Murderous Music: The Manson Family Jams

THE MANSON FAMILY JAMS.

SCORE: 75/100

The Manson Family's record feels almost like an eerie tale of foreshadowing before their eventual crime spree that would successfully shock the nation - and it's clear that this was a true cult recording, with Manson leading the lyrics and his loyal followers singing in harmonies that are entirely haunting at every turn. 

Charles Manson himself does not perform on this album, but the songs were all his original written compositions, with songs like 'Ra-Hide Away!' and 'Get on Home' being scarily cryptic in their lyrics; with these songs almost feeling like glimpses into Manson's eventual plan and his visions of "Helter Skelter" - a major piece in what led the family to embark on their killing spree. 

With the context of this album being recorded during the infamous trial regarding the Manson Family Murders, it's no wonder why the songs piece together in a way where it feels as if they are directly alluding to the things they had done together as a collective under Manson's order, with these songs being showcases of the brainwashing each member was put through; every piece of the followers being a copycat act towards Manson for approval and "guidance" within the cult.

The songs here follow the same style as Manson's soloist work, soft, old folk songs that use unique writing schemes and sometimes strange lyrics; with many of the songs being straightforward and reminiscent of a lot of the music of the time period the album was recorded within. 

Musically - this is an incredible freak folk record, but in terms of background? This is one of the most frighteningly eerie albums you can possibly stumble across. Knowing that some of the most evil people to ever walk the earth were also folk musicians on a ranch in their day-to-day is entirely bizarre, and this whole album is a stark reminder of everything that happened throughout the days of the "family".