With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Nine Inch Nails: 'Ghosts' of Songs
Listen
• 0:00
Nine Inch Nails' latest album is <em>Ghosts I-IV</em>.
()
Last month, the heavy rock band Nine Inch Nails stepped away from its longtime major label and released the instrumental album Ghosts I-IV on the Internet. The band, led by singer and songwriter Trent Reznor, offered some tracks for free, but sold fans various special editions at premium prices — the total haul for the first week was reported to exceed $1.6 million. This week, the project gets a traditional CD release.
Reznor spent most of the 1990s belting out misanthropic anthems for young people decked out in dark eyeliner and combat boots. These records are built around his vocals, but they're equally notable for their thick, temple-of-doom soundscapes. On his new release, Reznor drops the singing and puts those atmospheres in the center ring.
Without the vocals, it's a whole new world. You can hear Reznor exploring rhythms and textures outside of his comfort zone.
On several of these short pieces, Reznor creates ambient drones like the ones Brian Eno pioneered in the 1970s. Then, he adds melodies that aspire to the introspective stillness of French composer Erik Satie's piano music. The result is transfixing.
Support for LAist comes from
Like Radiohead's recent In Rainbows, this new Nine Inch Nails release is another example of an established act walking away from a big label and finding creative ways to reach diehard fans. It also allows Reznor to share sketches and experiments — an overly generous 36 of them. It's exactly the kind of move that would have terrified the executives at Reznor's former label.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress.
Best of LAist