Purest Feeling (album)

CD release of the "Purest Feeling" Bootleg

Purest Feeling is a bootleg of the original demo version of Nine Inch Nails' debut album, Pretty Hate Machine, that was recorded at the Right Track Studio in November 1988 by Trent Reznor while he was still working as a technician there. It was first released on cassette in 1993 by Dirt Road Tapes, then re-released on CD the following year by Italian label Hawk Records.

The sound is brighter (and in some cases happier) than that of the final versions on Pretty Hate Machine; several songs feature more drumming and guitar work throughout, as well as a heavier use of samples from films. "Kinda I Want To" is reminiscent of early house music. "Twist" is an early version of "Ringfinger," featuring different lyrics and less use of sample loops. The entire album has segues leading each track into the next.

Purest Feeling also features the full lyrics cut from the final versions of songs later released on Pretty Hate Machine; Reznor chose to print the full lyrics in the Pretty Hate Machine booklet to retain some of the original meanings of his songs.

Material off of Purest Feeling was performed live in 1988 on Nine Inch Nails' first shows opening for Skinny Puppy on the VIVIsectVI Tour.

The album cover is a portion of the fire background from the Broken cover art, with three pictures of Reznor performing live.

Track Listing

1. "Slate (Intro)" – 2:21
2. "Sanctified" – 5:31
3. "Maybe Just Once" – 5:16
4. "The Only Time" – 5:12
5. "Kinda I Want To" – 4:48
6. "That's What I Get" – 4:39
7. "Purest Feeling" – 2:57
8. "Twist" – 5:48
9. "Down In It" – 6:20