“Another Nine Inch Nails song, Lenny?”, you might ask.
“Yes, another Nine Inch Nails song.”, I’ll probably reply. Call it an addiction.
I stumbled upon a live version of Sanctified (off of 1989’s Pretty Hate Machine) with an absolutely fantastic bassline, thanks to Pino Palladino along with R&B backup singers Sharlotte Gibson and Lisa Fischer. I only know of Palladino through the final track of the deluxe album Hesitation Marks, “Trent Reznor In Conversation With…”
In the track, Reznor gives thanks to Palladino for his work on Hesitation Marks. Palladino also worked with D’Angelo on the Black Messiah album. Lisa Fischer’s worked with the Rolling Stones for some time. I’m not used to hearing Nine Inch Nails with background vocals like this and for me, it’s pretty amazing. Palladino’s bass is smooth and the girls add some weight and flavor to the vocals. I have to see if I can find anything else they’ve worked on. This was a concert video from 2013.
According to the NIN Wiki, Sanctified was described by Reznor as “a relationship with a crack pipe”. While I can’t say I can relate to that particular reference, we all have our addictions.
Enjoy!
It’s still getting worse after everything I’ve tried.
What if I found a way to wash it all aside.
What if she touches with those fingertips,
As the words spill out like fire from her lips?
[Chorus:]
And if she says come inside I’ll come inside for her.
If she says give it all I’ll give everything to her.
I am justified. I am purified. I am sanctified. Inside you
Heaven’s just a rumor she’ll dispel.
As she walks me through the nicest parts of hell (bitch).
I still dream of lips I never should have kissed.
Well she knows exactly what I can’t resist
[Chorus]
I’m still caught up in another of her spells.
Well she’s turning me into someone else.
Everyday I hope and pray this will end.
But when I can I do it all again
[Chorus]
As surely as the blade’s course is run.
Maybe my kingdom’s finally come.
