1989 - December: Nine Inch Nails "Pretty Hate Machine"

What the Riff?!?

The industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails is the creation of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Trent Reznor. While living in Cleveland in 1987, Reznor worked as an assistant engineer and janitor at Right Track Studios. He had free access to the studio between bookings, and took inspiration from Prince to play all instruments himself to produce his material. The name Nine Inch Nails comes from a quote by Al Jourgensen, lead singer of the metal band Ministry - "Listening to Ministry is like having a nine inch nail hammered into your head like a hole."

The debut studio album entitled Pretty Hate Machine was released by TVT Records in October 1989. It has an industrial synth feel, with dark lyrics driven by angst, despair, and betrayal. Unlike much of the industrial rock of the time, songs on Pretty Hate Machine feature catchy riffs and hooks, and the song structure employs a traditional verse and chorus approach rather than continually repeating electronics. The result would prove to be both a commercial and critical success, reaching number 75 on the US album charts.

Although Reznor produced and performed all the instrumentation on the album, he soon found himself in need of a touring band, particularly when he was brought in to open for Guns N' Roses on their European Tour. Many musicians have been brought into the Nine Inch Nails over the years, but Reznor remained the only permanent member until his frequent collaborator, Atticus Ross, was brought in as a member in 2016.

Lynch brings us this pioneering industrial rock album for this week's podcast.

Head Like a Hole
The opening track to the album was the second and most commercially successful single, reaching number 28 on the US Alternative Airplay charts. It also took inspiration from the quote from Al Jourgensen of Ministry. The song is about the control that money has over people and the pain and suffering associated with it.

Terrible Lie
This song reflects the anger and despair of a person going through a bad time in their life and blaming it on God. "(Hey god) why are you doing this to me? Am I not living up to what I'm supposed to be? Why am I seething with this animosity? (Hey god) I think you owe me a great big apology."

Sin
When we give in to our darker impulses, perhaps driven by desire or betrayal, we can find ourselves in a spiral of self-destruction and sabotage. The song is about the pain and destructiveness that can lurk below the surface.

Down In It
This is the debut single from the album. During the making of the video, a camera attached to a weather balloon became detached and flew 200 miles away. When found in a farmer's field the FBI was called in to investigate what appeared to be a gang or cult slaying of Reznor.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the motion picture "Christmas Vacation 3"
The success of "Christmas Vacation" inspired a number of sequels.

STAFF PICKS:

Higher Ground by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rob's staff pick is a cover of a song Stevie Wonder originally released in 1973. While the original went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, the energetic remake by the Red Hot Chili Peppers also achieved commercial success, reaching number 26 on the US Mainstream Rock chart. It was the first RHCP song to chart.

Bad Love by Eric Clapton
Bruce brings us the second single from Clapton's eleventh solo studio album. This is a comeback album, as Clapton had recently become sober after dealing with alcoholism. It hit number 16 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. This song features Phil Collins on percussion and backing vocals. and would be awarded the Grammy for Best male Rock Vocal Performance in 1990.

Good Work by the BoDeans
Wayne features a rockabilly party song from a Wisconsin group. The BoDeans have been called roots rock, heartland rock, and alternative, but their retro 50's sound and driving live performance makes them a great band to see. They performed extensively with U2 on The Joshua Tree tour, and remain popular in the US Midwest.

The Last Worthless Evening by Don Henley
Lynch closes out the staff picks with a hit from Henley's album "The End of the Innocence" that went to number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The lyrics are a plea from an ex to just move on.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Pacific 202 by 808 State
This Manchester electronic music group takes its name from the Roland TR 808 drum machine.

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