The Nine Inch Nails - Head Like A Hole (John Fryer TVT Sampler Mix)

I saw this posted to r/nin and had to share it here.

Also known as ‘Head Like A Hole (NMS 10 Sampler version)’, this mix of ‘Head Like A Hole’ was exclusive to a TVT Records cassette sampler released for the 1989 New Music Seminar NMS 10 (credited as “The Nine Inch Nails”). This longer version is mixed by John Fryer before the release of Pretty Hate Machine (album version is mixed by Keith LeBlanc instead).

It is an early, pre-album release mix and features several differences: the main snare sound is different, the breakdown after the second chorus is longer and has a more prominent synth percussion.

Song Credits: Co-Produced by: Flood, Trent Reznor Mixed by: John Fryer Track Length: 5:50

It’s an interesting mix, there’s a more prominent synth bassline during the chorus and I think the samples sit a bit higher too. I can see why the mix used on the album version won out though: the sharpness of the drums and guitars give the track a bit more energy and it’s a great album opener.