A Los Angeles boutique owner and producer has received hate mail after releasing an album of ‘new’ music from notorious imprisoned murderer, Charles Manson.
Manuel Vasquez made friends with Manson and turned to Kickstarter in order to raise money to help put out the 40 minute album, Just Fucking Around, which features tracks performed by Manson, who was accused of being behind a string of murders in Los Angeles in 1969, including the slaying of pregnant actress Sharon Tate.
Of releasing the record, which has been limited to 500 copies, Vasquez told the LA Times: “I’ve gotten some hate mail from it. There are people not appreciating the release of music by him. People say they don’t understand why I’d want to associate myself with this or why I would be interested in releasing it.”
The music on the album was recorded in the 1980s at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville and its artwork features on the back a geometric design by Manson and a drawing of Manson by a fellow inmate at Cochran State Prison on the front. The record is made up of six songs and poetry and commentary from Manson. “It’s really low-fi, mono,” says Vasquez, who adds:
“I don’t think there was ever a chance for mass popularity of his music. Most people won’t like it. It probably requires an acquired taste.”
Despite receiving hate mail regarding the release, Vasquez said: “They’re going so fast I may have to do a second pressing.”