Well, Huh...

I received an e-mail from Trent Reznor yesterday:

As many of you know, I've been working closely with Saul Williams on his new record. We've spent many hours together in hotel rooms, busses, backstages and studios around the world working on something we knew was great. This is the most involved I've been with any project outside NIN since Antichrist Superstar, and I've been impatiently waiting for the chance for you to hear it. Well... guess what?

The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust! has arrived! After my own recent dealings with record labels we decided to release it directly to you. Head over to http://www.niggytardust.com for all the details. Register now and you can download the record November 1st. Working on this project was a real pleasure. Saul was interested in breaking boundaries / crossing genres / defying expectations and we learned a great deal from one another in the process. When asked about the sound of the record, I've had to resort to "... I really don't know HOW to describe it." That's a good thing more than ever these days.

A word on the way we've chosen to release this. There are obvious similarities in how Radiohead just released their new record and the way we've chosen to. After thinking about this way too much, I feel we've improved upon their idea in a few profound ways that benefit you, the consumer. You obviously will be the judge of this in the end. One thing that IS very different in our situation is that Saul's not the household name (yet!) that Radiohead is, and that means we need your support on this more than ever. If you like what you hear, spread the word.

I hope you enjoy the music,

TR

Not quite certain what TR was going on about, as not being one in the know, I researched this Saul Williams a little and found his words and actions respectable.

Thus, I went over to the purchasing part of the website out of curiousity and found two options. The first states that I am able to "support the artist that made this music by paying: $5.00". The second option is "I don't care about that, I just want the music by paying $0.00".

I must say...I felt rather bullied. Then I realized, I felt like I was within the makings of a gimmick.

Regardless, I decided that if I was going to buy anything, I would not do it blindly. Of course, I would need a sample of the music first. Dur.

And once I did, I made up my mind.

I'm not getting anything for $5.00 or for free.

In spite of respectable content and a backing by Trent Reznor, I don't particularly care for this style of music.

Why would I pay for something I have no interest in?
Or why would I cheat this man out of money for something I would rarely to never even listen to?

And more importantly, how did Trent Reznor get my e-mail?!

Currently listening to: "The Sound of Settling" by Death Cab For Cutie and "I Do Not Want This" by NIN