The Cynical Critic

Well, after about two or three years Nine Inch Nails finally released a new album, and to my enjoyment, it is pretty good. However, the best part has got to be the fact that it is free. Yep. That’s right. The entire album can be downloaded on NIN’s site for free. I read an article last week that talked about how Reznor was sick of the record companies price gouging fans, and said “as a reward for being a ‘true fan’ you get ripped off.” Reznor even went on to encourage his fans to continue downloading his music from online, “steal and steal and steal some more and give it to all your friends and keep on stealin’.” If you want to check this album out (which I highly suggest), NIN’s site is as follows: www.nin.com

As you are reading this you may begin to wonder that if the album is free, how can it possibly be good. Well I wonder the same thing, until I actually started listening to it. The truth is, “The Slip”, is probably NIN’s greatest album release since The Downward Spiral, and it is quite possibly one of their best top four album releases of all time. Seriously. That’s not something to scoff at.

The instrumentals in The Slip are really amazing. Reznor is known for having so many different sounds going on at once, that it really makes you feel like your ears are going to explode, and this album is no different. You really can’t get the full affect of this album unless you are listening to it with stereo headphones. The lyrics in The Slip are also up to NIN caliber, and as usual carry a strong message. Most of the album can be listened throughout with enjoyment, and the need to skip bad songs rarely arises when going through the album (something I particularly find to be a high point with any album).

Overall, The Slip is a really nice release from NIN, and an even more amazing deal because it’s free. Even if this album wasn’t up for download, I would suggest buying it. But since it’s free, their really isn’t any reason NIN fans should go without this release. Even if you aren’t the biggest Trent Reznor fan, but you are still in the mood for something different/ good instrumentals, I highly suggest going and downloading this album right now. At the very least you will be sticking it to the man, which is something we can all benefit doing from time to time.