Charles Manson

We're taking a rather different approach to our 'Album of the Week' feature this week as we explore instead the power that serial killer and cult leader Charles Manson had on musical culture on this, the 50th anniversary of his album Lie: The Love and Terror Cult which was recorded between 1967 and 1969 and released during his trial in 1970. 

Charles Manson, 1968 / Photo Credit: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

While there's arguably nothing especially remarkable about the album to note in terms of musical dexterity - at best, it's a mediocre folk record with disjointed lyrical themes - it does have a cult following thanks to the macabre history surrounding it. Artists like The Brian Jonestown Massacre and Neil Young are purported fans of the album, though whether they would still be if Manson hadn't incited his followers to commit nine murders during the summer of 1969 is another question.

Continue reading: Music And Murder: How Charles Manson Inspired A Generation Of Musicians

Quentin Tarantino likely only has two more films in the pipeline - unless he changes his mind about his retirement plans - and it seems his penultimate project will be an account of the Charles Manson cult murders. Whether or not it will be a fictitious account remains to be seen.

Quentin Tarantino at 'Reservoir Dogs' screening at TIFF 2017

According to reports, the director has written the script for the story and is set to direct it. However, there is little information regarding the basis of the film; we could be looking at an accurate re-telling of this tragic event, a fictional look at the incident as in the style of 'Inglourious Basterds', or even a film where this concept is merely a backdrop in the actual plot.

Continue reading: Charles Manson To Be Subject Of Quentin Tarantino's Next Film?