Trent Reznor - the man behind “Nine Inch Nails” - has just recently released a new record called “Ghosts I-IV” that consists of instrumental songs. It can be ordered and downloaded in various forms from his website at ghosts.nin.com (quoting from the website):

• Free Download:
  The first 9 tracks from the Ghosts I-IV collection available as high-quality, DRM-free MP3s, including the complete PDF.
• $5 Download:
  All 36 tracks in a variety of digital formats including a 40 page PDF.
• $10 2xCD Set:
  Ghosts I-IV on two audio CDs in a six panel digipak package with a 16 page booklet.
• $75 Deluxe Edition Package:
  Ghosts I-IV in a hardcover fabric slipcase containing: 2 audio CDs, 1 data DVD with all 36 tracks in multi-track format, and a Blu-ray disc with Ghosts I-IV in high-definition 96/24 stereo and accompanying slideshow.
• $300 Ultra-Deluxe Limited Edition Package:
  Includes everything in the Deluxe Edition Package, along with an exclusive four-LP 180 gram vinyl set in a fabric slipcase, and two exclusive limited edition Giclee prints in a luxurious package. Limited to 2500 pieces, numbered and signed by Trent Reznor.
  (end of quote)
  

Of course, I wanted to give it a try and ordered a link for the 9 free MP3s via eMail - but after several failed downloads, I think I just wait until they have fixed the problem with the servers not handling the high traffic (again, quoting):

NOTICE: We are experiencing an extremely high volume of traffic and orders right now. We are working nonstop to improve site performance. If you have any problems attempting to order or download, please try again later today. Thanks for your patience. (end of quote)

Hm… maybe I just go and order the $10 2xCD pack… think I will end up buying it, anyway. I just purchased “Y34rz3r0r3mix3d” which includes the master tapes of “Year Zero” (that I ended up ordering from Amazon yesterday). Awesome idea, awesome record. Check out remix.nin.com!

Great work, Mr. NIN!

Found via Digg.com.

[Update from 2008-03-04]
After they shut down the servers for some hours to fix the traffic problem, I could easily download the free version. Haven’t listened to it yet. Interesting thing: the $300 Ultra-Deluxe Limited Edition Package is already sold out - you won’t find it on the download site any longer. Well, that makes 2.500 pieces x $300 per piece = $750.000 in no time - nice sales… and that is for the limited edition only! I wonder what will be left after substracting the costs of the production, the distribution etc… it will be still enough to have a decent celebration of this whole masterpiece, I bet!

[Update from 2008-03-05]
Today, I have ordered the 2xCD set for a total of $23.49 (including $13.49 shipping costs) - which is about 15 € and still a good price for a double CD. Plus: you get a download link for high-quality song files and some extras like the booklet as PDF etc. I have listened to it until “13 Ghosts II” - it’s really some weird stuff… but I like it!

[Update from 2008-03-06]
Here is an interesting article that I found via Digg.com - with an explanation why Trent’s strategy is different from Radiohead’s attempt to sell “In Rainbows” online.

[Update from 2008-04-25]
It just arrived today: