Earlier versions of I.R.S. and Twat Discussion

[Berra_Volume]

I was just informed that these came from a disc with 12 tracks (almost full album) Only 1999/2000 material.

Jim Barber was pretty ecstatic about these tracks.

The Robin Finck/Josh Freese/Tommy Stinson/Billy Howerdel/Dizzy Reed version of the album that existed in 1998 was pretty incredible. It still sounded like GNR but there were elements of Zeppelin, Nine Inch Nails and Pink Floyd mixed in. If Axl had recorded vocals, it would have been an absolutely contemporary record in 1999.

But what's the story with the vocals? That's pretty damn good proof Axl had recorded vocal tracks at the time. 

edit: If not in '98, than at least the following year.

But are these new leaks confirmed to be from that era and not from like 2005?
IMO they feel alot more fresh than the old ones - can anyone tell me how these versions match with versions played at the Hammerstein? (I don't have those bootlegs)

[badintentions]

I want to hear those 12 songs almost as much as I want to hear the released version of Chinese Democracy. I really hope the rest get out there. Those 2 tracks are amazing.

[uncleslashbob]

like this most recent leak of irs much better but, the most recent leak of twat kinda lacks to me

[GNFNR_UK]

Okay I heard them now (Cough Page 2 Cough)

Neither are as good as the 'newer' versions IMO. TWAT mainly because of the lack of the BH solo, that solo needs to make the album! IRS just doesn't hit as hard as the other version and sounds kinda disjointed. Still nice to have these 'early' versions.

[misterID]

The intro of 1999 TWAT  also isn't as good as the 2002 version. But that song proves to me that the Bucket solo at the end makes the song brilliant.

[HoldenCaulfield]

Really digging the I.R.S version, very strange that a "'99" version has Robin's NEW solo in it. As far as TwaT, seems a little more raw to me, less polished, like the vocals, though.

[jimmythegent]

Interesting as these versions are, they highlight to me how theyre pretty good songs but a little below the par in terms of being earth shattering to me.

The versions we have already are both far superior, especially TWAT, which sounds a bit flat on this version

[dave-gnfnr2k]

Really digging the I.R.S version, very strange that a "'99" version has Robin's NEW solo in it. As far as TwaT, seems a little more raw to me, less polished, like the vocals, though.

You ever think since BH left the band they put back in robins OLD solo before BH was in the band?

[gnrkid03]

I wouldn't be surprised if Bumblefoot redoes the Buckethead solo in TWAT and some of the other songs.  Hopefully he does some work on the TWAT solo and puts it back into the song. 

[HoldenCaulfield]

Really digging the I.R.S version, very strange that a "'99" version has Robin's NEW solo in it. As far as TwaT, seems a little more raw to me, less polished, like the vocals, though.

You ever think since BH left the band they put back in robins OLD solo before BH was in the band?

Actually, no, I hadn't thought about that. You ever think you don't have to reply to every post like a jackass?

[GunsLova]

Is the song that's 5:01 Secs file name Twat2 the earlier version? I hope so. Because I like the earlier leak alot better. Ex: as much as most people dont like too many effects and distortions, I luv the little dist on Axl's voice on the earlier version....

[monkeychow]

Ok...i like that in these versions the vocals are much stronger and easier to understand.....however IMHO this new (or old if its 99) version of IRS is not as cool as the original leak just cos it misses that sweep picking thing at 3:29 - to me it was like the whole song built up to that mad solo over the really long held axl note - and without a massive fast solo there it kinda lacks.

I hope that bumblefoot gets involved now and adds some shred to cover the bits of buckets that have been removed.

I'm no shred devotee, and not really even a bucket fan - but its clear to me that on the end of TWAT and IRS those solos really took it to a new level - now it sounds incomplete. It needs some other kind of solo - be it robin, bumblefoot whovever...it just needs something back where that stuff was...lets pray the CD has it!

[jimmythegent]

Fincks solo on IRS really blows in comparison to BH

[Gordi]

So... we're probably not gonna hear the other 10 songs from this CD? 

[Scabbie]

Does anyone remember when IRS was first leaked as a 20 sec (or thereabouts) clip? I'm sure it was much faster than either of these versions. I'd like to hear the fast version of the song.

[Steel_Angel]

yup... i actually still have that.. it sounds bad. but the tempo is speeded..

[madagas]

I actually like the first part of TWAT better than the full length version. His vocal is much more soulful and the stripped down arrangement is better. However, the second part definitely needs those big solos. I still haven't heard IRS..HINT HINT.

[monkeychow]

You know i might be crazy....but i just watched the RIR5 vid of IRS that someone posted earlier....and its hard to tell cos of the mix - but to me it really sounds as if the version they played conforms more to the "99 Demo" than the "BH Demo" (for want of better terms).

Is it certain that they are 99 demos...i mean clearly BH is not on the track...but is it possible this is a new version post his departure...cos it really sounds like the video to me.

What makes me think it isnt just the solos its the way the rhythm part is played...i dunno how to explain what i mean - its kinda more off beat (not incorrectly) i think i mean? Like syncopated or something.

Anyway..as per my previous post..if this is a new version it needs a bumble outro IMHO....

[audjon]

If those songs are from the same 'album' as CITR, isn't safe to say that it is most likely Brian May playing lead guitar?

[ARC]

If those songs are from the same 'album' as CITR, isn't safe to say that it is most likely Brian May playing lead guitar?

 

Brian ain't playing on these. Listen to them.