Warthur Who'd have thought that the chilly, spacey faux-glam Mechanical Animals sound would translate so well into rip-roaring live performances such as the ones captured on The Last Tour On Earth? As things go, the live contexts adds some steel to the Mechanical Animals material, whilst the band's years of experience adds new nuances to old material from Antichrist Superstar, Smells Like Children and Portrait of an American Family.

Manson's back catalogue has ultimately lost its appeal for me, but the set-list for the album is about as good as you could put together from his material. Though it doesn't present a full, unedited concert, it does at least flow together like one, and enough of Manson's interactions with the crowd are preserved to underscore just what a brilliantly rabble-rousing and exciting frontman he was at his prime. If you must listen to any of his stuff, I guess this is the best offering in his catalogue, but ultimately Manson was all flash and no substance and repeated listens tend to expose his limitations, even in this live context where he is at his strongest.

Kingcrimsonprog Marilyn Manson will always cause people's eyes to roll; either people with enough taste to see through his poorly thought out faux intellectualism; or people with a strong enough prejudice to simply write off everything the man does because of his numerous low points and cheesy gimmicks.

This live album is one of the best live albums in recent times; with an energetic performance, a smooth production and a great track list.

Live; the band come across as more talented, expanding and improving upon already good songs 'I don't like the Drugs,' and 'The Reflecting God,' being good examples.

The excellent and artistic songwriting of the Mechanical Animals tunes comes across really well here; but songs like 'Get your Gunn,' and even the usual unbearable 'Sweet Dreams,' (which many people will roll their eyes at) sound not just forgivable, but fantastical in their energetic and expanded live forms.

Highlights include an energetic version of 'Rock is Dead,' and a very good rendition of 'Antichrist Superstar.'

Sure Goths and Twelve-year-olds will always flock to Manson, but that shouldn't stop everyone else from enjoying his work. Manson is a great artist who may have some flaws... but the pros far outweigh the cons.

In summary, if you like Manson you will love this, and if you don't it will prove to you why you should, and how you could condone overwriting your preconceived notions about this awesome performer.