one tidbit of Manson's address to the Grand Rapids, MI locals regarding the protests and cops outside the venue. Too bad there's not more of that since it's Manson's ramblings that truly distinguish this from a studio recording. Then again, there wasn't many protestors during the Last Tour (none at the shows I attended). Apparently middle America enjoys drugs much more than the Antichrist.

The "Last Tour" CD is polished and well mixed. Sounds like it got a nice studio makeover since the live shows never sound this good. The high point has to be the acoustic "Last Day on Earth" at the end which makes up for any diminished feelings one may have over the prior twelve "live" tracks. That by itself is worth having this CD. There's also a new studio track tacked on at the end which really doesn't make any sense. Not the song, but why it was necessary to put a studio track on this "live" recording at all? Had they used the live version heard during the European leg of the tour, then it'd be different. Nothing wrong with the studio track, simply called "Astonishing Panorama of the Endtimes", but it distracts from the original intent, a "live" recording. Plus this track is featured on another CD, "MTV's Celebrity Deathmatch."

One other thing, this isn't one show recorded beginning to end but rather a patchwork of several shows to create one good show (similar to The Scorpions "World Wide Live"). Yet this is probably because Manson rarely performs one good show anymore beginning to end. Most are lucky if they get to see an entire show let alone a good one. Overall, "Last Tour" is a nice capsule of what occurred on the last tour. It lacks the same emotion that seemed lacking in 4 of the 5 shows I attended on that tour and yet there are moments that make me smile and happy I am a fan. I enjoy "The Last Tour on Earth" for what it is, and it accept what it isn't. I recommend the CD to all hardcore Manson fans who'll will know exactly what I am talking about here. Also all the bandwagon jumpers should pick this up because I know they'll think this CD is just perfect. I don't recommend the CD to those that just want to hear "Sweet Dreams" live. If you're anti-Manson, don't even bother.

The Track Listing is:
"Inauguration Of The Mechanical Christ (Intro)"
"The Reflecting God"
"Great Big White World"
"Get Your Gunn"
"Sweet Dreams/Hell Outro"
"Rock Is Dead"
"The Dope Show"
"Lunchbox"
"I Don't Like The Drugs (But The Drugs Like Me)"
"Antichrist Superstar"
"The Beautiful People"
"Irresponsible Hate Anthem"
"The Last Day On Earth"
"Astonishing Panorama Of The Endtimes"

4 out of 5 stars for Manson fans.
2 stars for non-Manson fans.
Maybe I just have higher expectations for Manson?



Recommended: Yes