Charles Manson - Lie: The Love and Terror Cult

I find it impossible to write this without first briefly mentioning a bit of the album’s history. Lie: The Love and Terror Cult was recorded in August of 1968, a year before the Tate murders. However, it was not until March of 1970 that the album was released, to help Manson finance his defense. The current release of the album is from Awareness Records and all proceeds are donated to a California fund for victims of violent crimes.

The music on this album can be described as hippie campfire-folk. The songs consist mostly of Manson singing and playing his guitar; occasionally one can hear drums and voices in the background, both of which add to the campfire feel. Admittedly, the music is a bit cultish; it’s easy to feel as if you are sitting around the fire hearing the music being played by Manson himself. Most of the songs on the album are; however, quite enjoyable. They feature proficient guitar playing and intelligent, even uplifting, lyrics. Home is Where You’re Happy is a particularly inspiring song with lines such as Just as long as you got love in your heart/ You'll never be alone and You can do what you want to do/ 'Cause you're strong in your mind. This music is, fortunately, nothing like you would expect from a man like Charles Manson.

Grade: B+
Home is Where You're Happy mp3