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85 Comments
- HunterTV, on 10/12/2007, -5/+39Trent has always been well-spoken and intelligent just about from the beginning. He's had a lot of hurdles to jump, and ironically I think getting screwed by TVT early on over Pretty Hate Machine defined him. He's definitely an object lesson in actually learning from his mistakes, unlike modern celebs who go into rehab and then come out and just ***** do the same ***** that got them in there in the first place (you know who you are).
The guy knows his *****. Yeah, sure his career is built on the shoulders of acts that came before him, but is that really a reason to condem him? In no other area but the arts do people actually get ***** for building on what came before, people scream sellout like it's a forgone conclusion. That's *****. Just about everything he's done has been met with praise by either fans or critics or both. That's not selling out, that's expertly carving a niche that's uniquely your own, which is what it means to be an artist.
Here's to musicians that stay true to themselves, of which, Trent and his various cohorts over time are included.
And if you don't like it, well then ***** all y'all. - strictnein, on 10/12/2007, -1/+29Posting on Digg is another violation. We are still watching you.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -4/+32When I went to see him he put on an awesome concert.
Doubt you could do better. - mlostracco, on 10/12/2007, -3/+26Releasing a few of his songs as multi-track GarageBand files and letting fans futz around with them and make their own versions was an interesting thing to do—letting part of his art go into someone else's hands to foster even more creativity...brilliant. One's work is not so easy for an artist to let go of!
- drgori, on 10/12/2007, -3/+25I don't like most of NIN's music -- heck, I can't think of any of it that I like -- but I have to say, Reznor is doing absolutely everything right in terms of marketing, dealing with the industry, and (most importantly) catering to and caring about his core fans.
I wish him much success. Maybe I'll even buy his CD, just to support him and get myself a thermally sensitive coaster. - oxdeltaxo, on 10/12/2007, -8/+28sorry again
- rockforever, on 10/12/2007, -2/+21@oldjimsteele
Nobody said NIN was underground. But you know your writing quality music when Johnny Cash does a cover of your songs.
I think the point made is that NIN isn't one of the bands that gets recognition because they're music is a passing fad. They make music and it has meaning. - mudsown, on 10/12/2007, -3/+19Not only some, according to the official NIN site, eventually all of the tracks on the new cd, Year Zero will be released as GarageBand files.
That shows even more so that it's not so much about the money as it is about the art. - 1murlin, on 10/12/2007, -2/+17I just dialed the number (1-866-445-6580) How do I get off the list? Help?
- KIERANMULLEN, on 10/12/2007, -2/+16He is also tough to beat in super mario world
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -5/+16Bob Ezrin produced Pink Floyds WALL
His Picture is in the Dictionary next to the word Genius - JohnP, on 10/12/2007, -2/+12"edit: besides how he is able to keep ripping you morons off."
He gives ***** loads of his tracks and vids out for free. You couldn't have picked a more ironic target. Retard. - nova2wl, on 10/12/2007, -3/+13What makes me more upset than people listening to only Top 40 stuff is scoffing at music just because its popular and alot people like it. Like someone else said Led Zeppelin was mainstream, The Beatles were mainstream, Beethoven was mainstream. Not comparing NIN to Beethoven just showing that music cans actually be good and popular.
Its all these people on their high horses that are hurting the music industry. - ffejrey, on 10/12/2007, -3/+13@bgibbs
Just out of curiosity who do you think is better? - oxdeltaxo, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10@oldjimsteele
What is it with you and spelling? This isn't English class, it's digg.
If you have nothing to back up your opinion then keep it to yourself, nobody wants to hear you whine about what you like or not.
@bgibbs
"and just attempt to make fun of it because thats all you have"
And that some how matters to you why? - Kronos6948, on 10/12/2007, -4/+13ah jeez.
I hate when good stories about music become pissing contests about who's music is better. Reznor is good for what he does. I like Pretty Hate Machine and the Downward Spiral. I wasn't huge into his music though.
And as far as being underground, I've been involved with the underground Death Metal scene since the 90's. There's tons of dudes who think they're elitists because they know bands that most people can't pronounce their names let alone decipher their album art. That *****'s for high schoolers. Give it up and appreciate music for what it is. Don't knock someone because they like something you don't.
The only thing you accomplish by doing that is making those people NOT want to listen to anything you listen to, which, in return SCREWS your band out of possible listeners and sales. Keep it underground to keep it good, but keep it elitist and you keep it buried.
As far as Reznor's genius goes, the man organized a secret meeting where he gave away a free half hour concert to people who were willing to take a political chance. He also found a way to work around the system to get more fans. He thinks outside the box.
He's also worked with musical geniuses like Adrian Belew who worked with Frank Zappa. If you don't know who Zappa is, then you don't know much about music. He was a real stickler for musical performance, and he was the first one to take up the torch against the PMRC. - Kevinb1577, on 10/12/2007, -4/+13Amen
- emjaymj, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10@oldjimsteele
Trent Reznor releases a lot of his tracks for free in formats that can be editted with sequencer programs. Not only can you listen to the songs, but he also lets you change them as you want. How many artists do THAT?
Why do you care if he charges $80 a ticket? It's not really a price I'm comfortable paying, but I can't fault him for it. He's usually playing at the biggest venue a city can offer, and he STILL sells out at that price point. They can only pack a certain amount of people into each of these venues, and so just as many people would be missing out even if his concerts were completely free. - Seifey, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9"hm? well, you can keep making fun of bands i don't listen to. take a spelling class, my son."
Take a capitalization class, troll. - unclesaamm, on 10/12/2007, -1/+8@oldjimsteele
what music do you listen to that makes you so special?
I listen to pretty much everything, and Trent Reznor is definitely high up on my list. Pretty hate machine is one of my favorite albums. - layeroffrost, on 10/12/2007, -2/+9nine inch nails writes music that isn't to everyone's taste (and anyone with half a brain knows this), and what's great about Trent's music is that it's always changing.. from album to album it is new and different. How many *real* artists (and that's discounting a good percentage of cookie cutter pop groups and emo bands out there) can you mention that started their careers the hard way and are STILL going and making music that still means something to people, or is new and interesting? There are very few, and they have either been famous for the last 20 years or more and everyone knows who they are, or they are a band that most people, when the band's name is mentioned, will look at you strangely and go "huh? who??" (as a lot of people I know have done when I've mentioned nine inch nails to them)
The point is, it might well be easy enough to create a one hit wonder that sits at the top of the pop charts for a few weeks and sells millions of records, but 2-3 years later, either no one remembers who they are, or they're embarassed to own a copy of the CD. Trent Reznor still writes good music, and of all the people I know who own his CD's, they are proud to do so. What Trent does is not just music, it's an art form in itself. The whole ARG with Year Zero has proved this, and he takes more time in designing the content of his CD's, rather than just recording 10 or 12 radio friendly tracks to plastic. He releases recordings that you will still want to listen to in many years to come. And that is where he succeeds over the dime-a-dozen bands out there who are played to death on the radio. - emjaymj, on 10/12/2007, -4/+11@bgibbs:
"He makes a cd thermal active and you morons think hes a ***** magician. It's absurd"
What's absurd is that you think his popularity has anything to do with a thermally active cd. He's been popular for ages. I don't like his new album so much - it's listenable, which is more than I can say for "With Teeth", but it's not really anything special. The only album I really like of his is The Fragile, and I personally consider that to be one of the best albums ever made. It's unfortunate I'm not really into much of his other stuff, but I guess that's the cost of someone willing to experiment with music, instead of releasing cookie cutter albums every time. I would much rather have artists develop a sound though, even if I don't always like the direction it's going in, then listen to the stale crap that 90% of the "artists" out there put out. - cybermort, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7focusing on the real issue here (not the ARG or NIN) ways to bypass music industry
NIN is barely scratching the surface... take a Look at (true Industrial) Einstürzende Neubauten. in 2005 they started a project called Musterhaus where subscribers (pay subscribers think of it as patronage) would received cd's, as well as being able to download DRM-free recording from the band, by passing all channels and connecting the fans directly to the artist. I think this is the way to go. - oxdeltaxo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8@bgibbs
Your just another emo or pop tart loving retard, get some new tastes rather than listening to the same ***** thats been around for 10+ years and sung by a different person with a different tune. Get something original, thats what set Reznor apart. - strictnein, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6@oldjimsteele:
Oh no, please don't resort to a personal insult on the internet. A sure sign you're winning an argument! Give it up. What a joke. - juicebag, on 10/12/2007, -10/+15"Reznor is a goddamn genius."
TRUE DAT - Curbster, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8Trent has done wonders for the music industry. There was only one band who did a cryo-thermic anything, but it was on the cardboard case that ends up disappearing 2 weeks after you buy it. Did any other artist set up an ARG based off a daydream? I don't think so. *****, he even set up standards for music videos with Closer. He's completely devoted to the art and could give less than two ***** about profits.
And you bitches moaning about how he's taken a political view... so the ***** what? People voice their opinions about politics all of the time. Is there some law saying you can't use art to communicate your feelings about the government? - p2502, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6call homeland security.
they'll help. - Curbster, on 10/12/2007, -3/+7I'd say it is "skirting" by when the RIAA threatened him and all about his leaked tracks (intentionally leaked, if you didn't know) So he basically said "Kiss my ass" and released the entire album on his website for people to stream and listen to.
- dagger89, on 10/12/2007, -3/+7Go back to listening to your ***** emo or indie rock music... It says something when an artist has been around for 18 years and still sells records like crazy, many bands haven't been able to pull that one off, especially as of lately (I'm looking at you, Metallica)
- oxdeltaxo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5@oldjimsteele
Fine by me, I like NIN because they're original, they don't rehash every other bands lyrics and sounds in an attempt to become the next big seller. If you had actually listened to more than one of their songs you would have known they are different, thats why I like them. They aren't some pop tart or emo whine fest. - oxdeltaxo, on 10/12/2007, -4/+7@oldjimsteele
Rather than writing a critique on my spelling, focus on the message I'm trying to convey.
@bgibbs
Name some of these bands! - bobcobb42, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4When Trent finishes his current contract, I can see him taking the same path. You have to understand, if he did such things now he would be in major legal drama. Releasing the entire album to be streamed weeks before it was released was pretty damned cool. I don't really see what the issue is. I bought it for $12 the day after it came out, and ripped it immediately ala No DRM. The first album purchase I have made in at least a year, and Trent's willingness to stand up to the RIAA helped me make that fateful decision.
Other bands may be making inroads to get rid of the middleman, but people like Trent are stuck in the system, for now. Soon enough we will be having direct relationships with the bands, just give it time and stop yelling so much people. Internet yelling doesn't do much, make your voice heard with your checkbook. - 1murlin, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Well there was the album by Madonna which was scented.
- Kronos6948, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3The problem with modern jazz is that it doesn't speak to todays youth. It spoke to the youths of over 50 years ago, when jazz was the rebellious music over big band. You don't see most people in their late teens/early/mid twenties going out and looking for Herbie Hancock's Blue Note releases or Miles Davis stuff because it's not what they're into.
As far as Smooth Jazz goes, I have a comparison:
Smooth Jazz : Jazz :: Hair Bands : Death Metal
There are tons of very good musicians out there (hell, does even Vic Wooten make that much?) that make little or no money playing whatever music that they like. The main idea here is that Reznor has a voice, and he's using it to speak out politically, and is saying a lot of things that today's youth agree with, thereby making himself a voice for that demographic. If it were almost anyone else, I would think of it as a publicity stunt, something concocted by someone studying what would sell to the demographic. But, Reznor's always been politically active and vocal. He wouldn't pull this as a ploy. - strictnein, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4@oldjimsteele
Do you get a hard on correcting grammar errors? No one here is writing a business plan or their treatise on long term trends in international trade. Online forums are form of causal communication. If that bothers you, go away. Complete sentences, perfect grammar, and perfect spelling are unnecessary, as long as the main point is clear. - modernjazz, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5There's also about 10 freakin thousand talented jazz artists working in the US making their own way, skirting the so-called system. I know - I reviewed jazz discs for about 4 years and had no idea how many thousands of little independent jazz artists there are out there pumping out records on a shoestring budget, many of which are simply amazing. And then, there's smooth jazz Whoops! (insert Tourette's Syndrome invective of your choice).
But seriously there are some incredible musicians in this country just playing great jazz for peanuts but turning out really well thought out, mature works of art. I guess Reznor is special in that he lives in and around the world of mainstream music while not conforming and we do need more of those for sure. - buglord, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4We saw NIN the day the Year Zero torrent came out. After playing some song off the new record (Survivalism, I think), he said "That was a song off the new record, which will be released in two weeks. But, you can steal it as of today."
Damn - he knew the torrent was released and even suggested everybody download it! Reminds me of the T-shirt "Good music I buy, no good music I download". If you like the artist, you will not settle for mp3s. - emjaymj, on 10/12/2007, -4/+6Trent Reznor IS a genius. His most recent album was decent but I keep hoping that some day he'll make an album as good as The Fragile.
- Kronos6948, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3@mmortal
I think you're missing the point. Kids don't want to listen to "Their parent's music". To kids, jazz is boring, old people music. They want something nowadays that motivates them, something that they can relate to. Exposure to jazz usually comes from their parents, and usually kids don't want to listen to their parents. Hell, I still don't like listening to oldies music and doo wop because it was force fed to me as a child. Maybe if todays musicians used jazz in their writing, kids would be more into it. I'm sure the fans of Dave Matthews found avenues to todays jazz artists.
Another thing you're not looking at is the danceability of jazz. Most people can't dance to music with different time signatures than 4/4. Jazz music is too complicated. Most teens that are into pop music like it because they can dance to it. Every now and then kids come across a latin jazz song and can dance to that, but it's not the same when you compare it to stuff like Dave Brubeck.
Think back to when you were a teenager. Where did you get your music? What did you listen to? More importantly, how did it make you FEEL? That's what matters most to teens when it comes to music...what turns them on. - oxdeltaxo, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2@oldjimsteele
I didn't say you called them pop tarts. - edrift101, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Just went out and purchased the new NIN album. It's great and I'm glad it's the second album I've purchased in the last three years.
- Wataru2001, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3A couple of years ago, I wrote an article on my website (was still in English back then) about how Trent Reznor saved my life.
I always felt very connected to his songs and was, in my darkest hour, saved by it, because I felt that there was at least someone sharing the same emotions and experiences that I had to go through in my youth. I know it all sounds a bit vague, but these times are far behind me now and still, I have this "buddy" feeling everytime I hear his music. - mmortal03, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3"The problem with modern jazz is that it doesn't speak to todays youth. It spoke to the youths of over 50 years ago, when jazz was the rebellious music over big band. You don't see most people in their late teens/early/mid twenties going out and looking for Herbie Hancock's Blue Note releases or Miles Davis stuff because it's not what they're into."
Music shouldn't have to be rebellious for youth to like it, and whatever this unique homogenized feature of "today's youth" is that keeps them from "being spoken to" by different types of music really bothers me. I really wonder what twisted ideas in their heads actually associate jazz music with, because it isn't like most of their parents listen to it either.
I'd say that one of the reasons "it's not what they're into" is simply because they haven't had it force fed into their minds by way of the radio or television. I would argue against people who say there is some intrinsic feature of modern jazz that young people can't like. It's more about the fact that they aren't exposed to it, and don't see the relevance of it musically, due to ignorance and a limited perspective. It probably has something to do with people having to associate with the image attached to the music, instead of just appreciating the music itself, which I think is dangerous, but is what the music industry has fed upon for quite a long time. - strictnein, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3@oldjimsteele:
Now you're just making stuff up. Kind of sad, really. - xmuzik, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Reznor seems to be getting his name around alot more with his most recent album than he was able to even during the hayday of " Downward Spiral ", big ups to him :)
- MicheBel, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Fabulous letter. Trent Reznor certainly is breaking ground for how music SHOULD be.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"That very concept is one of the issues that I find ridiculous, and that kids should get past. To not like music because one's parents like it is childish."
And to attack someone's preferred style of music because it's not the style you like is also childish.
Anyway, just because you don't like the fact that most younger people don't like jazz doesn't make it any less true. It doesn't hold as much appeal as other genres of music to the younger demographic. Sorry to tell you this but the 20s are over. - Kronos6948, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I think what our conversation boils down to is that children need to mature before they find themselves listening to jazz and other forms of music.
(Oh, and by the way, the thing that killed oldies and doo wop for me was its simplistic nature, and the messages didn't speak to me. I knew there was more out there than falling in love.) - gab00n, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1NIN are awesome, check out the video on www.opensourceresistance.net it is 39 minutes long but so cleverly done. I don't want to give anything away so just watch it.
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