NIN

After seeing witnessing Nine Inch Nails in concert last night, I am again reminded why I like the band so much and have since about 1991. Sure, Trent is super talented as is his ability to assemble a cast of musicians - which can change but sounds the same - that put on a percussion and industrial techno show that is at times much like an acid trip, or whatever trips people wonks took in the 60s.

The theme of many of their songs is, of course, anti-establishment and anti-consumerism - to a point - and happiness is the world mindthink that so many of the middle class in this country seem to embrace without a passing thought to deeper thinking into the world's affairs at any given moment. This part of the presentation concert can be enlightening to many seasoned capitalism veterans (older than "in your early twenties") - and it is done very well.

The purely techno and percussion-drenched songs are an absolute blast live. It reminded me of why I liked the BMG (Blue Man Group) in Sin City last year - the act and the strict percussionals were nerve-popping and very invigorating - definitely exciting and gets you engaged in the concert. Even the slower ballads NIN performed - which were a nice break from the incessant and spine-tingling manic techno beats - were done nicely and still managed to engage the audience through Trent's vocal inflections and movements while the lyrics were sung performed - in addition to the way in which the songs were conveyed. In a sense, visual aids and creative lighting come in very handy in these ballads.

All in all - a great concert except for the chick from Maryland next to me that stunk of puke (too many beers) and the in-n-out olfactory drifting of Mary Jane juice wafting all around. For NIN to visit Oklahoma City is a very rare occurence and I'm glad it wasn't wasted. Great time, great music, and some great presentation of a few things to think about after you've gone home for the evening - or at least the next morning once your ears have returned to normal. NIN has staying power (has for over 15 years now) and even though their music grates on many people's nerves because of the sheer information overload (music, lyrics, energy, you name it - all at the same time), there is an invigorating and infectious quality to it and the way in which they convey their artistry is amazing. Well done.