Back in the 1990's, the so-called "alternative music" scene contained a disparate array of bands and performers, and at its media-induced height, 1994's Woodstock reunion, much was made of the fact that classic folk-rock group Crosby, Stills, and Nash would be following industrial band Nine Inch Nails. I thought The Downward Spiral was a brilliant album, and I do not think Reznor has done anything as brilliant - not even close - since. Here's "March of the Pigs":
One of Reznor's protege's was the Florida-based Marilyn Manson. I thought Anti-Christ Superstar was a brilliantly conceived album - how can you not smile when the first song on the CD was titled "Irresponsible Hate Anthem"? - but developments disappointed. First, I learned that most of the "live shows" were in fact mimed - the band was either too wasted or simply unable to play. Also, Manson himself started taking himself much too seriously. Too bad. Here's the title track from the aforementioned recording (I will warn those of a sensitive nature there are some comments Manson makes that might offend some):
In contrast to the earnest, and self-defeating, self-seriousness of Marilyn Manson is the tongue-in-cheeky approach of Rob Zombie. Much more firmly rooted in the Alice Cooper shock-rock approach precisely because his approach is so over the top, Zombie also produces some fine music that makes your ears bleed, and is also quite danceable, should one so choose. Zombie is also a fine movie director. His first film, House of 1000 Corpses was panned because it was what it was - an over-the-top homage to the slasher/low-budget horror movies of the 1970's and 1980's. The Devil's Rejects, the sequel, was received with more enthusiasm. Should you be interested, get the Director's Cut, which includes an unedited scene with 1980's porn queen Ginger Lynne Allen that will make you laugh and cringe at the same time. Here's Rob on Letterman with "American Witch":
