Customer Reviews

Survivalism 1

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

"Survivalism" (Halo 23) has been released in two parts. Both part I and II contain "Survivalism" the album version and "Survivalism--the tardusted remix."

Even if you are a massive NIN fan and must collect every Halo, there is no reason to buy part I, as part II also contains an instrumental version of "The Greater Good" and a video of "Survivalism." I want to be clear that I am not rating the actual song "Survivalism" one star, as it is quite strong (even if it isn't the best song off "Year Zero.") Rather, I am rating the value of this single at one star because there is no reason for anyone to own it as part II contains the same content as part one as well as another track and a video.

Even if you are an absolute NIN junkie-obsessive and must own parts I and II for the sake of owning both parts in a NIN Halo, you needn't worry about that. On neither part I or part II of "Survivalism" is there any reference to either being part I or II. So you can buy what is labeled as "Part II" and still own a complete Halo collection if that's what you're aiming for.

Trent Reznor has made it clear that he disapproves of the label marketing the same song in two parts, as he realizes it is a rip-off to his fans. That said, if you are a Halo collector and must own a complete collection, stick with what is labeled as "part II."

As die hard Nine Inch Nails fans no doubt know, collecting "Halos" comes with the territory. However, out of all the single releases carrying the Halo label to be released, none has ever been as much as a rip-off as "Survivalism, Part 1". Featuring the "Year Zero" album version as well as the Tardusted Remix (which actually may be better than the normal track), "Survivalism" as a whole isn't a bad song one bit, and this rating does not reflect the song itself. Besides the two versions of the song, there is nothing else included on this disc at all. That's right, and remember, there is also a "Survivalism, Part 2" that features all of the above plus more, so if you haven't gotten the drift yet, you are getting ripped off. As a previous reviewer already mentioned, no matter how much of a die hard Nine Inch Nails fan or Halo collector you might be, do not pick this disc up. Pick up "Survivalism, Part 2" instead if you must, and leave this disc on the shelf.

Trent used to release the best CD singles. By far. No one else even came close. Remember how cool the CD singles for 'Closer' and 'March of the Pigs' were? The Fragile and The Downward Spiral each had their own "album" of remixes. The content was always wholly original, and always an interesting reinterpretation of the song -- never just a slight variation. Then came the last CD single from With Teeth, Every Day Is Exactly The Same. More than half the content was previously released on the previous CD singles. A definite downgrade from past releases.

Now comes Survivalism pt. I and II. Between BOTH these discs, there is ONE original remix, and ONE instrumental that is otherwise identical to the album track. On top of that, pt. II has all the content pt. I, i.e.: pt. I has no reason to exist.

Trent's singles ain't what they used to be, and buyer beware because word is that 'Capital G' (the next single to be released) is going to get the same "pt. I and pt. II, but pt. I is pointless" treatment as this.

However, I am glad to hear this is not Trent's doing. I'm also glad to hear NIN has severed all relationships with record labels. Future works (excluding Y34RZ3R0R3M1X3D and a Best Of release) may be released via the web only. Can you imagine? We may all be buying the Year Zero sequel through Paypal for $5!

Trent's new single from Year Zero is definitely a good one. Unfortunately there's only one other version of the song on here but in my humble opinion it is better than the originonal. If you want a buy worth the money, go for Survivalism, Pt. 2. That one has the video and one other version of the song for less money. An even better deal is Year Zero.

Unless you are a DIE HARD collector, do not buy this. Both tracks are on part 2 (which is a halo, and which in no way does the disc or case mention being a "part" of any set) as well as an additional remix track. Comes with the video and a rather nice looking case. If you buy part 1, leave it in the plastic and forget you have it for about 5 years.

Ex music by NIN.
Delivery was a bit slow, I think customs controls and stuff like that are slowing things down too much.