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Apple reject NIN iPhone app, Reznor a bit miffed
By CMU Editorial | Published on Tuesday 5 May 2009
Apple have rejected Nine Inch Nails’ previously reported ‘nin:access’ iPhone app from the iTunes Store on the grounds that it contains “objectionable content”. The news comes despite Apple accepting the same app just last month.
‘nin:access’ is basically a condensed version of the comprehensive Nine Inch Nails website with added Twitter-like functions which allow users to connect and share content with each other. The reason for the rejection seems to be the inclusion of the song ‘The Downward Spiral’ in a podcast which can be accessed via the app. The specific reason as to why this song would cause such offence is unclear, particularly as it is available to buy as a standalone track from the iTunes download store.
In a lengthy rant on his official forum, NIN man Trent Reznor said: “Now, ‘The Downward Spiral’ the album is not available anywhere in the iPhone app. The song ‘The Downward Spiral’ I believe is in a podcast that can be streamed to the app. Thanks Apple for the clear description of the problem – as in, what do you want us to change to get past your stupid fucking standards? You can buy ‘The Downward Fucking Spiral’ on iTunes, but you can’t allow an iPhone app that may have a song with a bad word somewhere in it. Come on Apple, think your policies through and for fuck’s sake get your app approval scenario together”.
Reznor has a history of being stubborn in situations like this, and made reference in his post to WalMart’s demands for bands and labels to provide edited “clean” versions of albums for them to stock in their stores. Reznor refused to allows cut versions of his music to be produced, meaning that the band’s music is still unavailable in WalMart stores to this day. Reznor said: “My reasoning was this: I can understand if you want the moral posturing of not having any ‘indecent’ material for sale – but you could literally turn around 180 degrees from where the NIN record would be and purchase the film ‘Scarface’ completely uncensored, or buy a copy of ‘Grand Theft Auto’ where you can be rewarded for beating up prostitutes. How does that make sense?”
In WalMart’s case, it’s unlikely that they’re particularly bothered by the fact that they can’t stock Nine Inch Nails albums. Nor are they worried that Trent Reznor will start sneaking CDs into their stores. However, that may (sort of) be an issue for Apple. Although ‘nin:access’ will not be available to the majority of iPhone users, Reznor says that he will make it available to those users who have chosen to modify (or jailbreak) their phones so that they are not tied to Apple’s iTunes software. Reznor said: “If Apple doesn’t get it together, we will most certainly make it available to the jailbreak community. I didn’t invest in this app to see it languish on the sidelines from an idiotic policy while this tour is in full swing”.
In happier, and less sweary news, Trent Reznor has reportedly got engaged to his girlfriend, West Indian Girl vocalist Mariqueen Maandig. In an announcement on their website, the band said: “In case [you] haven’t heard the news, Mariqueen got engaged. Everyone in the West Indian Girl camp is super excited and happy for her. Q’s an awesome person, friend and bandmate, and she couldn’t be marrying a cooler guy”.
