Nine Inch Nails - The Slip

thank you for your continued and loyal support over the years - this one's on meAnd with those words Trent Reznor released Halo 27, known as The Slip, to the world gratis. This album follows right on the heels of his last self-released album Ghosts I-IV (two months and three days to be exact), marketed in a similar vein to the Radiohead In Rainbows "pay what you feel" method. Mixed reception aside, Ghosts surely gave Reznor the breathing space to create when and how he wanted (the $300 deluxe packages sold out within three days). His contentious relationships with records labels have been no secret, and his projects over the last year have been a way for Nine Inch Nails to spread its wings on its own and take full control of its destiny.The Slip sounds like a jaunt down memory lane at times, the days between Pretty Hate Machine-styled rock, and The Downward Spiral-styled electronic. The music seems to reflect the feel of those earlier, and these new times: an artist who has the freedom to create as and when he wants. One thing that doesn't reflect times past is Reznor's production quality: the sonic landscapes that he paints on both his more open songs ("999,999", "Corona Radiata"), and his packed-in, intense romps ("Letting You", "1,000,000"), shows Reznor at his prime. He still pays enough attention here (as he's always has) to ensure a certain level of catchiness to much of The Slip. There is enough experimentation, but there are still discernible, intentionally crafted singles here.The Slip stands as a testament to one artist's dedication to his craft. Reznor weathered the industry's bullshit for years, but was brave enough to step out and take a chance, making himself relevant again. In 2008 it is ridiculous that the industry has yet to fully embrace this new way of communicating and sharing ideas, and is paying the price for their ignorance and hubris daily. Nine Inch Nails, along with many others, are attempting to re-define how bands and the public interact with each other. We are not sheep, and we are not the enemy, and should not be treated as thus. If we are respected, we are more than willing to do our part to keep artists creating art. And, in the case of The Slip, artists will be more than happy to give back.