America's Dark Gothic Trent Reznor puts spin on new Bowie.
By Jeffrey L. Perlah for Guitar Magazine on February 1, 1998
What do you get when you blend David Bowie's "I'm Afraid of Americans" with the studio wizardry of Trent Reznor and his industrial outfit, Nine Inch Nails? The answer is an EP comprising of six distinct, brooding remixes of the song, which was featured on Bowie's critically acclaimed 1997 album, Earthling. Granted, Bowie's original cut (cowriten with Brian Eno) unleashed some funky techno/electronica and a sly lyrical take on modern America, but the Reznor treatment takes that approach even further, wildly transforming the piece into a whole new animal. Reznor leads background vocals on one of the remixes, while rapper Ice Cube is featured on another. The sixth remix was overseen by England's Rupert Parkes, also known as Photek.
This isn't the first time Bowie and NIN have collaborated. During their joint 1995 North America tour, the two camps hooked up to perform four-song sets that included Bowie's "Scary Monsters" and NIN's "Hurt." Misery, as they say, loves company.
This isn't the first time Bowie and NIN have collaborated. During their joint 1995 North America tour, the two camps hooked up to perform four-song sets that included Bowie's "Scary Monsters" and NIN's "Hurt." Misery, as they say, loves company.
Transcribed by Keith Duemling