Thanks so much for watching and keeping the discussion going! I'll never get tired of talking about music and it's exciting to see so many passionate viewers! CORRECTIONS: I referenced Trent as the piano player, when it is in fact Mike Garson. Who knows how much 'pianistic' influence Trent had though, because it does sound a lot like his harmonic and melodic style during the intro and outro. I also annotated the major 7th chords as "x7" instead of "xMaj7". "x7" refers to a dominant 7th chord, which sounds very different. I should have brushed up on my notation knowledge - I truly did not expect this much attention with this video, one of my first. So glad y'all are here!
I think that Garson is actually referred in 8:03, but other than this brief and "crazy" input, I'd bet that the piano in this piece is probably mostly Trent.
The wild largely chromatic freakout was definitely Mike Garson. I recall Trent said at the time that he was a good piano player but he wanted a master, so he saw if he could get Garson for the more intricate bits. Trent had joined parts of David Bowie's 1995 Outside tour and helped with part of his 1997 Earthling record. Probably helped make a solid connection. Mike Garson's piano skills are also featured on Ripe from The Fragile. He plays prominently on the 1973 David Bowie song "Time" which was sampled in a few of the Mr. Self Destruct remixes. But the remixes only feature Bowie's voice.
I first heard this song when I was 17 and it instantly made me a die-hard NIN fan. Watching this being broken down was a fucking spiritual experience. Please go ahead and do the 3 hour cut :P
Music nerds nerding out on the king of music nerds for the edification and enjoyment of an audience of music nerds is like that withheld 3rd, finally given. Love your videos. :)
I have been listening to NIN since 95. I still, to this day, am jaw dropped listening to it. Trent is an artist. Even when he was a tortured rockstar, he was far FAR above anyone else in the industry. Arguably still is... 2 Oscars later, I'm not surprised. You have great hair. Cheers!
I have always thought that NIN fans are divided into two large groups: those who think that The Fragile is their greatest album and those who are simply wrong.
One of my fav NIN songs. To me, it complements The Becoming, thematically speaking. I can't avoid seeing the conflict between wetware (whispers) and hardware (electronic sounds). How he's becoming a machine ( synth), how the organic (piano) fights the electronic and then there's chaos and rage (he screams). It's like the guitars, which represent the fight itself, are speaking, it's not music but a voice. Then the fight is over, the organic part is still there with an electronic background never leaving anymore, and the calm comes back.
Fun fact: in 1996, my mom (who worked for Intel which makes this funnier) bought us a home computer. I set the photo of Trent you used in the thumbnail+intro of this video as the desktop background. My mom came home from work and raised hell because she thought either me or my brother "downloaded a virus" because there was "a scary man" on our computer. 😅
As a 15 year old I played this song non stop, learned to play my own rendition of it on the piano, nerded out on time signatures and probably got driven to the early Tool catalogue. Just from this song. To hear an in-depth analysis 23 years later putting into words what it made me feel is just gold. Thank you!
@@iximusic I seem to recall that King Crimson's Adrian Belew also played on "Just like you imagined" and Tool was obviously heavily influenced by Crimson so this makes sense.
Hearing this in the trailer for "300" like seven years after the album dropped was the first time I realized this album had reached over to touch the mainstream consciousness.
As a lifelong NIN fan and someone with zero understanding of music theory - I absolutely love these videos. It's wonderful to better understand why this music has had such an impact on my spirit. Trent's music is pure beauty. I can't wait to see what other songs you explore!
Hello fellow longhauler! That's so nice to know. I want to make videos that have something for everyone 🙏 Some theory might rub off on you if you're not careful! But yeah that's what this is all about to me...the theory is just one tool to better understand the emotional (and sometimes physical) impact of music.
"The structure of the song is like a series of build ups and breakdowns. He builds it, adds layers, intensity... and then there's just this collapse. And it happens again". Wonderfully put. That's kind of why I've always looked at this song as musically describing the struggle of navigating the ebbs, flows, waves, peaks, and disappointments of life. Definitely my favorite song from NIN as well. Wonderful video.
Love it. I've been a fan of NIN for about 20 years, I knew the music was complex, but no idea just how complex. This is beautifully explained, and I listened to the song afterward watching this, it really enhanced my appreciation for a song I already loved. Thank you for these videos.
Me too, I didn't know it was Mike Garson until after I made the video but I always thought that solo sounded like a departure from Trent's style and now I know why. It's super cool, I love how much it adds to an already amazing song!
This was the first NIN song I heard as a kid (it was in a 300 commercial). And I remember I instantly had to find it and listen to it on repeat. NIN has been my favorite artist since. Thanks for this video, I learned a lot from it as a NIN fan and an aspiring music producer! Going to watch every one of your videos haha
I didn't know it was in a commercial! For the movie 300? I'm glad you were able to learn something from the video! Feel free to message me on @ixi.music if you ever want to talk about producing! I'd say I'm aspiring too. I'm releasing my first single on April 2nd! Downtempo electronica ambient IDM I guess ;)
@@iximusic Yeah, the movie 300! I'll take you up on that offer! I followed you on SC (I don't have an instagram lol). Looking forward to hearing your first single!
When I first heard this song, a friend brought me into their room, put their huge headphones on my head and told me to lay down, close my eyes. The damn track brought me to tears for some reason and still does sometimes.
Sheesh. Who are you!! I’ve been listening to this, and Every Day is Exactly the same for so long. I feel like the feeling evoked by the note progression conveys so much, that it’s more emotional than any set of words. The resolution was just mind-blowing to me and says “no way. You gotta hit this drug again.” You’re able to explain things that I feel, but have no words for. You’re able to explain the reasons for these feeling, and I am grateful for that. I will have to watch this video and alternate with the song a few times to get all of what you’re saying, but THANK YOU for making this!
Ugh! Hearing you play all of these notes is great! The Fragile evokes a TON of emotions from the time when it was released. I literally listened to it from the day it came out (9/9/99, same as the launch of the Sega Dreamcast, as if anyone could forget that monumental date in history!) until at least a year later. Yeah, I'm weird like that. Not that I didn't hear other stuff in the meantime, but when I was in my car, it was The Fragile on repeat, and yes I was swapping discs out because I had to to listen to the entire album goodness. This is one of those songs that convey a lot of emotion to me, somehow, without any lyrics at all. It's incredible. The Fragile was somewhat of revelation in that way. I remember hearing Trent's "Driver Down" on the Lost Highway soundtrack (great movie and great soundtrack) and feeling something similar, but it was never quite the same. A much different set of emotions. Also, if you haven't watched Lost Highway, I HIGHLY recommend it. Hopefully you're a fan of David Lynch, but as a NIN fan I think you would be. 😊
I was classically trained in piano for my whole youth up until the end of high school. And while I intrinsically understand a lot of this stuff, I've been watching through all your videos and having them presented explicitly has explained so much of why Trent is my favorite artist of all time. I've listened to his music so often that I don't really listen to it all that much anymore. But I've been going back through every song as you break them down and it's been truly gratifying. Thank you so much for your work.
That’s so cool! I have a hard time defining these layers with certainty since they can be experienced in different order. If we think of them as being in the typical order described, here’s my take. I’ve purposefully left out time stamps because it forces you to pay closer attention to the song: Denial is the beginning piano and guitar. Anger starts with the bass melody and added guitars. Bargaining transitions with the wild piano and proceeds to the back and forth layering of the two guitar parts. Depression starts with the vocal harmonies accentuated by Trent’s scream and the new guitar/synth riffs. Acceptance is when it drops back down to the piano and rhythmic synth backdrop.
Just beautiful, I've watched this video so many times, which makes me listen to the song, which makes me want to watch your video again. This has enriched my experience of a song I already adored. Thank you!
This is my favorite NIN song for sure, and I really loved your video on it. The Fragile is a masterpiece, and I love the thematic tension it has between the "organic" (pianos, drums, acoustic instruments) and the "digital" (synths, loops, samples)... but if I'm honest, as a drummer, I find the reliance on loops distracting in some parts of the album. This song doesn't have that problem for me; the bassline and 4-3-3 pulse have such a fucking killer, jammy, human feel, and the song still uses that mixture of organic and digital elements to enhance its build-and-release structure. I really appreciate the way you talk about the theory under the hood, because it helps me to appreciate it in a way that I wouldn't otherwise be able to.
Well, this was... intense. For a while now I've become hooked on reaction/decomposing videos and I've always felt there was something missing. Now I know I was right. What you've accomplished, and the reason I hit subscribe within the first 120 seconds of this video, is making me feel the same emotion I get from listening to the original song. Beyond the great music theory notions, explaining the emotions those intervals and thirds elicit from the listener was jaw-dropping. Right after your explaining of the climax, a few tears came down, as I felt as drained as I was when listening to the song during really harsh times. Thank you for this, now I just have to find the emtional fortitude to go through the rest of your catalogue.
yes, it was Mike Garson and I only learned that afterward unfortunately! But since then I've watched a video of them playing it live with Mike and it's incredible!
Thank you SO MUCH for this 😮 I've been waiting for a great interpretation specifically of JLYI since I started listening to NIN in 2008. It's my favorite piece of art ever so my heart skipped a beat when I found your channel. 3 hours of you talking about JLYI would seriously be the most magical thing ever ❤️
@@iximusic since we have had similar tastes in some music ( agree with quite a few things in a several vids ) let me suggest you check out IAMX Metanoia ... I think you will love it 😉 th-cam.com/play/PLggN_gKqu3Jbc6xsmt2IC01YIrX3qrrtV.html
I just found your channel last night and I am hooked on these NIN analysis videos. NIN has been my all time favorite band since around 94. This is one of my favorite songs. I love the rehearsal video for this song during the Fragility tour period- when Trent cues in the band for the vocal part that leaves you hanging and waiting. It's wonderful having these NIN songs analyzed so well from someone that also loves NIN so much. Thank you for making these videos, I'm excited for more. These really want to make me get behind the piano right now and play with these ideas.
Ooh if you find a link to that rehearsal video, would you mind leaving that in a comment? I'm so stoked to have found all of y'all to share my passion with! And get some keys under those fingers! I've been transcribing some NIN arrangements for piano, if you read music.
@@iximusic I sadly do not read music, primarily a guitarist that has learned to play by ear. But I do want to improve my piano, music theory and basic understanding to read music. So having some for a band I absolutely love would probably be good material to practice with. Here's a link to the rehearsal video. The video quality is bad, but the content I still love every time I watch it: th-cam.com/video/5WIpUu5iIIs/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=makeupcreations
Thanks for this, again. I've said it elsewhere, if memory serves, but I really appreciate the breakdowns. As a non-musician who nonetheless loves the technical side of music that works for weird reasons, this gives some fantastic insights into why it does work. The Fragile (like all of his stuff when it first came out) scared the living daylights out of me... Took me years before I dove in. Now, listening to the whole thing at once is a quasi-religious experience. It's really his magnum opus.
Reznor has talked about striving to write songs that are interesting on the first listen, but only get better every time you hear the details on repeat listens. He's such an architect of sound, that he achieves a lot of this longevity in a track with its production, but your video reminds me how much I love the musical bones of his compositions. At the end of your analysis, discussing the major 10s, it's like something clicked in my head about this piece. The theme of many of his songs, even when there is consonance, is a sort of distance between himself and happiness or peace. Is there a more evocative interval of that feeling than a major 10th? No. No I don't suppose there is. Just found you 20 minutes ago. Great channel. Subscribed. Thanks.
That's cool. In my opinion he achieves that goal. I mean, I'm still hearing new things in this track, to this day. But yeah he's really such a gifted composer. And you can see that more and more as he's gotten into film scoring and totally killing it. I appreciate the specificity of the impact of this video, that's really neat to hear how the major 10ths affect you, what they represent! Music is the best - super glad you are here! I'm sure we'll talk more.
Sweetheart, this has been my favorite Nin song forever...I'm. Loyal die-hard nin fan and you explained why this song has resonated and continues to resonate with me...he's the greatest song writer of all time and your breakdown is just as beautiful to someone like me who doesn't know musical composition...ty to you both
So appreciate this. It is one of my absolute favorites in the NIN catalog. When it was used in the trailer for the movie 300, i was in the theater and of course instantly recognized it. I got so excited with the accompanying visuals I actually stood up!!! Now- where’s my keyboard?
I love seeing all the attention you are getting! A month ago, each video had like what, 200 views? A well deserved surge in popularity. I look forward to seeing what you analyse next!!!
Its so fuckin meta. I remember reading articles about how he went through extreme stress and depression trying to write an album that could be as popular as The Downward Spiral, and this song is like an ironic sneer in the face of the listener like "HERE'S YOUR TENSION RESOLUTION. IS IT EVERYTHING YOU IMAGINED?".
I swear I learn more about music theory from awesome videos like yours than I ever did in school. The practical analysis of music I really know and love helps ground the concepts that have kinda atrophied in my mind. I've just watched a few of your videos and I really dig them, keep up the good work!
I learn better through direct application myself so it could be the same for you. Things just feel too abstract otherwise! Thank you for commenting and I'm so glad you're getting something out of the videos!
This has always been one of my 'go to' Trent moments for showing off his brilliance. I've just discovered your channel and appreciate every musical nuance you discuss. Bravo! Thank you so much!! Funnily enough, i haven't been able to stop listening to the Trent and Atticus tracks from the SOUL soundtrack. He show's more restrain, but the shadowy beauty is still front and centre.
Love the specifics of the dissonance Trent uses. I remember the first time I heard Pretty Hate Machine, and that feeling of true originality - something really special was going on here.
I'm really glad to hear that! Appreciate the feedback 🙌 Thank you for tuning in! And yes, all NIN all the time...will eventually include other bands but no need yet.
My husband and I are diehard NIN fans and THIS track is my favorite. The falling, abrupt dissonances in the song layered against the hauntingly beautiful piano 'harmelodies' are everything I love about it. I agree with you that there's so much in there to hear and it's all struggling against itself. I love when musicians pepper in the brief melodies or what I like to call 'ear treats' this song is full of those! Thank you for this awesome breakdown! So many songs that come to mind that I'd love to hear your analysis of but one I'm obsessed with atm is called: Right Now RED VERSION by (Deltarune song) The Living Tombstone
How have I been playing along with this song for 20 years and never realized that I was playing in 5/4? My mind is completely blown right now, but you're right. It is. Exemplary analysis, thank you.
Ahhh! It's probably because it just FEELS so right. That important bass line only makes sense in that time signature. Glad you enjoyed it - I've got a bunch more, and more coming every Monday!
Omg Ixi, I adore you! I find myself yelling “Yes!” to gorgeousness I hear but can not explain. Thank you for expressing the feelings so freaking well! 💜🥂✨
I don't understand nothing about music, I just feel it, and I love so much Trent since first works. So, thank you because now I can "understand" better why his music take my guts out, punch my heart, in some case generate a waterfall of tears and so on.. Thanks, thanks a lot
I've loved this track for years and years now, but I just re-listened with my best headphones and my eyes closed. OMG it makes my jaw clench and I'm FURIOUS listening to it. It's amazing! I don't believe anyone else does anything with music the way Trent does. He is a gift to us all.
OK how am I just discovering your channel now?!? I adore this track so much. I remember the first time I really listened to this song, I also thought it was Trent - until that improvisational-sounding piano interlude kicked in and I was like ".......Aladdin Sane?" It's sooo Garson. (And the live performances of this song are epic. God, I'm sad I missed that tour.)
Well, that’s all I needed to sub to you. Thank you. You hit everything that stuck out to me about this piece, and a few things I always knew, but couldn’t put into words. Too many people get hung up on genre when it comes to this track, and dismiss it because it’s either too dark, or not “goth” enough. I just love it for what it is. Art that I’d never heard before, or since. This album isn’t an album. It’s an experience of abstract emotion with music as a medium.
I have absolutely no knowledge in music theory whatsoever, but I can listen to you dissecting each and every NIN song. You make it cool and engaging even if I don't understand the words. It certainly helps that this is my favorite band though... I would love a video about leaving hope, another great instrumental track.
This is my favorite NIN song and your analysis was perfect. This song makes me so emotional and watching someone loving it as much as I do makes me more emotional lmao. Thank you so much.
I've just discovered your channel and it is absolutely fantastic, a dream come true for any NIN fan that wants to delve deeper into the genius of Trent Reznor. Thank you for these videos and keep up the amazing work! Also your videos are helping me to comprehend time signatures a little better. I play guitar but I'm so bad with time signatures. My brain was kinda like AAAHH when you started playing, tapping and counting in 5/4 or 8/10 all at the same time at 0:42 XD
Oh good, I'm glad they're helping you with time signatures. I'd love to dig deeper into that subject...and so many others. We'll get there! Counting while playing is HARD. I didn't include the takes where I messed up ;) But once it clicks, it clicks. Just keep at it.
I’d love to hear a breakdown of more TDS era stuff like Ruiner and The Becoming. When I first heard stripped down version of The Becoming on Still I realized how complex yet simple the song actually is.
I believe the piano on this song is played by Mike Garson. I honestly wish I could sit and share a cup of coffee with you while listening to and analyzing nine inch nails. Not many fans understand all of the layers and talent hiding behind the visceral harsh sounds Trent produces. It's a costume that not everyone needs to dissect to enjoy but it's so much fun to.
If you ever find $10 in your sock, I invite you to join my Patreon for a month! We do 1-2 listening parties each month, which is the virtual version of what you're describing! We're doing Year Zero (because, 2022) in 2 weeks.
His music has inspired my own too, no doubt, and got me through some tough times. It's great to connect with others who really appreciate it! Thank you for watching, more to come. If you have a specific request, let me know.
@@iximusic Indeed, his art goes beyond music and into the realm of a spiritual experience. I would love to hear your thoughts on "Right Where It Belongs" or "The Becoming".
At 12 :18 thanks for pointing out the 10ths as a way of playing the third, and Reznor's rather particular way of using the third in a comforting resolution. I like his electronic works, but would never have given NIN much attention had it not been for your analyses!
Thank you for diving deep with trents music. This is one of my fav of his songs. Its a rollercoaster of emotions and ends with those sweet notes that i wish went on forever. Keep up the great work :)
Keep going! This is awesome! This is the first album I ever....enjoyed deeply with the help of cannabis. 😁 It is one of the most beautiful albums. I love it! Great videos!
Thanks Tim, I'm so stoked you liked it! That album is incredible. I didn't discover it until I was 24. Think of all the angsty years I wasted not knowing about it! Luckily I had The Downward Spiral.
Your videos are great ! I've been a NIN fan since I discovered him in march last year. I do know some music theory, but not as much as to fully describe the logic behind Trent's style of songwriting. But with your videos, I've already learnt so much about his ways of breaking music theory concepts and using non-conventional means to portray his emotions through music. Your content motivates me to give theory another go. PS: Can you also please analyze "Ripe (With Decay)" in the future ? It's one of the most haunting closing tracks of all albums I've heard. Anyway, thank you for your videos !
That's really great to hear! If you are ever interested in a private or group lesson (virtual) you can email me at ixi@iximusic.com or check out my Patreon linked in my banner photo :) Yes I'll analyze Ripe (With Decay) for sure. Just a matter of when! It's got so much to dig into...
One of the best songs on The Fragile, and thats saying something given every song on the Fragile is a masterpiece. I also heard this song on Manchester United's film "beyond the promised land" when the team were getting ready to play our fierce rivals leeds utd. The music was perfect for the tension and ferocity of that match.
I just found this expanding my experience of an already rich and oddly satisfying song. I am really grateful for that, have a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. Thank you :)
Thanks so much for watching and keeping the discussion going! I'll never get tired of talking about music and it's exciting to see so many passionate viewers! CORRECTIONS: I referenced Trent as the piano player, when it is in fact Mike Garson. Who knows how much 'pianistic' influence Trent had though, because it does sound a lot like his harmonic and melodic style during the intro and outro. I also annotated the major 7th chords as "x7" instead of "xMaj7". "x7" refers to a dominant 7th chord, which sounds very different. I should have brushed up on my notation knowledge - I truly did not expect this much attention with this video, one of my first. So glad y'all are here!
What I remember from interviews from the Fragile Era, Trent had this song ready and Garson was asked to just "do his thing" on top of it.
I think that Garson is actually referred in 8:03, but other than this brief and "crazy" input, I'd bet that the piano in this piece is probably mostly Trent.
Welp, this awesome vid earned my sub.
Great job!
Yes! Mike Garson is amaze/balls and I love this song so much.
Without checking, after I knew both songs, I thought ‘this must be the piano player from Bowie’s A Small Plot Of Land’ :-)
That wild piano improv was courtesy of Mike Garson, whom Bowie fans will recognize.
Yeees I say that everytime I listen to it!!
I've got to cut this video to listen to that! But I'll be back after
The wild largely chromatic freakout was definitely Mike Garson. I recall Trent said at the time that he was a good piano player but he wanted a master, so he saw if he could get Garson for the more intricate bits.
Trent had joined parts of David Bowie's 1995 Outside tour and helped with part of his 1997 Earthling record. Probably helped make a solid connection.
Mike Garson's piano skills are also featured on Ripe from The Fragile. He plays prominently on the 1973 David Bowie song "Time" which was sampled in a few of the Mr. Self Destruct remixes. But the remixes only feature Bowie's voice.
I first heard this song when I was 17 and it instantly made me a die-hard NIN fan.
Watching this being broken down was a fucking spiritual experience. Please go ahead and do the 3 hour cut :P
:: hands up emoji that I don't have access to on my computer ::
And I might just do that one day ;)
Music nerds nerding out on the king of music nerds for the edification and enjoyment of an audience of music nerds is like that withheld 3rd, finally given. Love your videos. :)
I have been listening to NIN since 95. I still, to this day, am jaw dropped listening to it. Trent is an artist. Even when he was a tortured rockstar, he was far FAR above anyone else in the industry. Arguably still is... 2 Oscars later, I'm not surprised.
You have great hair. Cheers!
I have always thought that NIN fans are divided into two large groups: those who think that The Fragile is their greatest album and those who are simply wrong.
One of my fav NIN songs. To me, it complements The Becoming, thematically speaking. I can't avoid seeing the conflict between wetware (whispers) and hardware (electronic sounds).
How he's becoming a machine ( synth), how the organic (piano) fights the electronic and then there's chaos and rage (he screams). It's like the guitars, which represent the fight itself, are speaking, it's not music but a voice. Then the fight is over, the organic part is still there with an electronic background never leaving anymore, and the calm comes back.
Fun fact: in 1996, my mom (who worked for Intel which makes this funnier) bought us a home computer. I set the photo of Trent you used in the thumbnail+intro of this video as the desktop background. My mom came home from work and raised hell because she thought either me or my brother "downloaded a virus" because there was "a scary man" on our computer. 😅
As a 15 year old I played this song non stop, learned to play my own rendition of it on the piano, nerded out on time signatures and probably got driven to the early Tool catalogue. Just from this song.
To hear an in-depth analysis 23 years later putting into words what it made me feel is just gold. Thank you!
Ah that's so cool - thank you for sharing that fellow NINerd! ♥️ I can see how it led you to Tool. The holy grail of shamanic metal!
@@iximusic I seem to recall that King Crimson's Adrian Belew also played on "Just like you imagined" and Tool was obviously heavily influenced by Crimson so this makes sense.
Hearing this in the trailer for "300" like seven years after the album dropped was the first time I realized this album had reached over to touch the mainstream consciousness.
Omg this is my favorite NIN track. It’s just so awesome and you do an amazing job analyzing the songs. It’s making me appreciate NIN so much more.
Exactly what I was willing to comment!, thanks! Glad to see more like me :’)
Totally agree!!!
He finally gives you the resolution you've been looking for . . . and it's just like you imagined.
The resolution ends up being...just...like you imagined.
I'll see myself out.
👏
As a lifelong NIN fan and someone with zero understanding of music theory - I absolutely love these videos. It's wonderful to better understand why this music has had such an impact on my spirit. Trent's music is pure beauty. I can't wait to see what other songs you explore!
Hello fellow longhauler! That's so nice to know. I want to make videos that have something for everyone 🙏 Some theory might rub off on you if you're not careful! But yeah that's what this is all about to me...the theory is just one tool to better understand the emotional (and sometimes physical) impact of music.
This is easily one of my favorite songs of all time. Thanks for going into it in depth.
Ah a kindred spirit! My pleasure 🙏
New watcher - I love watching talented people talk about things like this! Will watch some more!!
Oh my gosh me too, and I'm so glad you're here! I'm uploading my next video tomorrow, hope you can tune in!
"The structure of the song is like a series of build ups and breakdowns. He builds it, adds layers, intensity... and then there's just this collapse. And it happens again". Wonderfully put. That's kind of why I've always looked at this song as musically describing the struggle of navigating the ebbs, flows, waves, peaks, and disappointments of life. Definitely my favorite song from NIN as well. Wonderful video.
💜
Love it. I've been a fan of NIN for about 20 years, I knew the music was complex, but no idea just how complex. This is beautifully explained, and I listened to the song afterward watching this, it really enhanced my appreciation for a song I already loved. Thank you for these videos.
This is one of my all time favorite NIN songs. Now, I know why. Thank you! :)
Love Mike Garson's solo in that trk.
Me too, I didn't know it was Mike Garson until after I made the video but I always thought that solo sounded like a departure from Trent's style and now I know why. It's super cool, I love how much it adds to an already amazing song!
It says a lot about the genius of Trent Reznor when even the album interludes rank as some of the most incredible pieces of music ever composed.
This was the first NIN song I heard as a kid (it was in a 300 commercial). And I remember I instantly had to find it and listen to it on repeat. NIN has been my favorite artist since. Thanks for this video, I learned a lot from it as a NIN fan and an aspiring music producer! Going to watch every one of your videos haha
I didn't know it was in a commercial! For the movie 300?
I'm glad you were able to learn something from the video! Feel free to message me on @ixi.music if you ever want to talk about producing! I'd say I'm aspiring too. I'm releasing my first single on April 2nd! Downtempo electronica ambient IDM I guess ;)
@@iximusic Yeah, the movie 300! I'll take you up on that offer! I followed you on SC (I don't have an instagram lol). Looking forward to hearing your first single!
When I first heard this song, a friend brought me into their room, put their huge headphones on my head and told me to lay down, close my eyes. The damn track brought me to tears for some reason and still does sometimes.
Sheesh. Who are you!!
I’ve been listening to this, and Every Day is Exactly the same for so long.
I feel like the feeling evoked by the note progression conveys so much, that it’s more emotional than any set of words. The resolution was just mind-blowing to me and says “no way. You gotta hit this drug again.”
You’re able to explain things that I feel, but have no words for. You’re able to explain the reasons for these feeling, and I am grateful for that.
I will have to watch this video and alternate with the song a few times to get all of what you’re saying, but THANK YOU for making this!
I've always called The Fragile Trent's masterpiece. Thanks for helping show the brilliance behind it.
I agree. I'm glad you appreciated the video, and this magnificent album. There will be more analyses of songs from The Fragile coming!
Ixi, first of all I love your channel. Second I totally love this song❤ . The live with Mike Garson is a lifetime experience… please continue
This is my favorite song of all time. You did an amazing analysis. I would absolutely watch that 3hr version you teased!
Hands down, masterpiece! ... hundreds of years from now, people will be picking apart Trent's compositions, like folks study Tchaikovsky today.
Discovered this track on an Assassin's Creed video years ago and have been chasing all analysis I could find about it. It is definitely a masterpiece.
the best recommendation that TH-cam has given me. You have a new subscriber !!
🙌 Thank you, and welcome!
So glad i found your Chanel. Great stuff. Love it!
Ugh! Hearing you play all of these notes is great! The Fragile evokes a TON of emotions from the time when it was released. I literally listened to it from the day it came out (9/9/99, same as the launch of the Sega Dreamcast, as if anyone could forget that monumental date in history!) until at least a year later. Yeah, I'm weird like that. Not that I didn't hear other stuff in the meantime, but when I was in my car, it was The Fragile on repeat, and yes I was swapping discs out because I had to to listen to the entire album goodness.
This is one of those songs that convey a lot of emotion to me, somehow, without any lyrics at all. It's incredible. The Fragile was somewhat of revelation in that way. I remember hearing Trent's "Driver Down" on the Lost Highway soundtrack (great movie and great soundtrack) and feeling something similar, but it was never quite the same. A much different set of emotions. Also, if you haven't watched Lost Highway, I HIGHLY recommend it. Hopefully you're a fan of David Lynch, but as a NIN fan I think you would be. 😊
I was classically trained in piano for my whole youth up until the end of high school. And while I intrinsically understand a lot of this stuff, I've been watching through all your videos and having them presented explicitly has explained so much of why Trent is my favorite artist of all time. I've listened to his music so often that I don't really listen to it all that much anymore. But I've been going back through every song as you break them down and it's been truly gratifying. Thank you so much for your work.
This made me smile 🙂
i know nothing about music theory but this was super well done, major props
Thank you for the kind words! I figure music is universal, theory jargon or not :)
I never doubted that Reznor was a genius but I never knew how much.
This is apparently a song that is in interpretation of the five stages of grief. It's up to you to find out when each stage turns into the next stage,
Oh cool, I didn't know that! That makes so much sense. Thank you for that added layer!
That’s so cool! I have a hard time defining these layers with certainty since they can be experienced in different order. If we think of them as being in the typical order described, here’s my take. I’ve purposefully left out time stamps because it forces you to pay closer attention to the song:
Denial is the beginning piano and guitar.
Anger starts with the bass melody and added guitars.
Bargaining transitions with the wild piano and proceeds to the back and forth layering of the two guitar parts.
Depression starts with the vocal harmonies accentuated by Trent’s scream and the new guitar/synth riffs.
Acceptance is when it drops back down to the piano and rhythmic synth backdrop.
Blown my freakin mind, man.
*Gif of Wareheim head/star/explosion*
I'd honestly listen to you talk about this song for 3 hours
You're not the first person to say this so maybe someday I will 😆
TRENT is a syncopation GROOVE MASTER..... HARMELODIES yessssss, Thanxu
That's riiight, trend it! I mean, Trent it! haha
ixi music 🧀zus
Just beautiful, I've watched this video so many times, which makes me listen to the song, which makes me want to watch your video again. This has enriched my experience of a song I already adored. Thank you!
That means a lot to me. And so does this song!
This is my favorite NIN song for sure, and I really loved your video on it. The Fragile is a masterpiece, and I love the thematic tension it has between the "organic" (pianos, drums, acoustic instruments) and the "digital" (synths, loops, samples)... but if I'm honest, as a drummer, I find the reliance on loops distracting in some parts of the album. This song doesn't have that problem for me; the bassline and 4-3-3 pulse have such a fucking killer, jammy, human feel, and the song still uses that mixture of organic and digital elements to enhance its build-and-release structure. I really appreciate the way you talk about the theory under the hood, because it helps me to appreciate it in a way that I wouldn't otherwise be able to.
Well, this was... intense. For a while now I've become hooked on reaction/decomposing videos and I've always felt there was something missing. Now I know I was right. What you've accomplished, and the reason I hit subscribe within the first 120 seconds of this video, is making me feel the same emotion I get from listening to the original song. Beyond the great music theory notions, explaining the emotions those intervals and thirds elicit from the listener was jaw-dropping. Right after your explaining of the climax, a few tears came down, as I felt as drained as I was when listening to the song during really harsh times. Thank you for this, now I just have to find the emtional fortitude to go through the rest of your catalogue.
Saving this comment for when I need it. Thank you. ♥️
Love what you do. Would love to see some Mars Volta also, but Reznor probably gives infinite amounts of work.
I checked: Mike Garson played the piano. One of my favorite NIN tracks-great live. Very interesting.
Bob Ezrin was involved with the production.
yes, it was Mike Garson and I only learned that afterward unfortunately! But since then I've watched a video of them playing it live with Mike and it's incredible!
Great analysis. Never realized how many layers this song actually has. Such a masterpiece!!
Thank you SO MUCH for this 😮
I've been waiting for a great interpretation specifically of JLYI since I started listening to NIN in 2008. It's my favorite piece of art ever so my heart skipped a beat when I found your channel. 3 hours of you talking about JLYI would seriously be the most magical thing ever ❤️
My favorite of the entire NIN Catalog
It's pretty cool to realize I am not alone in my unparalleled love for this track!
@@iximusic since we have had similar tastes in some music ( agree with quite a few things in a several vids ) let me suggest you check out IAMX Metanoia ... I think you will love it 😉 th-cam.com/play/PLggN_gKqu3Jbc6xsmt2IC01YIrX3qrrtV.html
I just found your channel last night and I am hooked on these NIN analysis videos. NIN has been my all time favorite band since around 94. This is one of my favorite songs. I love the rehearsal video for this song during the Fragility tour period- when Trent cues in the band for the vocal part that leaves you hanging and waiting. It's wonderful having these NIN songs analyzed so well from someone that also loves NIN so much. Thank you for making these videos, I'm excited for more. These really want to make me get behind the piano right now and play with these ideas.
Ooh if you find a link to that rehearsal video, would you mind leaving that in a comment?
I'm so stoked to have found all of y'all to share my passion with! And get some keys under those fingers! I've been transcribing some NIN arrangements for piano, if you read music.
@@iximusic I sadly do not read music, primarily a guitarist that has learned to play by ear. But I do want to improve my piano, music theory and basic understanding to read music. So having some for a band I absolutely love would probably be good material to practice with. Here's a link to the rehearsal video. The video quality is bad, but the content I still love every time I watch it: th-cam.com/video/5WIpUu5iIIs/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=makeupcreations
This composition is reminding me of the grieving process. Shock/refusal , then in the end a kind of melancholic acceptance
Thanks for this, again. I've said it elsewhere, if memory serves, but I really appreciate the breakdowns. As a non-musician who nonetheless loves the technical side of music that works for weird reasons, this gives some fantastic insights into why it does work.
The Fragile (like all of his stuff when it first came out) scared the living daylights out of me... Took me years before I dove in. Now, listening to the whole thing at once is a quasi-religious experience. It's really his magnum opus.
Reznor has talked about striving to write songs that are interesting on the first listen, but only get better every time you hear the details on repeat listens. He's such an architect of sound, that he achieves a lot of this longevity in a track with its production, but your video reminds me how much I love the musical bones of his compositions. At the end of your analysis, discussing the major 10s, it's like something clicked in my head about this piece. The theme of many of his songs, even when there is consonance, is a sort of distance between himself and happiness or peace. Is there a more evocative interval of that feeling than a major 10th? No. No I don't suppose there is. Just found you 20 minutes ago. Great channel. Subscribed. Thanks.
That's cool. In my opinion he achieves that goal. I mean, I'm still hearing new things in this track, to this day. But yeah he's really such a gifted composer. And you can see that more and more as he's gotten into film scoring and totally killing it.
I appreciate the specificity of the impact of this video, that's really neat to hear how the major 10ths affect you, what they represent! Music is the best - super glad you are here! I'm sure we'll talk more.
These are outstanding! Thank you very much. Keep them going! No doubt that the analysis series will be getting far more (deserved) attention soon.
Thank YOU so much! Happy new year, Matt!
The greatest 4 minutes of Industrial Jazz ever written.
I like that description!
Great take on it!
Industrial jazz ought to be a much bigger thing.
Sweetheart, this has been my favorite Nin song forever...I'm. Loyal die-hard nin fan and you explained why this song has resonated and continues to resonate with me...he's the greatest song writer of all time and your breakdown is just as beautiful to someone like me who doesn't know musical composition...ty to you both
Aw thank you so much!
Really cool analysis! This is my favorite NIN instrumental.
Thank you! It's always nice to meet others who exalt the heck out of this brilliant track.
So appreciate this. It is one of my absolute favorites in the NIN catalog. When it was used in the trailer for the movie 300, i was in the theater and of course instantly recognized it. I got so excited with the accompanying visuals I actually stood up!!!
Now- where’s my keyboard?
I had the exact same reaction! I think that trailer is still my favorite movie trailer ever.
One of my absolute favs of NIN. I couldn't believe it when you just shook the crazy piano bit out of your wrists like that, fab!
I love seeing all the attention you are getting! A month ago, each video had like what, 200 views? A well deserved surge in popularity. I look forward to seeing what you analyse next!!!
That's so nice! And yeah it's crazy, I guess the algorithm is working in my favor! Thank you for the support.
Its so fuckin meta. I remember reading articles about how he went through extreme stress and depression trying to write an album that could be as popular as The Downward Spiral, and this song is like an ironic sneer in the face of the listener like "HERE'S YOUR TENSION RESOLUTION. IS IT EVERYTHING YOU IMAGINED?".
Wonderful analysis of one of my favorite NIN songs. Is a joy to watch you geek out so emotionally. Thank you.
That is such a nice thing to say, thank you. "geek out emotionally" = best way to describe it! haha
@@iximusic 😊
I swear I learn more about music theory from awesome videos like yours than I ever did in school. The practical analysis of music I really know and love helps ground the concepts that have kinda atrophied in my mind. I've just watched a few of your videos and I really dig them, keep up the good work!
I learn better through direct application myself so it could be the same for you. Things just feel too abstract otherwise! Thank you for commenting and I'm so glad you're getting something out of the videos!
This has always been one of my 'go to' Trent moments for showing off his brilliance. I've just discovered your channel and appreciate every musical nuance you discuss. Bravo! Thank you so much!! Funnily enough, i haven't been able to stop listening to the Trent and Atticus tracks from the SOUL soundtrack. He show's more restrain, but the shadowy beauty is still front and centre.
Love the specifics of the dissonance Trent uses. I remember the first time I heard Pretty Hate Machine, and that feeling of true originality - something really special was going on here.
Really enjoyed the video. Your explanations were easy to follow and put into words what makes this such a great song.
Sweet, that's the goal! Appreciate you tuning in.
To me this song signifies life. All the struggles, the hopes, short stretches of beauty, the disillusionment, its chaos, frustration and pain.
Loved the analysis! I barely know anything about music theory but I found your style to be very accessible. I hope you keep reviewing more NIN songs.
I'm really glad to hear that! Appreciate the feedback 🙌 Thank you for tuning in! And yes, all NIN all the time...will eventually include other bands but no need yet.
My husband and I are diehard NIN fans and THIS track is my favorite. The falling, abrupt dissonances in the song layered against the hauntingly beautiful piano 'harmelodies' are everything I love about it. I agree with you that there's so much in there to hear and it's all struggling against itself. I love when musicians pepper in the brief melodies or what I like to call 'ear treats' this song is full of those! Thank you for this awesome breakdown! So many songs that come to mind that I'd love to hear your analysis of but one I'm obsessed with atm is called:
Right Now RED VERSION by (Deltarune song) The Living Tombstone
MY PEOPLE! I enjoyed your descriptions.
I'll give that track a listen.
How have I been playing along with this song for 20 years and never realized that I was playing in 5/4? My mind is completely blown right now, but you're right. It is. Exemplary analysis, thank you.
Ahhh! It's probably because it just FEELS so right. That important bass line only makes sense in that time signature. Glad you enjoyed it - I've got a bunch more, and more coming every Monday!
Omg Ixi, I adore you! I find myself yelling “Yes!” to gorgeousness I hear but can not explain. Thank you for expressing the feelings so freaking well! 💜🥂✨
Yo, I'm watching this on headphones then go into a 7-11... the door ringer sound is the last two notes of this progression. I can never unhear it!!!!
I don't understand nothing about music, I just feel it, and I love so much Trent since first works. So, thank you because now I can "understand" better why his music take my guts out, punch my heart, in some case generate a waterfall of tears and so on.. Thanks, thanks a lot
Big NIN-Fan here, I love this video, keep up your great work!!!
Thank you! I'm psyched to have another passionate piggy join us!
I've loved this track for years and years now, but I just re-listened with my best headphones and my eyes closed. OMG it makes my jaw clench and I'm FURIOUS listening to it. It's amazing! I don't believe anyone else does anything with music the way Trent does. He is a gift to us all.
OK how am I just discovering your channel now?!? I adore this track so much. I remember the first time I really listened to this song, I also thought it was Trent - until that improvisational-sounding piano interlude kicked in and I was like ".......Aladdin Sane?" It's sooo Garson. (And the live performances of this song are epic. God, I'm sad I missed that tour.)
Well now you're right where you belong! 🎶
One of my favorite songs of all time. Thank you for this breakdown, even if I don't understand it as well as I would like to.
Honestly, best analysis ever! Congrats!!!
Great stuff Ixi! I actually wouldn't mind if You'd decide to talk about this song for like three hours.
Haha that's quite a compliment! Thank you for watching. The pigs are all lined up for next week...
I said the same thing!
Well, that’s all I needed to sub to you. Thank you. You hit everything that stuck out to me about this piece, and a few things I always knew, but couldn’t put into words. Too many people get hung up on genre when it comes to this track, and dismiss it because it’s either too dark, or not “goth” enough. I just love it for what it is. Art that I’d never heard before, or since. This album isn’t an album. It’s an experience of abstract emotion with music as a medium.
I learned so much from this and your other vids! Thank you thank you!!
I have absolutely no knowledge in music theory whatsoever, but I can listen to you dissecting each and every NIN song.
You make it cool and engaging even if I don't understand the words.
It certainly helps that this is my favorite band though...
I would love a video about leaving hope, another great instrumental track.
This is my favorite NIN song and your analysis was perfect. This song makes me so emotional and watching someone loving it as much as I do makes me more emotional lmao. Thank you so much.
Looove this video!! As a composer this song (and their discography) is 🤯 thank you for your work!!
I've just discovered your channel and it is absolutely fantastic, a dream come true for any NIN fan that wants to delve deeper into the genius of Trent Reznor. Thank you for these videos and keep up the amazing work!
Also your videos are helping me to comprehend time signatures a little better. I play guitar but I'm so bad with time signatures. My brain was kinda like AAAHH when you started playing, tapping and counting in 5/4 or 8/10 all at the same time at 0:42 XD
Oh good, I'm glad they're helping you with time signatures. I'd love to dig deeper into that subject...and so many others. We'll get there!
Counting while playing is HARD. I didn't include the takes where I messed up ;) But once it clicks, it clicks. Just keep at it.
I’d love to hear a breakdown of more TDS era stuff like Ruiner and The Becoming. When I first heard stripped down version of The Becoming on Still I realized how complex yet simple the song actually is.
I'm analyzing The Downward Spiral in order right now so your Wish will Becoming true :)
I believe the piano on this song is played by Mike Garson. I honestly wish I could sit and share a cup of coffee with you while listening to and analyzing nine inch nails. Not many fans understand all of the layers and talent hiding behind the visceral harsh sounds Trent produces. It's a costume that not everyone needs to dissect to enjoy but it's so much fun to.
If you ever find $10 in your sock, I invite you to join my Patreon for a month! We do 1-2 listening parties each month, which is the virtual version of what you're describing! We're doing Year Zero (because, 2022) in 2 weeks.
Just discovered your channel. I love you analysis and passion. I have a lot to watch but I can't wait to discover all the amazing content! Thx you!
Amazing breakdown. Trent has been a huge inspiration of mine for a very long time and this was a joy to watch.
His music has inspired my own too, no doubt, and got me through some tough times. It's great to connect with others who really appreciate it! Thank you for watching, more to come. If you have a specific request, let me know.
@@iximusic Indeed, his art goes beyond music and into the realm of a spiritual experience. I would love to hear your thoughts on "Right Where It Belongs" or "The Becoming".
@@paingenerator8338 Noted, thank you!
THIS IS SOO GOOD! thank you!
4:24 - This sparked my memory of “Laura Palmer’s Theme” 🥹
At 12 :18 thanks for pointing out the 10ths as a way of playing the third,
and Reznor's rather particular way of using the third in a comforting resolution.
I like his electronic works, but would never have given NIN much attention
had it not been for your analyses!
Thank you for diving deep with trents music. This is one of my fav of his songs. Its a rollercoaster of emotions and ends with those sweet notes that i wish went on forever. Keep up the great work :)
Keep going! This is awesome! This is the first album I ever....enjoyed deeply with the help of cannabis. 😁 It is one of the most beautiful albums. I love it! Great videos!
I suck in music theory , so now I can understand and elaborate on why this song feels so magically haunting! Thanks!!!
Tell the world! ✨
Well good lord I have to like this, the first video of yours I've seen. I love that album (The Fragile) and a good music breakdown as well :)
Thanks Tim, I'm so stoked you liked it! That album is incredible. I didn't discover it until I was 24. Think of all the angsty years I wasted not knowing about it! Luckily I had The Downward Spiral.
Your videos are great ! I've been a NIN fan since I discovered him in march last year. I do know some music theory, but not as much as to fully describe the logic behind Trent's style of songwriting. But with your videos, I've already learnt so much about his ways of breaking music theory concepts and using non-conventional means to portray his emotions through music. Your content motivates me to give theory another go.
PS:
Can you also please analyze "Ripe (With Decay)" in the future ? It's one of the most haunting closing tracks of all albums I've heard. Anyway, thank you for your videos !
That's really great to hear! If you are ever interested in a private or group lesson (virtual) you can email me at ixi@iximusic.com or check out my Patreon linked in my banner photo :)
Yes I'll analyze Ripe (With Decay) for sure. Just a matter of when! It's got so much to dig into...
One of the best songs on The Fragile, and thats saying something given every song on the Fragile is a masterpiece.
I also heard this song on Manchester United's film "beyond the promised land" when the team were getting ready to play our fierce rivals leeds utd. The music was perfect for the tension and ferocity of that match.
I just found this expanding my experience of an already rich and oddly satisfying song. I am really grateful for that, have a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. Thank you :)
Was going to request this, then found it searching. You're the best!
this song blew my little brain out when i was a kid. nice analysis!
if you'd be so kind as to do "Somewhat Damaged" that'd be amazing also :)
I've been bingeing your channel, and I really love Squarepusher so so so muh. I would love to see you tackle anything they've done.
thank you for putting to words everything I've ever felt about his music and more