Stand Out Albums has been a showcase for my favorite albums across the vast performers that I love. Covering a little bit of everything from classic rock to country hits, much like Key Movies of My Life, it has been the albums that shaped me.
After covering the works of The Posies and Guster I figured it was time for a tonal shift into my rather eclectic taste in music so I though, what could be more of a change than a band I have loved since the early 90’s, Nine Inch Nails. Today we discuss Ghosts I-IV.
Why This Album?
The Ghosts album is both NIN’s first fully instrument album and the first album on Reznor’s own label The Null Corporation. Ghosts is something wildly different than the traditionally heavy rock, industrial sounds we are used to. Devoid of any lyrics or vocals, this album plays out more like a score to a film that was never produced. That being said, this is probably their most relaxing and ambient release up until this release. In a way, this feels like NIN’s answer to the classical masters of old and, years from now, someone will run across the scores of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross wondering what exactly everything meant. The irony is, in Reznors own words this album really is nothing more than ‘a soundtrack for daydreams’ giving the indication that it can be anything the listener wants it to be.
Overall, there is nothing in the library of Nine Inch Nails more relaxing, and more euphoric than the Ghosts series. In fact, this album was so impactful, Trent and the team revisited it again with Ghosts V & VI which we will discuss later.
Favorite Tracks
I know I say this a lot but honestly, this is not an album that you can select a sample of songs to represent the whole. It’s an experience, a mood, a work that really needs to be listened to in it’s entirety. In fact, this is reinforced by the naming of each track in a simple yet effective way, 1 Ghosts I, 2 Ghosts I, 3 Ghosts I, et al. This simply indicates that each Ghost is part of a greater whole that should be enjoyed together.
Ok, Where do I get it?
As usual, you can get this one from Amoeba Music as well as Spotify. I really recommend giving it a go, it is a truly unique entry in the Nine Inch Nails catalogue and one you will not soon forget.
Next week, we talk The Slip.
Late to the Game 10/12/2021
Thanks for reading, If you would like to read more reviews I have a weekly series called Key Movies Of My Life that comes out every Thursday and also check out some retro tv goodness with the ongoing series Retro TV Reviews here. You can also find a few of my other Music Reviews Here.
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