"Better" - discuss it in this thread

[kcleveland]

All I have to say is that Jarmo is doing a great job shielding us from these leaks.  Today was the first I heard about the new version, and I even check the site on a daily basis.

Do any of you work for somone who criticizes your work before it's done?  I do, and I hate it.  Don't criticize the music until it's officially released.

Rock on Jarmo!  Keep up the good work!!!

[gunns1]

yeh Jarmo, im amazed sometimes how fkn professional you stay when you obviously get some a$$holes trying to p!ss you off all the time.

If it was me, i would just f@cking swear at them all day, but you keep it 

[FilipeMB]

i was hearing better today in my iLuv and i notice some minor differences, only heard with a headphone...

frank drums are a important part on each chorus. as important as pitman/dizzy synth.
a nice beat was added @ 3:18-20
the na-na-na thing.

[FilipeMB]

btw, can some clarify to me how this better version leaked?

[Thorazine Shuffle]

I'm likin' this version more that the 06 leak.  The synths give it that "wall of sound" type production that Phil Spector used with Lennon and others.

[Tynia]

Where's Tommy?!? in that song.

Why BASS is so much covered with guitars? It's almost impossible to catch him actually playing?
And he is in the rythym section, so his playing should stand out same as drums and not beeing put in the main melodic line with guitars? Am I right?

For me there are also too many Pitman's sounds for instance in 02:32 - 03:10 part, so again bass is not audible - compare it to live performances like Rock am Ring: there's a hell lot of Tommy's bass

[jeorose]

Where's Tommy?!  in that song.

Why BASS is so much covered with guitars? It's almost impossible to catch him actually playing 
And he is in the rythym section, so his playing should stand out same as drums and not beeing put in the main melodic line with guitars  Am I right?

For me there are also too many Pitman's sounds for instance in 02:32 - 03:10 part, so again bass is not audible - compare it to live performances like Rock am Ring: there's a hell lot of Tommy's bass

This is not the final version there still mixing, just wait and when you get the album you could critizied the album but not a demos.

[philspectorshotme]

it isnt the final version. but i do agree about the desire to see tommy higher in there - his lead throb (heh) coming just before the final part of the song, live, is incredible.

[jeorose]

it isnt the final version. but i do agree about the desire to see tommy higher in there - his lead throb (heh) coming just before the final part of the song, live, is incredible.

I agree.

[jeorose]

No more Buckethead on this version? sounds more like Bumblefoot.

[Tommie]

Am I the only one that thinks that (hypothetically) even if this is the "finished" version.. it still kicks ass, and I would love for it to be on the album?  I mean it seems alot of people are bitching and saying about how they should fix or that, turn this up while turning something else down.  I'm happy with it as it is.  Its definitly an "evolved" version of what GnR's old sound was.  I already got it blasting on my ipod.  Am I the only one that is happy with it like it is??

[Tynia]

This is not the final version there still mixing, just wait and when you get the album you could critizied the album but not a demos.

Ther's no way I'm criticizing the song? I still like it very much. I'm just sad that on that version (whatever it is), I miss very much Tommy playing audibly?

it isnt the final version. but i do agree about the desire to see tommy higher in there - his lead throb (heh) coming just before the final part of the song, live, is incredible.

I agree.

You see, we argee on something in the bass matter ?

[ShotgunBlues1978]

No more Buckethead on this version? sounds more like Bumblefoot.

Dude, the Buckethead parts in this version are EXACTLY the same.  They just aren't turned up as high

[russtcb]

Am I the only one that thinks that (hypothetically) even if this is the "finished" version.. it still kicks ass, and I would love for it to be on the album?? I mean it seems alot of people are bitching and saying about how they should fix or that, turn this up while turning something else down.? I'm happy with it as it is.? Its definitly an "evolved" version of what GnR's old sound was.? I already got it blasting on my ipod.? Am I the only one that is happy with it like it is??

You are very much not alone. Me as well as pretty much everyone I know love this version.

[younggunner]

I officially now love this version..at first i wasnt fond of some of the effects...But now I barely notice them, in fact some of the synth adds to the song....i also didnt liek the original demo at first...so now im happy

[tHeElEcTrIcSiNtAr]

This version rules. I love the new effects and Axl's new harmonies. Brilliant.
Hopefully the final version is something like this.

[DemocracyRose]

I dont if this has been posted...

Bumblefoot wrote:

"This is why leaks are a problem. It's like working on a painting, and someone displaying it when it's only half done. It hurts the artist because something's getting out there that people assume is the final version, the best version, etc.

The other people that it hurts are the FANS - I mean the *real* fans, the ones that care the most. The latest "leak" is obviously some experimental mix of Better - not any version I ever heard, but I don't claim to have heard everything that's out there... Whoever put it out there did a real mindfucking of the fans, especially to do it now, when the album's release is growing closer.

I have faith in everyone involved in the mixing of the album that they won't disappoint, they'll stay true to what you love about GnR. Now go hug the person next to ya. bbf"

http://www.bumblefoot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=34920#34920

[ShotgunBlues1978]

Am I the only one that thinks that (hypothetically) even if this is the "finished" version.. it still kicks ass, and I would love for it to be on the album?  I mean it seems alot of people are bitching and saying about how they should fix or that, turn this up while turning something else down.  I'm happy with it as it is.  Its definitly an "evolved" version of what GnR's old sound was.  I already got it blasting on my ipod.  Am I the only one that is happy with it like it is??

I like this version about the same.  I don't really understand why people are freaking out about it.  It's pretty much the same song, just with the electronic parts turned up louder, cleaner vocals, and the added layer of vocal harmonies at the end, very Queen-like by the way.  It still sounds great.  I actually like the heavy section better  now, it sounds fuller and the vocals are awesome

[markreed]

What many people seem to miss is that, to the untrained ear, you'd hear it and think that it still sounds like Guns N Roses - just a contemporary sounding GNR as opposed to the 87-93 era 'classic rock' sound - but still recognisably heavy and intense. "Better" may not be a fast rock track or a screechy guitar number, but it is a strong, heavy/grinding crunchy riff song that takes elements of the 'classic' sound, and recasts it in a more modern (but not time-specific) style. For what it's worth, I never tire of hearing the newer songs - not something I can say about the original lineup's work. 

[bazgnr]

From the "Hit List" in the new Entertainment Weekly:

#9  Alleged Chinese Democracy Track Leaks:
Jesus, newly returned, says it's "not a revelation," adding, "see what I did there?"