lambchops's Full Review: The Perfect Drug [Single] by Nine Inch Nails
Throughout the years only Reznor has remained at the helm of nin. He's released a number of albums and even more singles and maxi singles. Reznor has also managed to assemble the soundtracks to quirky films like the sharp Natural Born Killers and David Lynch's twisted film Lost Highway.
"The Perfect Drug" is actually a track from the film. This particular single has five remixed versions from five relatively popular masters. These versions are as follows:
1. The Perfect Drug (Meat Beat Manifesto Mix)
2. The Perfect Drug (Plug)
3. The Perfect Drug (nine inch nails)
4. The Perfect Drug (Spacetime Continuum)
5. The Perfect Drug (The Orb)
This song, unlike many of the others from Reznor's camp, isn't particularily violent or sexual (as with a number of tracks from 1994's The Downward Spiral). Rather, it seems that this song was meant to be a driving force to Lost Highway and it's soundtrack. This aside, I like the song. But, I'll also be the first to admit that I like other Reznor tracks more than this one (my favorites are "Something I Can Never Have" and "Closer").
Before I get into the details of each mix, there are a few more things that need to be said about the song as a whole. First of all, the noise and sounds and instrumentation aren't as densely packed as other nin tracks. Therefore, the sound almost doesn't fit neatly into the industrial category. The track opens with a verse as follows: i got my head, but my head is unraveling, can't keep control, can't keep track of where it's traveling, i got my heart but my heart is no good, and you're the only one that's understood. The song is dark...just not as dark as typical of Reznor.
The first version from Meat Beat Manifesto is cymbal-heavy. I don't hear the industrial sound I like, rather all I can hear as the listener are cymbals. Yikes. It's got an exceptionally fast tempo with only intermittent vocals from Reznor. It's also apparent that I'm not a huge fan of the extra synthesizer noise added to the track to make it more dancable.
I can better appreciate the second Plug mix. It's darker, denser, and more emotional. It begins with a whirring and strong beats. Again, the listener is treated to quick beats but this time they are accompanied by drums instead of high pitched (and annoying) instrumentation. One of the things that needs to be said about these versions is that they don't have nearly the amount of vocals as does the original. This particular remix is a good version, so I won't complain.
Where do I start with the bizarre third mix from nin himself. It's twisted beginning with a pounding beat and a very low, robotic voice speaking you are the perfect drug. There are cheers from crowd also used as a musical instrument. Like I said, it's odd. There have quite definitely been better remixes of songs...especially from Reznor himself. Anyway, the track picks up toward the middle with the removal of the crowd and the addition of synth drums. It's only so-so.
The Spacetime Continuum remix is actually a bit refreshing. The sound is very light and very sci-fi sounding. It actually is a bit reminiscent of music in the early 1980's just after they figured out how to use synthesizers. The track also is reminiscent of the childish and genius Bjork. I like the sound, I like the light beats, and I like the whole aura about this version. Although, it's also important to note that this is NOT industrial music by a longshot. It's dance-trance.
A twirling, mechanical sound introduces The Orb's version of "The Perfect Drug". As with many songs from The Orb like "Fluffy Little Clouds", this is a dancable and futuristic track with Jetsons-esque sounds cooperating (almost) with Reznor's vision and voice. It's creative, not great or even entertaining, just creative. The version intensifies and more elements are added as it progresses.
So far as nin maxi singles go, this one is a bust. I'm not particularily amused or entertained by these bizarre remixes of this song that is actually quite good without all of the doctoring. Therefore, I will give this album just 3/5 stars. It's average, even for nin who's albums and singles are generally well above average. Unless you are a big fan of the band, I suggest you skip by this single. I'll recommend it, but only on that condition.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
![The Perfect Drug [Single] by Nine Inch Nails](http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/1d/1b/bb/2002182877-177x150-0-0.jpg)
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.