Anybody heard NIN's latest effort Year Zero? I was struck by some of the similarities between Reznor's new album and what Prince has done over the years, especially some of the work during the 1999 period. Many same themes, both musically and in album concept. Many songs incorporate the hand claps reminiscent of many Prince songs, and Year Zero has a level of funk running through the background. We know both admire each other's work, and it seems like Reznor has taken a page out of the book Prince wrote more than 20 years ago when he began experimenting with electronic funk. The multi-layered tracks ooze with a Prince-ish flair unlike any NIN albums before it. Just wondering if anyone feels the same way.

Actually, 1999 is my favorite Prince record and Year Zero ranks up there with some of Trents best work (Downward Spiral, The Fragile). I honestly don't see the similarities between the two.

I wouldn't really consider 1999 a concept record. It is however a funk workout gem. Year Zero is funky (Vessell, Me I'm not), but Trent has always done hot funky dance beats to heavy guitars.

Anyway both are great fucking records, I just don't think they are anything alike. You have good taste though.

Now I can't wait for the new Bjork.....

I didn't know Prince respected Trent, but I know Trent used to really respect Prince--one of Trent's earlier singles actually samples the drum/rythim section of either Tambourine or "Release It!"--I can't remember which as I didn't care for the mix.

I don't see any similarities in the work though.

Imago said:

"Ringfinger" off of Pretty Hate Machine sampled Alphabet Street, but that's the only sample I know of that Trent has used...is that the one you are thinking of?

Trent's admiration for Prince was probably first noted when he made comments about how amazed he was with Prince's use of samples from the movie Batman in the song Batdance (I think this was during the time trent worked on Lost Highway). Since then he had a not so great run-in with him (can't remember where-- backstage at an awards show or something) where prince totally snubbed him and I think Trent is over him now.

eleven said:

No this was an old maxi single.

It might have been "Head Like A Hole"--wasn't there like a 10 version maxi of that one? It was a black and white CD-case, real ghetto looking.

The song was definitely Release it or Tamborine.

Prince needs to take a leaf out of Trent's book this year and make a record as good as Year Zero - it's one of the best things Trent has ever done, without a shadow of a doubt.

Imago said:

Ooooh! Well thanks-- I'm going to have to hunt that down at my local 80's ghetto-looking cd maxi store.

Militant said:

I hear that man! Prince needs to dig up his funk again, stop doing this watered down shit. Year Zero is masterpiece!

I remember reading an interview with Trent Reznor b4 The Fragile came out and said he wanted 2 make it sound like an old Prince record. There was also the story of Prince wanting Trent 2 remix Loose, (I believe) and when Prince showed up at the studio he walked right passed Trent with his bodyguards and this upset Trent. Maybe all is forgiven though, last year Trent was at 3121 for the Purple ticket concert, there was even a pic of him there on npgmc.