NINE INCH NAILS: GHOSTS I - IV

NIN is coming through for you. Even if you're not a fan, it might be worth swinging by the NIN site to see what they're doing. They've made the latest album Ghosts I-IV, available for download online.

This music arrived unexpectedly as the result of an experiment. The rules were as follows: 10 weeks, no clear agenda, no overthinking, everything driven by impulse. Whatever happens during that time gets released as... something.

We began improvising and let the music decide the direction. Eyes were closed, hands played instruments and it began. Within a matter of days it became clear we were on to something, and a lot of material began appearing. What we thought could be a five song EP became much more. I invited some friends over to join in and we all enjoyed the process of collaborating on this.

It's not pay what you want, but it's close and it's record label free. There are five different ways to get it, one of them is free, and one of them already sold out. I'm not surprised either. I'm sure the Ultra Deluxe Limited Edition Package ($300) is gorgeous although I haven't seen it. I dig the aesthetic they've set up already, and although I was never a big NIN fan, I've always known that Trent Reznor had a real appreciation for the visual experience associated with his music. The free download includes 'The first 9 tracks from the Ghosts I-IV collection available as high-quality, DRM-free MP3s, including the complete PDF.' That's what we're downloading now, and if we like it, there is a good chance we'll throw down the $5 dollars to download all 36 songs. I think the other options, a $10 two disc set and the $75 Deluxe Edition Package might be for more serious fans but still seem like pretty reasonable pricing for those people. We haven't heard it yet but we'll definitely post some feedback once it finishes downloading and we can have a listen.