In the latest episode of Trash Parade, Annie and Elle crank up the nostalgia dial to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Nine Inch Nails’ mind-bending album “The Downward Spiral.” Armed with humor and a penchant for poking fun, they take a hilarious trip down memory lane, exploring Trent Reznor’s eclectic musical influences—from the gritty vibes of The Revolting Cocks to the angsty anthems of The Cure.

Season 02, Episode 02
Aired on 04/29/24

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

With witty banter and plenty of eye-rolls, they give a track-by-track breakdown, uncovering the album’s secrets, like a detective duo on the case of a musical whodunit. Despite facing more technical glitches than a Windows ’98 computer, Annie and Elle persevere, determined to dissect every riff, lyric, and eyebrow-raising moment. And as they navigate through the sonic landscape of the 1990s industrial scene, they can’t help but crack jokes about Trent’s lyrical choices and reminisce about their own teenage angst. So buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of laughs, sarcasm, and maybe even a few dance moves, as Trash Parade pays tribute to an album that’s been spinning heads—and records—for three decades straight.

 

The Downward Spiral Released in 1994 on Nothing Records, this semi-autobiographical concept album by Trent Reznor continues to captivate audiences with its dark industrial soundscapes. Delve into Trent Reznor’s musical influences, including The Revolting Cocks, Ministry, The Cure, David Bowie, and Depeche Mode, as Annie and Elle provide a humorous track-by-track reaction and review of the entire album. Uncover the secrets behind the samples used and explore the album’s enduring impact on today’s music scene. From its recording at the iconic Tate Mansion to its roots in the vibrant industrial music scene of 1990s Chicago (Shout out to Wax Trax!), discover why “The Downward Spiral” remains a timeless classic. Laugh along as Annie and Elle lovingly drag Trent for his lyrical acumen and delve into the genesis of what would become an inevitable partnership scoring movies with fellow, nothing records alum, Atticus Ross (12 Rounds). Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to Nine Inch Nails, this episode offers insightful analysis, hilarious commentary, and a deep dive into the world of alternative music at the peak of the 1990s.

 

Apologies from the pod for this episode coming hella late! We had loads of technical issues due to cranking our cans up way to loud and the mics picking up sound. There were also, you know, some issues with YouTube letting us post stuff (of course).