Who doesn't love Johnny Cash's swansong and his most enduring cover, a song that transcended music genres and was universally popular? How did he come about to choosing a cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" that would cap off a career that lasted almost half a century?
"Hurt" was the final track off "The Downward Spiral", NIN's seminal concept album that really put Trent Reznor on the map of alternative industrial music with it's blend of heavy metal guitars, synthesizers and unexpected, otherworldly samples. "Hurt" was also the swansong for the album's anti-hero protagonist, a moment of realization that he/she could only escape the downward spiral by ending his or her own life. Surely Cash had listened to the whole album before deciding on doing the cover. Perhaps he saw a similarity in his own life with that of the un-named anti-hero with his/her constant struggle with sex, drugs and music on his/her descent to rock bottom."Hurt" remains one of the most emotive and moving pieces of modern music that's ever been heard. I had always loved the original NIN version since it's release in 1994 and didn't think that such a masterful track full of raw emotion could ever be topped by another, but here we are with cash's version which takes it to another level again. Truly a fitting song and legacy to end a great career from an artist on pop music's less urban fringe.
Click here to listen to NIN's original at Youtube.
WARNING: some disturbing imagery revolving around the theme of death.
Great song by both artists! :)
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