We we know from Big Gob Moby that Axl didn't start recording vocals until late 1998 at the earliest, but more likely sometime in 1999. But I don't believe for a second that with digital technology Axl doesn't have hours and hours of vocals recorded: different lyrics, different verses, different tempos, different takes, different styles, different years, different decades. I mean, fuck, Bob Dylan collectors jizz over alternate takes of songs from the early 60's claiming they're better for different reasons. I can understand that. I've clocked up over 100 listens of the first TWAT leak and I'd be fascinated to hear a different vocal from maybe 5 years apart I might like even more.
I really want to hear different versions of Madagascar, to know how that song came to be. Or to even hear an explanation from Axl himself about the quotes...
And I want to know why they chose the new songs that they play live. Out of all of the stuff they must have written over the years, why did the band pick Madagascar or IRS to be new live songs? Are these the best songs they have written? The best to play live? The most meaningful?
Or to hear what gets left off the album.
I can't wait to read the first interview with Axl about the process, why it took so long, what he's been doing - apart from buying cars - where he's going next etc.