THE HAND THAT FEEDS

"The Hand That Feeds" is a track that comes from Nine Inch Nails 2005 album "With Teeth", and is the highest charting song from the band in Europe where it saw a wide release. It is a heavy song with a lot of emotion and drive even if the melody of the chorus tends to repeat itself a bit too much. The song was also caused a bit of a controversy as it was to be used on MTV's in a live performance from the band, but MTV decided not to go with it because Reznor wanted to have a video running behind the band that had an image of President Bush, so the went with Foo Fighters instead.

The single begins with the single version of the song. It is followed by two remixes of the same song. The 2nd version is called the "Straight Mix" which retains the heaviness of the track, but also emphasizes the synths and utilizes a catchy and driving beat that would work very well in the clubs and is also extended to just under 8 minutes. I actually like this version much better as it doesn't wear itself out with a boring beat and adds enough embellishments and heaviness to keep it from getting stale. The third track only comes on the limited edition package. It is the "Dub Version" which has more of a rave feel to it with most of the lyrics missing and the mix concentrates on the beat and a repeating synth riff, though it does vary at times with a heavy drone that drowns out the riff and the beat during the "chorus" bits. There are some echoing vocal effects throughout also. This is also just under 8 minutes, and to me is just too repetitive, but it obviously would be one for the dance floor.

The single is one that takes a great track and spins variations on that, but the first two tracks would have been enough as the 3rd track is not as interesting. Is it worth looking for though? Probably only if you are a completionist, collector or rabid fan.