Since being released from his major label shackles, Mr Reznor has treated all to firstly the fantastic selection of 36 instrumental tracks he put out as Ghosts Volumes I to IV (downloadable from nin.com for about £2.80), and now this brand new album for free (The Slip).

Although The Slip sounds a little bit rushed for NIN's superb standards, it's certainly the best album I've heard this year so far. The band are back out on the road touring the US in the summer. Here's hoping they bring the show over to these shores soon thereafter.

Although the "giving-material-away-for-free" strategy is one that can only be enjoyed by big established acts who will gradually recoup all costs from touring (and the odd bit of media licensing), it is a wonderful way of further solidifying loyalty with their ardent fans who would willingly pay top dollar for their new music.

I've always had a soft spot for NIN since Trent did the soundtrack for the original Quake.