Album Review: Nine Inch Nails - The Slip
Just a mere two months after the debut of Ghosts I-IV, Nine Inch Nails releases yet another album. This 10-track album, entitled The Slip, was made available for free digital download, first thing this morning (May 5, 2008) with a physical CD and vinyl release come July. A blurb on the NIN homepage reads, “Click HERE to get the new full-length nine inch nails record: the slip”, followed by a statement by Reznor that reads, “(thank you for your continued and loyal support over the years - this one’s on me)”. Now that’s just generous.
The Slip severs the novelty sound of Ghosts I-IV, and provides us yet another precise branch in the evolution of NIN. Aside from the method in which the latest two albums were licensed (creative commons) and made available to the people (digital download via NIN’s website), there do not appear to be many other commonalities between them. There are hints of Ghosts on The Slip, but it is undeniably more a “brother” album to Year Zero, which makes Ghosts I-IV none other than, the “redheaded stepchild” of the bunch. It’s not that I didn’t like Ghosts (see my review), I actually loved it, but those of you who have given it a listen know why I would make this comparison.
The Slip, although not their best, is definitely another triumph for Reznor. It’s full of the usual wicked, banging guitar riffs, synths, and upbeat drumming. “Discipline” and “Echoplex”, which were both released prior to the album, are subsequently two of the more uplifting songs on the album, as well as two of my favorites. One must have track is “Lights in the Sky”, which is a dark and depressing, stripped down track, consisting only of Reznor’s vocals, a piano and little else. It is haunting and demands immediate, multiple listens. Anyone’s obsession with instrumental NIN will also be satisfied here with three out of the ten tracks being just that.
I confess that I was prepared to pay the 10 bucks, had NIN not been generous enough to play Santa Claus with this album. Bestowing it upon us, at no cost, once again reinforces their complete and absolute respect for their fans. When the next album is set to release, I will be in the front lines, waiting to pay whatever price (within reason) is asked, and return the favor.
Although, I could get used to this free thing.
Rating: 
Order via [nin]
Check Out:
“Lights in the Sky”
“1,000,000″
As this album opens, you get a small tingle in the small of your back like a much-needed massage.
Then, upon entering it’s powerful chords, it becomes a brutal, eardrum-pounding orgasm.
This is my general review, but to be more specific…
Discipline is a ready-made single that only Reznor can provide (especially given the short timespan between this and Ghosts I-IV). Afterwards, my personal stand-out tracks were The Four Of Us Were Dying, Echoplex, and Lights In The Sky.
Indeed, this 10-track, industrial-strength freebie (courtesy of Trent) is worth paying for, so be sure to take a listen to the above tracks for a sample, and if you like it - go get it!
Really, how often do chances like this come along? For the fans, guys!
If you like NIN you might be interested in the album I just finished last month. It is also available free, donations are accepted. We are also doing a name your own price CD (starting at cost price). Politics Apocalypse is political and subversive post-industrial rock with an interesting mix of classical instruments, guitars, electronic beats, and a small dash of aussie hip-hop. You can download the whole 11 track album at no cost at our website.
http://www.politicsapocalypse.com
Aug 17th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
[...] the new albums, massive North American tour, headlining appearances, talks of a television show, and even a few [...]
Jun 18th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
[...] If you haven’t heard it, The Slip is a pretty solid collection of songs, bringing back the ol’ swing of raw, crunching guitars and thumping noise that made Pretty Hate Machine the staple rock album of the ’90s. I mean, we dig it. [...]
Jun 13th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
[...] instrumental opus Ghosts I-IV was only partially freed up, his most recent full-length release The Slip was COMPLETELY so - and everyone seemed to like it (even the critics and myself included). This [...]