Fall is in the air. We have two new full-length records, by Marilyn Manson and The Doves, to pick apart.

It took many years for me to even consider being a Manson fan, but the record that hooked me was Mechanical Animals. It was pure rock and roll, filtered through a heavier, David Bowie-type lense. From start to finish, Mansun took his vision of this cold, robotic world and fostered it into fruition. ‘Animals became a masterpiece that I still return to. Since then, I’ve given everything he has offered a listen.

Last summer, while recording We Are Chaos, Manson released an incredible cover of The Man in Black‘s “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.” Since hearing this brilliant take on a Johhny Cash classic, I’ve been thrust back into his world.

The Bowie vibe continues throughout what feels like a concept album about the racist, stale, state of America. Check out “Red, Black, and White,” “We Are Chaos,” and “Half-Way and One Step Forward” for proof. I love the swagger, and fat drum beat on “Keep My Head Together.” Marilyn Ziggie Stardust Bowie continues to fly his freak flag, and for that, we thank him.

In 2002, the Doves hooked me with the jingle jangle of their first single, “There Goes The Fear.”

Then, in 2005, they blew minds with the bombast of their radio-friendly hit, “Black and White Town.”

Now, some 15 years later, it’s “I Will Not Hide,” that’s leading the way. First, they released “Carousels,” then it was the beautifully articulated, “Cathedrals Of The Mind.” Now we have a whole new album to wrestle with. Could this be the best thing they’ve done? Stay tuned!

Everything Everything has continued to morph into an elite band. This new track takes them into early 80’s territory, like Tears For Fears, and Depeche Mode, to name a few.

Before we go I have to mention this latest Gorillaz single, with none other than Robert Smith, of The Cure fame. I like it, but once again I’m here to remind you that Damon Alburn has so much more to give.

So, when I hear this single by the Bahamas, “Trick To Happy,” I wonder what Damon would be doing, had he been singing and writing stuff like this?

Your jazz cut of the week is from Chick Corea and his Plays album. It’s called “Children’s Song No. 10 – Live In Paris/2018.” While Chick claims that, “Solo piano is lonely,” I find these pieces are good company.

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