How do you feel about the new version of 'The Blues'?

[Voodoochild]

I think the 2006 version is pretty damn good. Maybe you guys were attached to the old versions because, you know.. We've been listening to those bootlegs for what? 5, 4 years... Maybe you still need time to get used to it. IMO, the guitar riff in the begining was way more standard.

Musically there's definitely something lacking - Buckethead. And I'm not saying this to be a prick. But when you listen to Boston '02's outro or Tacoma you can hear underneath Fortus' crispy power chords and Finck's emotive bends, Buckethead is playing these dizzying melodies on (what I assume) is the pentatonic scale and it sounds amazing. It adds so much to the song. Ron Thal does not play these notes, and that is why the outro - in my opinion - sounds more "flat" than it did than. It also makes it sound more standard and not quite as overwhelming.

I'm not sure what are you talkin' about, but Buckethead played barely nothing on the song. It was just the low notes, like adding an extra layer to Tommy's bass. I don't know wich sound are you refering to though, maybe you're mistaken with Pittman's synth.. But I'm 100% sure Buckethead played nothing but this lame rhythm that was almost lost in the mixing. In fact, Ron actually added the accoustic part that can be heard at least in the first part of the song (tho it may be something brought by Buckethead in the studio version).

I completely agree about missing the Finck riffs at the beginning.

It was Paul Tobias and then Richard Fortus riffs.

[tHeElEcTrIcSiNtAr]

It's absolutely amazing. It's beautiful. The studio version will be brilliant. It's one of the songs I've been waiting to hear the most.

[Apollon]

The Blues is an amazing song. The lyrics are so deep and heavy, unbelievable...

What I thought was true before were lies I couldn't see,
What I thought was beautiful is all in memories...

Nearly makes me cry, everytime i hear this...

Allthough I thought the 2002 version was good, I prefer the 2006 version. I really dig the intro and the rasp voice. I have a recording from Nova Rock in Austria 2006. Surely, it isn't the best recording, but I can hear it over and over again... Btw, it's the most rasp voive version I heard till now.

[smugolo]

after listening to all of the leaks/live songs endlessly, i believe 'the blues' stands above the others as the best New GN'R song. the arrangements and lyrics are simply beautiful.

[smugolo]

also, isn't 'the blues' the only new song thats been played at every sinlge show in 2006?

[Lord Kayoss]

I gotta go with the RIR3 version.? When I heard it the first time I couldn't get it out of my head.? I thought about it all day at work and couldn't wait to get home and listen to it again.

The newer version is good, but not quite as memorable in my opinion.? The vocals are less powerful and the song sounds a little flat to me now.? That said, The Blues is still the song I'm most hyped to hear the studio version of.

[destroier]

It sucks. The worst part is Axl's voice, he just can't sing it like he did in 02.

[axlroses]

destroier,  when did you see him sing this live last.  I saw him sing it at the warfield both nights in september and it sounded pretty damn good.

[PrettyTiedUp763]

I love the 2006 version! This is one of my favorite new songs. The lyrics are beautiful.

[AXLzLady]

Anyone wanna drop me a link in  PM?  I gotta hear this.

[parisrocks]

the new Blues sucks

[Skinflick]

I love the 2006 version! This is one of my favorite new songs. The lyrics are beautiful.

The 2006 version is much better!!!!.....PrettyTiedUp got this one absolutely right.....what are some of you people talking about?.....I value your opinions, but the new version is what I DEFINITELY want to hear on the new album. The intro is so much more attractive and intimate AND welcoming....it doesn't even compare. To each there own...

[nesquick]

Just a little precision: the "little riff" as you call it at the begining was not Finck, it was Fortus.

[Voodoochild]

It was Paul Tobias before, and then Richard.

[DarkStar]

I hated the new version the first time I heart it, but I realize why the changes were made - The song's pacing feels much more natural, and less "stop n' go" like the 02 version.

Part of me is still partial to the faster-paced Rio '01 edition of the song, but the current '06 one is at the very least much better than the '02 modifications.

If that made any sense. 

[Krispy Kreme]

I like it, also the changes to Chinese Democracy.

[melissa]

I like 2006 version more. i'm sure Axl will put the best version on the album, because he always does.

[1badapple]

I like the 06 version. I liked the 02 version too. The 06 version sounds better to me personally.

[JuicySwoos]

after listening to all of the leaks/live songs endlessly, i believe 'the blues' stands above the others as the best New GN'R song. the arrangements and lyrics are simply beautiful.

Its my favorite new GNR tune as well.........return of the ballad!!

[ibelieveinaxl]

2006 version better, but check out hob version 2001............awesome