lambchops's Full Review: Head Like a Hole [Single] by Nine Inch Nails
I love nine inch nails. To look at me, you'd never know. One of my two favorite songs is "Head Like A Hole" (the other happens to be "Something I Can Never Have" for future reference). When I found this CD at Target a few years ago for a mere $2.99, I was ecstatic. It was seemingly impossible to believe that Target could be that hip. Well, to be quite honest, I think I would have paid $12.99 for this single. It's classic NIN. Classicly wonderful with Trent Reznor's driving, angry, loud lyrics and electronica music.
The single from 1990 contains various versions of three very popular early nine inch nails tracks for the popular and artistic debut "Pretty Hate Machine" in addition to one oddity. Be prepared...the tracks are as follows:
Head Like A Hole - (slate mix)
As I mentioned before, I like this song quite a bit. This particular version is unlike the original version in that the bass line is much heavier in that it drives the song very specifically and the chorous is sparse with little music to back Reznors open-throat lyrics. Great music, of course.
Head Like A Hole - (clay mix)
This version has all of the signs of the original except the electric guitars are very heavy and there are some hollow drums in the background instead of the heavy bass guitar. It's a great version in which you can hear Reznor clearly throughout the whole song (this isn't the case with many of the remixes like the last one in which I mentioned).
Terrible Lie - (sympathetic mix)
This song has alot of electronic elements and chanting in the background. There are tons of drums and electronic noises going on. It's a great version, and I would have to say that it rivals the original version very closely. Great song, even as a remix!
Head Like A Hole - (copper mix)
Another version of "Head Like a Hole." This time, it really does sound quite a bit like the original. It blends all of the elements of the past two remixes. There's a strong bass line in addition to a chorous in which both the music and Reznor's voice are featured. It's yet another great song if you ask me.
You Know Who You Are
This starts out sounding like a very hollow, almost tribal version of "Head Like A Hole." It finishes up sounding like something very different. Lots of electronic noises and beats, but a good filler between the sometimes-overwhelming versions of the other more popular songs. I think that's why it ended up smack in the middle of the single.
Head Like A Hole - (soil mix)
So, what could a third version of "Head Like A Hole" have differently than the other three earlier ones. Well, there's odd mechanical noise, electronic tribal beats, and not much "noise." In fact, the chorous is relatively sparse in that the main focus really is on Reznor rather than the technology-laden music. Still, another good version worth of a listen.
Terrible Lie - (empathetic mix)
This, the second version of this song on the album, sounds more like a sparse NIN song in that the song is almost quiet. Of course, it's not really, but the noise of the other version isn't apparent in this remix. It's a good one if you ask me.
Down In It - (shred mix)
Would you believe it? This song is almost a sort of spoken-work rap of sorts with Industrial roots and a mechanical chorous. It's not that loud (by NIN standards, of course), and is a high quality remix. Believe me...it could have been a whole lot worse. There is quite a bit of bass, but my ears were spared from any bizarre gears.
Down In It - (singe mix)
This one is weird. It has elements of early 80's new wave music and electronic/synthesizer beats mixed into a chanting Industrial song. Not my favorite remix, but still pretty good quality. It gives the listener the idea that Reznor is ready and willing to experiment with his sound and his music.
Down In It - (demo mix)
So far as versions go, this one is more like I can envision the to be. It's hollow, industrial, and entertaining. A definite must-listen. It's as mechanical and synthesizer-laden as the next NIN early song, but that's alright. I still hold a soft spot in my heart for early songs like this.
So far as single go, this one is an amazing 56:11 minutes. Unheard of if you ask me. It's fun to listen to and absolutely perfect in the right setting like getting ready to go out, driving in heavy traffic, or playing at a party. If you're a NIN fan, this one is perfect for you. The remixes are great (as usual), and Trent Reznor proves himself early on in his career. Pick it up!
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
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