RIP J.G. Ballard

J.G. Ballard passed away yesterday. Ballard is one of my favorite authors, particularly his novel Crash, a look at people who fetishize car crashes. The book is one of many explorations from Ballard into the human (and often sexual nature) of technology; in this case, automobiles.

Ballard's work caught the eye of many musicians, most notably Daniel Miller, who recorded "Warm Leatherette," inspired by Crash. Released under the recording name The Normal, "Leatherette" became the first single on Miller's groundbreaking label, Mute. Here's the original version:

Warm Leatherette - The Normal

And a fantastic cover from Grace Jones:

Warm Leatherette - Grace Jones

Nine Inch Nails also covered it with Peter Murphy (from Bauhaus):


There are others, but I'll let you find them on your own. In the mean time, if you haven't read anything by Ballard, now's a great time! RIP to a visionary author.

April Fools Gold from Nine Inch Nails

Strobe Light - Trent Reznor's hilarious little April Fools prank. Announced this morning, it's a new album, produced by Timbaland, featuring guests such as Fergie, Sheryl Crow, and, of course, Al Jourgensen of Ministry and Maynard James Keenan of Tool. The package would cost close to $30 total and would arrive as WMA files. Personally, my favorite track title is "Clap Trap Crack Slap." Good move.

It works because last year's release of The Slip was similarly unannounced. That album, notably, is still available for free download in high quality formats. Get it here!