Marilyn Manson "the high end of low" (album review)

It was back in 2007 that I first heard of this album being written & it was soon after in 2008 that the recording followed. The previous album “eat me drink me” seemed to focus a lot on Manson’s past & current love life which didn’t really help him with it came to critics, this latest release doesn’t entirely avoid the relationship subject either so its hard to predict how the critics will react. Past work & criticism aside here’s what I thought of the new album. In a whole I really liked it..ok so maybe one or two songs will take a while to really appeal to me but the production values are definitely there & you can tell the works been put in. tracks like “arma-god-damn-mother-fn-geddon” & “we’re from America” are classic thumping Manson songs with lots of high tempo & sharp riffs. “running to the edge of the world” Strangely enough sounds a little like “love is all around” by Wet Wet Wet .. don’t ask me why, the chords sound pretty solid & the vocal melody is just a lil too slow for my tastes. “black & white” sounds like it has some serious Bowie influences with its twangy guitar & tambourine work. “devour” is the opening track & sounds a lot like the older Manson work, it starts off as just noise which then leads into some nice guitar work & bass, it’s a great track & it got me going once I put it on but I really don’t like how it cuts out so abruptly. “leave a scar” is one of my favourite songs but the alternative version on the bonus CD is by far my favourite version of the song, it has an almost Celtic sound to it that makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The bonus CD is only available with the deluxe version & includes 6 tracks but I really would only recommend it to diehard fans because they are not that different to the published tracks. I gave this album a few listens before I wrote my final verdict so here it is…

In the past “eat me drink me” dropped Manson into a deep pit that he might never escape but with “the high end of low” its clear he has gotten to a point where escape is finally possible. He seems more in touch with the style & tunes that made his fans like him in the first place. I wouldn’t say its hate filled but there is a lot of anger towards the current situation in America. There is plenty here to propel Manson back into the public eye with a little controversy thrown in for good measure. Overall I liked what I heard, true it wasn’t anything that new but then he does always seem to stick to his own style of writing & singing so I didn’t expect a direct change there. “the high end of low” wont win any awards because to most people it will just sound mediocre so unless you are an avid Manson fan then you might be disappointed with what is on show here. Even with its faults I’m giving it a 6 out of ten.

Sony to launch music videos feature

Sony Computer Entertainment is set to unveil a music video service this summer. Called “VidZone,” the service is aimed exclusively at the Playstation 3. “Thousands of music videos” will be available at no cost from the PlaystationStore, the company reports. Videos can be downloaded from the store directly onto the console. The option to create video playlists will also be available. Gamers who own both the PS3 and a Playstation Portable (PSP) can also load those clips onto the portable device, either through the PlaystationStore or streaming from the PS3. The music videos in the VidZone will come from several large record companies, Sony reports, as well as titles from significantly more small labels.

Woman fired for not wearing makeup

"It was a shock! The even bigger shock, was when I found out, it was within his legal rights to do so."Vild, 27, has never "put a face on." "I have never worn makeup in my life. I just don't like it," Vild said. "When (the boss) told me I need to dress like I am going out with the man of my dreams, that did it for me."Several years ago, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that it is not discriminatory for employers to require women wear makeup."Just because it's legal doesn't mean it's right," Vild said. Vild said it was alright for her to work at Trophy's for five years, but she's convinced that she was terminated because of her refusal to wear makeup. She said this isn't the first time her former boss has fired someone for not putting on makeup. Attorney Richard Wirtz said it is up to the jury to decide whether Vild has a case."She should go through the facts of her case. In every discrimination case, it's always facts intensive. Vild says she wants to get the word out to other employers. "The real irony in the story is Mark Oliver has called his restaurant the 'all-American grill,' and not all of America wears makeup. Not all America looks like they should be on the cover of a Vogue magazine, there's more to it," Vild said. In the meantime, Vild just got a new job bartending, where she says, no makeup is needed.

Hilton to work with Geldof on fashion venture

Paris Hilton and Peaches Geldof have put their recent war of words behind them - the socialite has lined up Bob Geldof's daughter to model her latest fashion venture.Earlier this month Geldof slammed the 'Simple Life' star, saying: "Paris is thick and sometimes looks like a transvestite, even though she's better looking than me." But Hilton was all smiles when the pair met up in France at the Cannes Film Festival this week - and was so enamoured with Geldof she has asked the 20-year-old to model her new hair jewellery range in Britain.Hilton told the Daily Mirror: "Peaches is such a sweetie. I can't wait to bring my bling to London where she'll be just perfect to model it with me."