"Better" - discuss it in this thread

[BLS-Pride]

"People are going to say its different...that it doesn't sound like Axl Rose..." - Axl - Jan 13.2006

This quote is the reason I am not shocked. But don't label me a hater cause I dug the first version and the rest of the leaks.

[killingvector]

It appears people got used to what they got last year, and just cant handle the fact that the song might venture into new territories, or broaden it's own horizon.

Or there are people who would listen to Bon Jovi, Nickelback or Creed if we wanted to listen to poppy radio rock like the new version of better with weak guitars and no attitude. If broadening the horizons involves turning down the volume on the guitars and making it more radio friendly I am not sure that is a universe alot of GNR fans want to explore.

Yeah, I agree. This version lacks alot of punch.  Almost half hearted in its overindulgence. Like rewriting a comic book in caligraphy.

[Bodhi]

bigbri...does that still sound like Buckethead on the solos...they sound a little slower...especially the first one....you would be the one who would know...what do you think?

[AxlsMainMan]

"People are going to say its different...that it doesn't sound like Axl Rose..." - Axl - Jan 13.2006

This quote is the reason I am not shocked. But don't label me a hater cause I dug the first version and the rest of the leaks.

All he's saying is "for the love of God, please be open-minded."

[BLS-Pride]

"People are going to say its different...that it doesn't sound like Axl Rose..." - Axl - Jan 13.2006

This quote is the reason I am not shocked. But don't label me a hater cause I dug the first version and the rest of the leaks.

All he's saying is "for the love of God, please be open-minded."

Oh I am trying. I was open minded when the first tracks leaked and I was when I listened to this. I was excited when I heard a new version leaked. But I can be as opened minded as ever and I just think the first version is better. Call me old fashion but I'd take guitar heavy tracks over synth noises any day.

[justynius]

A few things....

-Sounds like there's a new voice added in around 4:09, which would confirm this is a new leak (beyond what was said by Dizzy/Ron)

-This definitely isn't the final mix.... the majority of the song is around -3 dB, which you wouldn't see on an actual release

-In the file information it says this is track 1 of 11, which might be a huge catch

-This was encoded with iTunes version 7.0.1.8 and the current version is 7.0.2.16, which might put a timeline on this (assuming the encoder had the latest version at the time)

[AxlsMainMan]

There will be something for everybody on the album.

If "Sorry" is supposed to be Doom Metal, I doubt there is much synth noise on that one

1 track BLS may like...12 to go

[Naupis]

All he's saying is "for the love of God, please be open-minded."

Well, he has spent years now trying to convince the world this is really GNR. Then turn up the guitars and start acting like it. Making soft pop rock songs like other washed up 80's icons is not becoming of the GNR legacy. We know at one point a more agressive version of this song existed, and if this is really the final version by some chance all it tells us is Axl sold his soul down the river by softening it up to enhance the commercial aspects of it. A compromise of integrity like that is not something people have been promised nor waited on all this time.

[GnFnR87]

okay after listening to it again, i can tell what people mean when they say it lacks punch compared to the demo. the guitar riff isnt as hard hitting.... but i still like it. i love the synth effects.

[AxlsMainMan]

All he's saying is "for the love of God, please be open-minded."

Well, he has spent years now trying to convince the world this is really GNR. Then turn up the guitars and start acting like it. Making soft pop rock songs like other washed up 80's icons is not becoming of the GNR legacy. We know at one point a more agressive version of this song existed, and if this is really the final version by some chance all it tells us is Axl sold his soul down the river by softening it up to enhance the commercial aspects of it. A compromise of integrity like that is not something people have been promised nor waited on all this time.

Its a really old line, but music is entirely subjective.

[BLS-Pride]

There will be something for everybody on the album.

If "Sorry" is supposed to be Doom Metal, I doubt there is much synth noise on that one

1 track BLS may like...12 to go

Haha. Nah, I actually like IRS, TWAT, and Catcher. Always dug Madagascar and the 2002 version of the Blues. Gn'R is my favorite band before any metal band so odds are if there's is a good guitar sound and not overdoing the synth then I'll enjoy the album. I don't have to like all the tracks to dig the album or to support the band.

[AxlsMainMan]

Better has by far been my favorite of the new songs since it leaked, so in reality, any improved version will only make it that much "Better"

I actually told Garry yesterday I could wait another 10 years for the album, just give me a studio quality version of Better...and low and behold..

 

[axlsalinger]

I don't know if this is the final version, but this is definitely a professional mix. The vocals were purposely lower in the mix on the demos, and they're right up front here (which is a good thing). Background vocals, the "Pitman effect" and other sound effects are louder and clearer.

Guitars are definitely toned down, perhaps a bit too much for my liking. However they still sound damn good.

People need to be prepared for the fact that this album is going to sound very "produced", and the singles are going to be radio friendly. Cuz that is how it's going to be.

[Tommie]

kickass!!!! I wonder when we are going to get some story behind this leak.

[BLS-Pride]

Better has by far been my favorite of the new songs since it leaked, so in reality, any improved version will only make it that much "Better"

I actually told Garry yesterday I could wait another 10 years for the album, just give me a studio quality version of Better...and low and behold..

 

You solved it. Garry has leaked the song so another ten years of waiting can happen.

I dig the live version of Better more than anything.. Seeing this band perform it on boots sells the song. They seem to be more into their material than the old stuff which is good.

[AxlsMainMan]

Better has by far been my favorite of the new songs since it leaked, so in reality, any improved version will only make it that much "Better"

I actually told Garry yesterday I could wait another 10 years for the album, just give me a studio quality version of Better...and low and behold..

 

You solved it. Garry has leaked the song so another ten years of waiting can happen.

I dig the live version of Better more than anything.. Seeing this band perform it on boots sells the song. They seem to be more into their material than the old stuff which is good.

Seeing Better live is the absolute highlight of any Gn'R show

May 12th was just insane, because I think everyone naturally expected LALD to follow Brownstone but NOPE...we got some Better, bright and early

They play the fuck out of the old songs, but they wrote the new material themselves, so I think its only natural for their artistic pride to shine brighter on something they, themselves created.

[bigbri]

bigbri...does that still sound like Buckethead on the solos...they sound a little slower...especially the first one....you would be the one who would know...what do you think?

Sounds like the same Bucket stuff to me. But I'm at work and can't give it a real close listen.

[saint seiya]

its buckethead playing. it's the same vocals from the old leak.

[ShotgunBlues1978]

My take on the new version:

-The synth in the beginning kind of overpowers the distinctive guitar intro.  It still sounds cool but I liked intro with the more prominent guitar from the first leak

-The synths during the "metal" section are awesome, very NIN-esque and they complement the guitars perfectly IMO

-Honestly couldn't tell any real difference from the original leak when it came to the main riff

-The added backing vocals in the last portion really aren't necessary but they don't take away from the song either.  The other vocals sound basically the same, just crisper and clearer

This version is really nice to listen to because it's so polished compared to the other.  The changes are give and take.  The vocals sound great, very clean and clear.  I'll say again like the synths added to the metal section, they add texture and sound great.  It's the one part of the song that I'm 100% sure improved from the first leak.  I like both versions of the song.  I'm just more used to the old one.  I'll have to listen to them side by side a few times

[TrixAreForKids]

its buckethead playing. it's the same vocals from the old leak.

we're not sure that BH has been totally removed from CD.

Vocals sound cleaner too.

The last verse on this song is particularly showcased with great backing vocals. It sounds ultra cool turned up real loud!!!!