Zeppelin

.. Merck is just doing his job.

What i don't understand are the fans who act like they work for the label.

I have to agree.

Merck is just doing his job - which is representing his client and looking after his client's best interest. What's wrong with that?

Whats wrong is that all he seems to do is snuff out rumors, and send out threats/cease & desist orders. Which is fine, he is probably more or less Axl's puppet, but still. As a fan, wouldn't you like to occasional statement on the progress of the band/album? I know I would. A simple statement: "Axl would like to thank the fans for their support, and all of the positive reactions about the recent tracks that have leaked, etc...etc...etc... While it is unfortunate that we ask that these tracks spread no further, you the fans can be reassured that you will be rewarded for your patience shortly."

Even something vague like that would be fine. I'm just sick of Merck and "Management" popping up when its time to do something negative. How about contributing something POSITIVE for ONCE.

Agreed. Any little tidbit of positive info would be mostly appreciated, especially at a time when everything is all over the place with the leaks and all. You don't have to tell us that the album is done or anything, but instead of popping up like a zit everytime there's a negative thing to be said, maybe we could have some positives thrown our way, so we don't get irritable.

I mean, let's be honest, no one gives a fuck about Cease and Desist faxes or letters. They just don't. The fans don't care, and really, should they? They don't want to hear about this mumbo jumbo. Granted, Merck did not tell us about these, but still, no one cares about them. The only people who do care, are the ones who thought Axl had leaked the tracks to create a buzz. Now they know it's not true. We should just keep it at that, and not span it into a 12-page thread of "Fuck Merck" posts. Personally, it's getting frustrating to only hear about this side of the story, but still, a thread this long about something so minor to us is pointless and unnecessary. Especially considering the fact that no one is listing radio stations. Let's move on here.

Since Merck is willing to talk can't he give us anything interesting? Something like:

"These songs are from a demo CD we made in 2002 and they're not close to the completed versions" or "These songs are from a demo CD we made two weeks ago and they're the CD versions without mixing and mastering" or anything like that.

Really, we have no idea where these come from... but I'm sure he does.

Oh, and god forbid he'd give us the status of the album... recording? looking for a guitarist? mixing? mastering?

Yeah, you see, that would be too easy for Merck. Instead we have the same old shite. However, this time it's a definite "No" as opposed to, "It may or may not be true..." For fuck sakes, these supposed demos have received such incredible feedback from virtually everyone, and the latest news: "Yeah, cease and desist those stations... that's what we'll do." That's quite the juicy tidbit of information. Not.

TWAT.............. myyyyyyyyyy effing GOD.... this song is so epic and amazing... musically, this is arguably thee best song guns n' roses have ever written so far...

this is going to be the greatest record ever. i see no reason why it couldn't be hailed by the masses, journalist, music critics, rock elders... as just that...

again- lennon, mccartney, presley, page/plant, elton, jagger, take a step back......

I understand you're enthusiastic about the project,..

But, jesus.. let's try and not get carried away..

Especially when comments like the above carry you right off a cliff..

-Kickingthehabit

Lmao, yeah really.

Another one of these "I just talked to a friend" threads? Trust me dude, I hope you're not shitting anything here, but whenever someone starts off like that, it completely drops off any chance of being true for me. Still, if you turn out to have something here, then you can slap me. For now, I don't believe it.

This is all getting REALLY out of hand...

It's not fair on Axl, and all this craziness is wrecking the forum...any more leaks and I am NOT DOWNLOADING THEM.

In fact, I'm out of here for a while. I guess I'll see you guys again when this all dies down...if it ever does

Agree, but the only ones who can stop this are the fans themselves.

yes,........but this is the internet......a big carbage can. Without it you wouldn't have all these problems......It will be even worse when cd is officially announced. There will be allot and allot of people on the baords getting all grazy and whatnot....

I agree it's getting out of hand, but to contrast the negative, it's having a very positive effect. IRS had already been leaked so people already heard that. Now we have a very small clip of another song and even it is brimming with positive feedback from fans. I see this as a very positive thing because it shows that even the smallest bit of material is something worth waiting for, and I bet Axl knows this. I don't want anymore leaks personally, because we are not entitled, no matter how long we've waited. However, there are just as many positives to this situation than negatives. People are wanting some GN'R material and these leaks have created an enormous uproar. Almost an all-positive uproar. The IRS demo is already being played to compete with other songs on differing radio stations. It's just a fucking demo and it's beating the shit out of other songs. Whether Axl and Co. are pissed or not, these leaks are having a significant impact on the music world within the span of 2 days. Only GN'R would create this kind of buzz with an unreleased demo of a song, and it's happening again.

Why would the DJ leak 'IRS' and only a small clip of 'Better'? He'd leak the whole thing. That's why it's not the DJ.

Hey Darknemus someone said Axl talked to a dutch radio station and said the problem with the leaks would be solved at the end of March,referring to the release of CD.Have you heard anything about that

Nope - funny thing is there's a Dutch girl here at work who is always listening to some online Dutch radio station, too. But she's on vacation today. I was going to ask her to see if she could find out anything.

-darknemus

Anything you can do dark, is greatly appreciated. So thanks once again. Activity seems to be happening everyday lately. I'm just hoping it doesn't come to an 8 month halt.

We've heard enough. Everyone begging for more of the songs, or a complete version of 'Better' are just ruining the experience for when you finally pick up the album. The awesome part of the clip we got is that it has gotten your attention and you want more. Just wait, and you'll be able to hear it all soon. Then you will be glad you waited. You'll love it more if you hear the rest when you purchase the album. Trust me.

B)-->

Yeah, I noticed that too actually. I have no idea why it's doing that.

- The intro to better sound like rubbish, it wasnt good for any ears...and i think you mean the same but hardcore fans cant say it out laod...i wanted to throw my computer out the window when i heard it...but the end and middle of the song was infact very goof...but i cant get the fucking ugly start out of my head, i have some kind of pain!

Dont hope better with that intro will be on Chinese Democracy!!!!!

But this is a good day for every Axl fans, and a pretty bad day for Matt And Slash and their fans, if they have anyone left!

You know, I felt the same way... at first. I was like, WTF kind of intro is this? But, once the main part of the song kicked in, it all tied itself together. Sort of like a Nine Inch Nails song. Think about the first few times you heard some of their good stuff... some of the intros made you go WTF at first. But once you heard the whole song, it all was just perfect. Sort of like Better.

After listening to it twice, I loved the intro. If you listen closely, it's layered into the main body of the song. Amazing, just amazing.

To the idiot that posted his garbage about the songs being crap, yea dude, you're totally stuck in the 80's. I suggest you keep listening to your old Scorpions albums if you like talking, moody guitars with 'feeling'. If you ask me, these new tunes have plenty of feeling. The songs are more layered, and you don't like that apparently. I'm sure there's a great solo in 'Better' after that little clip cuts out... but I think the guitar parts are fantastic. That beginning riff is totally Finck. That's straight out of a NIN type song... and I absolutely love it. I love the 'experimental' singing to on Axl's part. A tone and style we've NEVER heard out of him. It's great to know his voice is so adaptable... and that old Axl Rasp when the main part of the song kicks in just bends you over and screws your brains out.

Jesus H. Cripes... I'm completely stoked.

Finally, VR fans have nothing to worry about. I still love that blusey Slash sound and will continue to support them... so there's no need to take jabs at VR/Slash/Duff fans. Their work is great to me in a different way.

Different strokes for different folks. And boy oh boy, do I love having both to enjoy!

Another great post! Although, I love my old Scorpions records.... oh well. The thing about Better is that you don't know what the fuck will come next. That's how it felt with the clip. The intro was just weird at first, but then you hit the verse and hear Axl's rasp and the powerful guitars with the intro emerging again in the background with the lyrics. It just grabs your balls, and Axl's voice drives it to make it grab you. Hopefully the rest of the song is as good as the first minute and bit. Right now, these songs are shaping up damn well.

Alright, I realize everyone has a boner over the new songs. While I am excited to hear Axl and am encouraged that Chinese Democracy might actually happen (barring Axl losing his mind and destroying all of the recordings... c'mon, you've thought of the possibility), the songs were nothing special.

Better: Sorry, but this song is weak. The intro sounds like a 13 year old messing on a guitar, and the song is one big pop cliche' lyricaly. The main riff is boring, plain and simple. Axl's voice does sound good, though.

I.R.S.: This one is ok... Another weak intro... Axl sounds ridiculous with the moaning in the beginning, but his singing is pretty cool after that. The shredding solo (Buckethead I assume?) is sweet as hell... too bad he's gone. I think some of the lyrics are pretty lame ("What can I do if I gave my heart to you?") more pop cliche's. I guess I just expect something more poetic and less sounding like it was written for Kelly Clarkson.

I could see I.R.S. on the DaVinci Code soundtrack given the conspiracy theme it seems to have- it would fit the story well.

I guess my bottom line is this: It's cool to hear from Axl, and I.R.S. is pretty good, but if these songs are any more than filler, this album will disapoint. It'll sell well then people will forget about it. I am hoping these are the songs that Axl will be leaving off of it, and we know he has like 30-something recorded for a 12 track album, so they may not be part of CD. I just expect more of him.

Peace,

Screech

Opinions should be respected..

And, I do agree that I find nothing new or exciting about these tracks. From what we've heard, nothing lives up to the Guns N' Roses name..

You can't blame listeners for making that claim, either. Rose decided to continue using the name,.. and now, all of his material is going to be overshadowed by the legacy of the original band.

When you listen to songs like November Rain, Estranged and Coma.. it's hard to believe that Axl was the sole catalyst in the creation of that music.

Look at Madagascar, The Blues, IRS -- these are Axl's creations.

Do they really live up to the past achievements?

-Kickingthehabit

Man, all you do is whine about the new band not being the old band. You only shit yourself out of this music when you compare this lineup to the old one. You wouldn't be satisfied even if this stuff did sound exactly like the old lineup. Don't even comment on this stuff, since you're in love with the old lineup and can't move on. The Blues, IRS, Madagascar are Axl's creations and he's doing damn well with them from what I've heard. You're wrong. People like YOU will be the only ones listening to this while having it overshadowed by the legacy of the original band. We have the old material and we have the new. Both kick ass, just different lineups. 14 years later, and you think it will keep the same sound as the old lineup? Get real. I would absolutely hate Axl's direction if he just went with the old sound. Music is meant to evolve, not stick in the 70s or 80s. Tell VR that. Axl doesn't just conform to what people want Guns to sound like. He takes it and makes sure that he does something new. If people don't like it, such as you, then go listen to the old lineup and VR because Axl is creating fresh new music. I guess some people just can't accept it and that's just sad.

How about them Lyrics of "Better"? fucking Axl Rose....he's simply Lyrical Genius.... No one can write a love song like this man!

You're amazing AXL......

That's something I did notice. Axl writing meaningful lyrics, yet again. He just finds a way to bring them out almost perfectly. It's truly amazing how he continues to write lyrics like these. The Blues, Better, Madagascar, they all have incredible lyrics. Nothing like you would find today.

Fucking right, Matt. I could not have said anything better myself. Axl still fucking has it, and it is in your face. I'm glad it isn't like old GN'R, and this kicks the shit out of most bands you here these days. It's rock with a twist, something Axl never fails to deliver, whether it has a new twist or an older twist like past albums had. Welcome back, Axl! Fucking show people what you got.

Shut it. I think the mods gave us quite a bit of time last night to get those tracks before they started laying down the law.

Precisely.

It's all about opinion.

Some people have the opinion that these two demos aren't as great as the material on Contraband, that's fine.

My opinion is that it beats the shit out of Contraband, probally because of 2 things:

1. I can't even listen to that cd anymore...too boring.

2. I think these songs are better, even as demos.

But keep in mind, comparing demos to studio tracks is not the greatest idea ever..

I completely agree. I love both Slash and Axl, and I'm sorry, but IRS shits on Contraband, by far. I'm probably full of bias because I hate Scott Weiland. He is a horrible singer and looks like a stick. Axl still has a quality voice that you can recognize, whereas Scott's voice is some generic voice that sounds like some other rack-rocker. I'll give Scott credit because VR is having major success, but I can't stand him. Their music is good, but Contraband was majorly overproduced and not creative enough for me. Fall to Pieces is still another boring, generic rock song to me. Slither and Sucker Train Blues have potential, but they just keep repeating themselves. I'm not saying that Axl's album won't be generic, I'm just hoping it isn't. The thing about VR is that a song like Slither, you can recognize right off because of the riff, which is cool. I'm hoping CD has some recognizable riffs. Still, everything I've heard from New GN'R has killed VR, including the live tracks. Even if I loved VR, I'd feel the same. You just can't compare rock music with Axl's voice to some other boring-sounding band. I just can't.

Whoever thinks any of this sounds industrial is a retard. Distortion doesn't equal industrial music and Axl's voice sounds clean. The thing about I.R.S. is that I believe it dominates a lot of things you hear today. Why? If you take apart the heavy parts of the song and the softer parts, you really have a very contrasting song, which is very good. Everytime it goes softer, it doesn't repeat the same chord. Moreover, hearing Axl hold that scream for that long is something not a lot of musicians his age would even try, especially that high over a solo. This is just my opinion, but this song feels different, but in a good way. Obviously, change is not always good, but in GN'R's case, this is the change we need.

Wow. I don't say wow often either haha. Now that I.R.S. is clearer, you can really hear what Axl wants to do with these songs. Better is very well done as well, sounds almost identical to old Axl really. I love them both and I commend Axl for such an amazing job on just two fucking songs. If two are this good, and considering one isn't even complete, the album must be great. It must be. Go Axl, show us what else you got.

Doesn't really surprise me. Todays music is pure SHIT. And todays rock? Jesus, don't even get me started. "modern" rock is totally dead thanks to Kobain and the grunge era. But if you're a 15 year old kid what are you gonna listen to? 50 cent songs? That shit gets old in two months. I don't think you'll ever have classic hip hop or classic rap. It becomes a joke in a few years. When people play old snoop dog and dr. dre you start laughing at how retarded it is. I mean that crap was called "gangsta rap". hahah. Say it out loud a few times and you'll know what I mean.

But classic rock just rules. The reason? BECAUSE ITS GOOD!!! In ten years is ANYONE going to care about nickelback or puddle of mudd or kid rock or staind or papa roach etc....Prob not. Why? BECAUSE THEY SUUUUUUUUUCK.

I love how all the black tshirts you see these days are from bands that came out 40-30 years ago.

Its a testmant to GNR's place in rock history that you still see the AFD cross tshirt in stores....you know you're eternal when your tshirt is still for sale and you haven't had a new album in over 15 years.

The only thing I disagree with here is Puddle of Mudd. I think they're pretty decent, myself. Anyways, as for the rest of it, it's all pretty much true. Power riff after power riff surrounded by a whiny voice and generic drumming. That's the state of modern rock, and no, you don't have to just listen to the mainstream to know this. Plenty of unknown bands still try the same thing over and over to grab the balls of a whiny audience.

Classic rock is on the rise because people realize how fun the music is, and almost every riff is something different. I mean really, when are we going to see another "The Wall" or "Physical Graffiti"? Never. Classic albums came out by the month back then, and now we're lucky to see one in ten years. I'm glad to see that it's making a comeback because it is a truly great music genre.

I don't understand why so many news sources are writing this article as fact without checking any other sources. All these articles are written specifically on hearsay. "Slash heard from somebody so it must be true." I'm surprised that one of these publications hasn't contacted the record company or someone who is actually in GN'R to try and find something out. If that was the case then we would have had an article that either said "Despite rumors of a March release, it's not true," or "This has been confirmed as being true by the record company." I think it shows a definite lack of professionalism among whoever wrote these, especially the ones that give the impression that Slash is still in the band.

You would think that the journalists would check with the recored company or GNR management. I guess responsible journalism has just been thrown out the window.

Journalism has been out the window for years now. Anyways, if Slash really has to announce something like this to put pressure on Axl, then that's just plain sad. Slash should focus on putting his new record out with VR. Yes, he was part of GN'R at one point, but if there is no truth to his statements, which wouldn't really surprise me, then Slash will begin to look pathetic. Trust me, I love Slash, but if he doesn't know about the record, then he shouldn't talk. If for some reason he does know, then that's just messed up altogether.

"Oscar®-winner Hans Zimmer will compose the score to Ron Howard's film adaptation of Dan Brown's best-selling novel, The Da Vinci Code."

http://comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=12722

Does this mean that the entire movie soundtrack will most likely just be a score, and not include songs from individual artists?

Some movies release two soundtracks. Sometimes this happens, but not all the time. I believe Spider-Man released one with orchestrated music by Danny Elfman and the other with actual bands. I guess we'll have to see.

Well what is wierd to me is that. He says Chinese Democracy is nearly done in mid January. About 20 days later he has it completed to play at a nightclub? Perhaps what he meant was that the last 6 were just to be mastered or something? Anyway I think Slash is telling the truth and if you think about it. Has there ever been a buzz about its release this big since 2002 - When he only said they would tour then hit the studio, which they did - ?

You know what. I believe! This is it. B)

PS. If Chinese Democracy is released I'll feed my hat to a bull shark and then proceed to eat the shark.

Now that's something worth seeing.

If "they" have said it sounds amazin, can "they" tell us anythin else? I dont see why we should believe this and not the other rumours that are remarkably similar to this one!

Grimo.

I agree. How does everyone pick and choose which of these stories to believe? Do you guys put these peoples names in a hat, pick one, and thats who you believe? Isn't it funny how the word 'amazing' is always used? Or 'mindblowing'? Or 'earth shattering'? They always use terms that bandmembers have used to describe CD, and never go into any detail whatsoever. What does that tell you?

Maybe CD is actually good? Besides, all I've heard is amazing. I haven't heard 'mindblowing' or 'earth shattering'. Quit making shit up to exaggerate your point. Besides, people have described it. Axl said some arrangements are like Queen, yet some of it may not sound like GN'R. Some others have said it has a Zeppelin-esque vibe to it. You are just choosing certain comments to back up your story, while in reality, people have described the album. If you don't believe it, that's fine. I will agree that people seem to pick and choose which sources to believe and it's annoying, but don't tell me that no one has gone into any details whatsoever. That's shit.

Although March is unlikely I'd still love to see it.

The sooner the better.

Yeah, I'd say March is highly unlikely considering it is February already. Maybe we're wrong, but who knows? June seems to be the month the fans think it'll be out. March is the month that websites and other sources say it will be out. Personally, if the Da Vinci Code rumour is true, then I see June being the month. If the rumour turns out to be false, well we'll have to go back to the drawing board.

A friend recently gave me 8 tacks from chinese democracy. it featured oh my god, chinese democracy, better, there was a time, the blues, madagascar and 2 instrumental tracks (one which would have been more at home on a limp bizkit, POD or motorhead album, and the other was a 5 minute long guitar solo version of 'over the rainbow'). Oh yeah, there was also track about drugs in which axl puts on a deep voice in an attempt to be found funny. But it wasnt. i find velvet revolver (slash,duff,matt sorum's band), addlers appetite(steven addler's band), j t longoria (izzy's band) and brides of destruction (tracii guns band) are better than anything axl has to offer. sorry axl.

Haha. Nice post appetiteforillusion. Not.

P.S. Grammar and spelling are your friends.

It may have happened. Remember that most people are not fanatics like us on this web site. So they might not have been scrambling for their recorders, etc. LOL. It was probably not as big a deal to them esp if they have celebrities in there on other occasions.

Exactly - to many people it would have just been another cd being played.

R.

Yup. To us, it's something we all want and hope for, but to others, it could be just another cd from another musician. Jeep also makes a good point that anything could be believable at this point, considering the appearances made by Axl within the last month.