☬ YOUR opinions, reviews and general thoughts on the Performance/Sound/Visuals in Appetite For Democracy 3D Concert Release ☬

[Bruno P.]

12. YCBM - I'm not listening to that shit again.

Skip to the ending, he sounds pretty strong there

Just heard November Rain. Dear Lord, what in the world is Ashba thinking? Yes, he does OK for the most part, but when he fucks up he does it like a boss. Out of time, flawed bends, etc. He tries to ruin the song by himself but he gets a little help from Axl (Sounds OK-ish here and there, weak here and there) and Rich. I don't like his solo, it doesn't rival Slash's - or Robin's - by any means. His bends here don't sound good at all and he's posing as much as Ashba. That outro, however

[Black Sabbath]

My copy should be in the mail when I get home. Going to give it a full viewing (I skipped through some things on the AXS broadcast) in 3D tonight, so I'll post a review when I get the chance.

[ColdHeartBreaker]

Important questions for those who have it: Is he in a good mood and is he less bloated?

Thanks in advance

[slitherz]

So here are my thoughts on Axl's performance based on audio only:

1. CD sounds fine

2. Jungle sounds fine

3. ISE is weird. He's doing these fucked up things with his deep voice, and he's noticeably out of breath when you're just listening to audio, but he actually hits most of the rasp parts.

4. Brownstone - Meh, it's OK. Same weird shit with the low voice.

5. Estranged - Abomination. There's no other word for it.

6. Rocket Queen - Abomination. He tries to save it toward the end, but it doesn't work.

7. LALD sounds the same as it always does the past few years. If you've enjoyed it, you'll enjoy it. If you don't, you won't. I really don't like how he does the screams these days.

8. TIL - Honestly, I was expecting a lot better. This is one of those songs that he usually gears up for and nails. He hit some of the parts, but overall it's definitely a subpar performance compared to most live TILs that I've listened to.

9. Better - Hold up on this one for a sec. I was expecting a lot worse based on what people are saying. It's not terrific, but it's fine for the most part. He goes a little Mickey in a couple of the verses, but this is better than everything else so far except for CD and Jungle.

10. Catcher is OK. Not great. Not terrible. Mostly clean voice, but that's what Catcher usually is.

11. SOD - Not bad. A little too much clean voice for my liking, but it works OK for SOD. Axl's off beat a couple times during the song.

12. YCBM - I'm not listening to that shit again.

13. SCOM - Nooooooo! Skip.

14. NR - Already heard it. Thought it was bad. Axl's voice is very unsteady and inconsistent throughout.

15. Don't Cry - Pretty good for the most part, except he goes from decent gravelly rasp to super Mickey during the "come the morning light" part and it's off-putting.

16. Civil War - WTF, Axl? This is another weird one like ISE where the raspy parts are actually better than the low voice parts. He almost sounds like he's mocking his own low voice with the way he sings the verses. Rasp parts are good in some parts and decent for the most part when they're not good, even when he gets a little cleaner. If he wasn't singing like a moron on the low parts, this would be by far the best track to this point, possibly excluding Jungle.

17. The Seeker sounds like it always does. If you like it, you'll like it.

18. KOHD - 12:41. No thanks.

19. Nightrain - Very good. No complaints. Rasp throughout.

20. UTLH - Meh. He sings both of the two first verses in the low voice instead of going into slight rasp on the second verse. Sounds fine although I like the voice change that usually occurs. Later rasp parts he does in clean voice. I don't like those parts at all, but they're not as offensive as other Mickey moments during the show. I'm looking at YOU "come the morning light".

21. Patience - Pretty good. He starts to do that weird low voice thing again during the first chorus, but someone must have slapped him and told him to stop it. He almost pulls off the end of the sound. Right up until the last line or two where he goes clean. That fast transition from rasp to clean is always strange on the ears. Still, perfectly acceptable performance of this song. Speaking about Axl only of course.

22. Paradise City - Meh. Not great. Not terrible. First verse is good. Other verses are a little weaker. He turns on the rasp at the expected parts but keeps it pretty clean otherwise. PC is usually a disaster, imo, so this is a step up.

You should pin this as THE review! There are many opinions about Axls voice, but magisme said it like it is.

[RichardNixon]

Watching it now--awesome, I love it.

[Matt13]

I saw it on AXS TV the other night. As for the actual production (being a video editor myself), it wasn't too bad. I'm not sure why the editors decided to make the ends of some songs in slow motion for a few seconds. A lot of them of Frank ending his drumming after songs. That was pretty cheesy. The shots of Vegas and what not here and there were cool... all stuff you can buy online. But a nice touch. If they would have left out the slow motion stuff and just stuck to real-time footage, it would have been a better production in my mind. I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars on production.

As for the bands performance (not Axl's)... it was impressive. Even DJ wasn't all that bad and did a good job with many of the solo's. I still can't help but cringe over his attire though... and 'fake' mannerisms. Last time I saw the band live was in 2006 and THAT was a great show. Of course, most of us would love to see at least Slash and Duff back in the band... but the '06 lineup not only sounded the part, but looked the part. Robin was such a better fit that DJ. My opinion, of course. For the band, 4.5 out of 5 stars based on how they sounded and interacted. Before knowing they're always f-ing with DJ, I would have thought Tommy constantly resting his head on DJ's shoulder during a solo would have been really weird. But now I know he's screwing with him trying to get him to mess up. That was evident the few times he walked away from him laughing. Bumble got a big laugh after the Patience solo... which actually wasn't all that bad in this video. Axl's weird low voice during the song is rather annoying. He does something to make it sound goofy. Wish he would just sing it like the album version.

As for Axl... I'm not sure why he'd sign off on this release. On some songs he sounded great with the rasp. On others... meh. My wife, who's not a fan at all, sat through some of it and said Axl sounded like 'a girl' at times. I laughed and said, yea, us hardcore fans call it 'Mickey Mouse' coming out. Another friend of mine, who I took to the show in 2006, text me about it being on. I admittedly missed CD and WTTJ, but saw the rest. He would text me saying the GNR show in 2006 was the best concert he's ever been to... and this video was pretty bad-ass... except for when Axl went all Mickey on us. He's not a hard core fan like most of us, but he noticed the 'Mickey' too... simply said 'that doesn't sound like Axl Rose' on some songs (where he went all Mickey). Axl's vocal performance: 2.5 out of 5 stars. Half the songs were awesome... the other half all Mickey. Nightrain was particularly incredible. SCOM and PC were cringeworthy. In my opinion.

Axl's attire isn't bad... but damn, I just wish he'd stop hiding behind glasses and fedoras all the time. in 2006 and 2010 he looked great... I know in 2010 he would wear the fedoras sometimes... but half the time he just went bandana and t-shirts. Looked more like the Axl from the 90's.

So, I'm a bit stumped as to why they put this one out. A production like this, at least from an editing perspective after filming, would take a day or two, tops, to edit and master. Not sure why they wouldn't put out one of the latest Vegas shows where Axl sounded much better.

It's not going to win over any casual or new fans, that's for sure. But not a bad watch, either.

Edited July 1, 2014 by Matt13

[seely]

Ordered my copy from here in Merry old England last week, was told it shipped today.

Think CD and WTTJ sounded pretty decent

I'm not getting all the hate for YCBM. It's not amazing, but it's not awful either - pretty much the standard rendition of the song we get these days. I'm excited to see a version of Catcher pro-shot too. Just a shame they didn't bring out TWAT for the gig too. As it stands, a pretty solid setlist all the same.

[Iron MikeyJ]

@Magisme,

Now that you have listened to the whole thing, what is your overall opinion? Good? Bad? SO so? Shitty? I'm curious as to what your overall feelings are?

[Jordan Rose]

I've bought the thing purely to support what seems to be a really positive thing that might genuinely help things move along much quicker for Axl and the label.

But although there are some solid vocal performances from Axl on certain songs it's still a million miles away from basically all of '06-'10. And I don't mean just vocally: the guy singing Nice Boys at the O2 with Duff was so much closer to early 90s Axl than he is to Axl on this release in terms of his energy, presence, performance, engagement with crowd, classic movements, attitude etc.

I'm not gonna waste time bitching about it but i'd rather cobble together my own DVD from youtube clips than cherish and watch and share this. Rock Am Ring, man.

Also, I really can't stand the dancing girls for too many reasons.

[Chuzeville]

Listening to the YCBM video on Youtube.

It's nice to be able to hear the guitar works with some definition. But the voice isn't good enough.

[magisme]

@Magisme,

Now that you have listened to the whole thing, what is your overall opinion? Good? Bad? SO so? Shitty? I'm curious as to what your overall feelings are?

You have to remember that other than the videos everyone has seen, I'm talking about audio only, and even then I'm mostly talking about Axl. He's what matters, at least to me.

It's bad. It's not an all out debacle. It's better than Bridge School. It's better than Rio 2011. But it's about on par with majority of the 2011-2012, which is not a good standard. I'd say there are 3 songs I'm happy with - CD, Jungle and Nightrain - probably another 3 or so that are decent/acceptable - Civil War, Better, Don't Cry - and the rest I have no interest in hearing ever again, including a couple performances that Axl should be flat out embarrassed about - Estranged, Rocket Queen.

So yeah. If you thought he was on point most of 2012, you're out of your fucking mind but you'll enjoy it. If you remember how shitty he was for most of 2012, you'll see that he's pretty much the same here, except Nightrain is a lot stronger than usual.

Hope that sums it up decently.

[IncitingChaos]

Great summary. With Axl you have to break down each song individually because he is so inconsistent throughout. One song will be great and another lacking while some songs have moments of classic Axl and moments of Mickey. I'm surprised he hasnt found a consistent form yet. So every review really needs to take each song as it's own.

Great breakdown of each song though! I agree with most of your assessment.

[Iron MikeyJ]

@Magisme,

Now that you have listened to the whole thing, what is your overall opinion? Good? Bad? SO so? Shitty? I'm curious as to what your overall feelings are?

You have to remember that other than the videos everyone has seen, I'm talking about audio only, and even then I'm mostly talking about Axl. He's what matters, at least to me.

It's bad. It's not an all out debacle. It's better than Bridge School. It's better than Rio 2011. But it's about on par with majority of the 2011-2012, which is not a good standard. I'd say there are 3 songs I'm happy with - CD, Jungle and Nightrain - probably another 3 or so that are decent/acceptable - Civil War, Better, Don't Cry - and the rest I have no interest in hearing ever again, including a couple performances that Axl should be flat out embarrassed about - Estranged, Rocket Queen.

So yeah. If you thought he was on point most of 2012, you're out of your fucking mind but you'll enjoy it. If you remember how shitty he was for most of 2012, you'll see that he's pretty much the same here, except Nightrain is a lot stronger than usual.

Hope that sums it up decently.

Yes, I can respect that.

This sorta goes with the whole story of gnr doesn't it? Ritz 88' is amazing, absolutely electric. Why this show was never officially released, by gnr or MTV I'll never know. Same goes for Paris 92 and Chicago 92, both of those shows completely piss all over the official Tokyo release, but yet the only GOOD audio and video we have is Tokyo...

They have probably played (at least 20) better concerts than this show in the last 2-3 years, yet this is the one we get...

But I am happy with it, it has rewatchablility imo.

[tomfriend]

Its not definitive, but it was never gonna be.

In twenty years we'll probably be glad to have a proshot from 2012 even if it's not the best.

[GUNNER PT]

I just watched some videos from the youtube.

The DVD seems to have a really high quality ... wish I could see this show in a 3d theater. :/

That wttj it's one of the best GN'R videos ever seen. GN'R would easily be considered the best rock band in the world (nowadays) if they could perform every song in the same level they did in that wttj. Unfortunately, Axl can't keep that vocal level in every song. For example, YCBM looks awesome until Axl start singing.

They should have done this back in 2010.

[sweetness]

couldn't make it through the Sweet Child O Mine that's on youtube, wish I could be excited about this

[maynard]

couldn't make it through the Sweet Child O Mine that's on youtube, wish I could be excited about this

That's the saddest part. it's the first GNR release since CD and I don't give a crap about it. Axl's voice, Ashba, Frank Ferrer, the strippers and Casino vibe.... I just dislike practically every aspect of it. It's the extreme opposite of what I expected nuGNR to become.

[Broskirose]

Watching my Blu Ray now. Looks good.

Random note: Axl definitely sings "that's one more failure" at the end of SOD.

Edited July 1, 2014 by Broskirose

[Estranged Coma]

Heading to the store right now to hopefully get the Blu ray!

[Broskirose]

This tapping shit DJ's doing during his solo is awful.

[Estranged Coma]

Haha pitman! On Chinese as a type this !

Jungle sounding really good!

ISE was great!

Brownstone was meh not bad ig lot of dancing by Axl lolz

Estranged started pretty rough seems like he's getting better into the song. No rasp really watsoever. Seems like that's a conscience decision and he likes estranged without rasp nowadays?

And Axl saves rocket queen with a very pleasant ending atleast!

Lald meh I'm not a fan

I think TIL was pretty good very enjoyable

Really liked better

Catcher was solid

Surprised by SOD seems Axl is putting a lot of effort into it. Really liked it! I think I like Sod better live then on the album

Hmm I was expecting a little worse from ycbm seems like every ycbm for the past 4 or 5 years ?

He even busted out a little rasp on the last verse. But yeah shouldn't have used it as one of the highlight videos but people love ycbm so I understand why they did.

Hahaha ashbas entrance on his solo spot. That was funny

A couple of these chicks asses are getting more screen time then dizzy lol

Edited July 2, 2014 by Estranged Coma

[rockfuel]

Hey Matt, I'm curious? Have you ever filmed or edited a 3D concert film of almost a 3 hour show with multi camera and covergence for the Cinema? You think that takes 2-3 days? What are you smoking bro? Clearly, you have zero experience if you think post production takes 3 days. Also, please let me know what specific concert films you have edited, since you claim to be an "expert" editor? very curious..

Edited July 2, 2014 by rockfuel

[Coma16]

Rockfuel - how long did post production take and how long ago was it finalized?

Also, with such good reviews coming in (screw the haters), what's next for your company? Foo Fighters?

[Nosaj Thing]

Hey Matt, I'm curious? Have you ever filmed or edited a 3D concert film of almost a 3 hour show with multi camera and covergence for the Cinema? You think that takes 2-3 days? What are you smoking bro? Clearly, you have zero experience if you think post production takes 3 days. Also, please let me know what specific concert films you have edited, since you claim to be an "expert" editor? very curious..

^

I think he's saying that the editing was poorly done. I think you can deal with fair criticism?

Edited July 2, 2014 by Nosaj Thing

[magisme]

Axl and TB's PR skills rubbing off on others. Awesome.