Nine Inch Nails’ Brand-New Album Offers Exceptional Distribution Methods

One has to wonder whether or not Trent Reznor is one of the busiest men alive. In less than a year, he released Year Zero and also a remix album, helped Saul Williams out with NiggyTardust!, flipped the record industry the bird on numerous occasions and now has released a large 36-track compilation entitled “Ghosts I – IV”. Each song is three-minutes on average.

This album is special for more than one reason. The biggest reason for fans is the fact that the compilation is entirely instrumental – previously unconquered territory for the band. For tech enthusiasts, the new album is exciting with its distribution methods. Available right now, the entire album can be had for FIVE DOLLARS on their website, which includes a downloadable PDF. For $10, you can have a hard-copy of the album once available (May 1st).

There is a free download available that contains the first nine tracks off the compilation, which the band helped kick off by putting a torrent up at The Pirate Bay. Two deluxe editions are available as well. The $75 version includes the audio CDs, data DVD (with all the formats), Blu-ray audio and an included photo-book. The larger version ($300) tops things off with virgin LP copies of the entire album, two high-quality photographs ready for framing and Trent Reznor’s signature.

This is a huge step forward for Trent and I hope that other artists will soon follow. If you torrent the full album instead of purchasing, you are a douchebag. For $5, you can legally own the entire album in high-quality MP3, Apple Lossless and even FLAC. A gourmet cup of coffee costs almost the same!

I made a purchase last night and the process was smooth overall despite the server being pounded – something that will no doubt occur once again today. I have only listened to the initial nine complimentary tracks, but am impressed so far. If you don’t mind the fact that it’s different than most of NIN’s ambient tracks, you should definitely give the free songs a listen. Or if you have five bucks to spare, show the band some support by showing the record industry who’s not boss.

“I’ve been considering and wanting to make this kind of record for years, but by its very nature it wouldn’t have made sense until this point. This collection of music is the result of working from a very visual perspective – dressing imagined locations and scenarios with sound and texture; a soundtrack for daydreams. I’m very pleased with the result and the ability to present it directly to you without interference. I hope you enjoy the first four volumes of Ghosts.”

Source: Nine Inch Nails – Ghosts I – IV