We’re not prepared to say that this video is either “good” or “bad” — what’s important is that it actually exists. What you see below is pop-industrial god Trent Reznor singing Billy Idol’s “Eyes Without a Face” in his early-’80s cover band, The Urge. The video quality here is poor, but you’ll still be able to make out his nigh-on-Flock-of-Seagulls haircut. As funny as this (and the other ’80s Reznor clips Dangerous Minds digs up) may be, let’s remember that most of us have probably had some fairly humiliating early-career moments that we wouldn’t want to see surface on YouTube should we ever get famous.
One of the small joys of seeing a successful film can be the seamless way in which the soundtrack complements the images and dialogue on screen. Whether an original score, re-purposed compositions from elsewhere, or a collection of classic or contemporary pop songs, many great films have been elevated by the music they’ve utilized. Think of Bernard Hermann’s brilliantly jarring score for Vertigo; the way in which Trainspotting underscored key moments via the songs of Lou Reed and Underworld; McCabe and Mrs. Miller‘s anachronistic yet spot-on use of Leonard Cohen; and Spike Lee choosing Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” to open Do the Right Thing.
What follows is a list of instances where that perfect blend of music and film hasn’t been achieved — where terrific songs have found their way into a thoroughly flawed film, for instance, or where a not-entirely-successful experiment in pacing and tone nonetheless is bolstered by a selection of majestic songs.
The way the music press has been flipping over Rihanna’s risqué new clip for “S&M,” you’d think she was the first musician ever to use bondage or sadomasochistic imagery in a music video. Of course, she’s far from it. Even before MTV, artists used whips and chains to spice up their act. After the jump, we take you from the Velvet Underground to Ri Ri in a brief history of BDSM in music videos.
This is an exciting week for Smashing Pumpkins fans. Billy Corgan and, um, whoever else is in his band these days, have released the first volume in their 11-EP Teargarden By Kaleidyscope series. To be totally fair, the group is generously allowing its fans to download all songs from the project free. But if you want a physical version, be ready to shell out some major cash for a painstakingly crafted special edition. Insound notes that the debut installment “is packaged in a silk-screened wooden box (7 1/4″ tall x 8″ wide x 1.05″ thick). Each box contains: a 4-song CD (with four new Smashing Pumpkins songs and instrumental intros), a 7″ vinyl single (containing a new song and a B-Side), and a hand-carved “leopard stone” obelisk, about 2″ tall, similar to marble.” Considering that there will eventually be 11 $33 EPs to buy, Pumpkins completists stand to spend upwards of $350 to own the entire set.
Think that’s bonkers? Well, it’s nothing compared to some of the other insanely expensive (or just plain over-the-top) box sets and special-edition albums we’ve seen. Check out 10 of the weirdest and most expensive after the jump.
From his groundbreaking models of online music distribution to outspoken views on role of the artist in the modern music industry, Trent Reznor and his band Nine Inch Nails have set a precedent for innumerable indie bands attempting to flourish in a broken industry. Reznor has also displayed a tireless work ethic and devotion to his music-making, incorporating influences that extend as far as arty synth-dance, classic rock, and Queen.
Recently-released videos showcasing a collaboration between Reznor and former Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy demonstrate the extent of his diverse tastes and abilities. After the jump, we’ve collected some of Reznor’s most distinctive cross-genre performances (he has performed with people ranging from soulful Brooklynites TV On The Radio to metalheads Dilinger Escape Plan). Both Nine Inch Nails devotees and casual music fans should be surprised and impressed at the man’s range of collaborative expression.
1. Natalie Portman will star in and produce the film adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith’s best-seller, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. [via Variety]
2. The 2010 Whitney Biennial artists have been announced. There are 55 of ‘em. [via The Awl]
3. Following in footsteps of Nine Inch Nails, Coldplay plans to auction off “guitars, keyboards, amps, posters, platinum discs, and other random items” in what they’re calling the “Coldplay End of Decade Clearout Sale” on eBay. [via TwentyFourBit]
4. J.J. Abrams is interested in producing a film adaptation of Colum McCann‘s National Book Award winner, Let the Great World Spin. [via Reuters]
5. Director Guillermo del Toro has spilled a bunch of new information about The Hobbit. [The One Ring]
