PRETTY HATE MACHINE

Nine Inch Nails (album)

I don’t make a habit of reviewing ancient albums every time one gets re-released, so when I do there needs to be a very good reason. The reason why I’m reviewing the updated version of Nine Inch Nails’ first album from way back in 1989 is simple - if you own the original, you might as well chuck it in the bin and delete any digital copies you’ve got, and if you don’t, then you really should go out and buy the new edition. This is a complete refit, from the massively improved sound quality to the new and immeasurably improved artwork. The original design looked rubbish in 1989 and only looked worse when shown next to the artworks that adorned the follow-ups, whereas the new design harks back to the original but also brings it firmly into line with what followed. However, it’s not my job to review artwork, so here’s what I think of the songs. They’re great. Righto then, my work here is done.

What, that’s not enough detail for you? I thought that covered everything. Oh well, if you insist... what we have here is a debut album, but it’s not tentatively hinting at what would come later, here Trent Reznor hits the ground running and while he’s at it he’s railing against the world and anything else that dares to cross his path. See, making dark electronic music is a piece of cake, but making ANGRY electronic music that at the same time doesn’t sound stupid... well, that’s a talent and a half. He even gets away with slowing things right down with the really rather stunning Something I Can Never Have. What surprised me was how much the remaster has improved the songs - they were bursting with life before, but now they’re clearer, louder, more forceful and even better. Now, if there’s one thing that’s not right with this album, it’s the inclusion of an extra track at the end. Ringfinger has the perfect ending to round off the album, but the effect is somewhat spoiled when it’s followed by an (admittedly good) overhaul of Queen’s Get Down Make Love. That minor quibble aside, if you want to hear what a rock band making an electronic album would sound like then this album is pretty much an essential buy, whether or not you’ve got the original. It really is that good.