W. Axl Kev Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Here it is. Link is at the bottom. If you look through that website they also report on the April Chinese Democracy release rumour. Apologies if this is a re-post but I enjoyed the review.---------------------------------------Axl Rose has unwittingly earned the reputation of being the Howard Hughes of the music world: One of the most envied, successful people of his trade, who left the public eye in the prime of his career. Sure, he poked his head out a couple times -- Once for "Oh My God," a 1998 movie soundtrack contribution that disappointed. And again in 2002 for a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, which also disappointed. And for a handful of concerts in the same timeframe that ended in riots. That... also disappointed. However, Axl's strange behavior seems to have worked to his advantage. Not being able to produce an album at the height of the grunge period prevented him from facing a possible overlooked release, which was a situation that hurt almost every other rock band's reputation. Canceling concerts, instead of truly angering the public, seems to have only given him notoriety. Losing every core Guns N' Roses member surely affected the hardcore fanbase, but Velvet Revolver's limited appeal -- comprised primarily of GN'R's rhythm's section with a new frontman -- failed to create Appetite For Destruction Part II, let alone even an adequate substitute. Getting to the point, there's tons of people who are intrigued to hear what Axl, who has reportedly spent up to $13 million in the studio for his Chinese Democracy project, is actually up to. I figured Axl had been so quiet because he had nothing to write about. When I first caught wind that studio demos had started to leak, I wasn't expecting much. But leak, they did. And impress, they did. I, like most scavengers who hunted before the lawyers put the axe down, have heard 4 demos of varying sound quality. The new material so far sounds like a logical extension to the Use Your Illusion recordings. Honestly, and surprisingly, the songs I've heard are something I would suspect Slash and co. would have been happily on board for if this was Axl's initial direction. To the songs: I.R.S. The first track that was leaked, I.R.S., isn't Shakespeare lyrically, but it isn't offensive to the senses, either. Honestly, it isn't anything to write home about, it's sort of a "meh" track, it's somewhat forgettable but not at all poor. Overall I was stoked to hear it, but not because it is a kickass track. I was mainly surprised to hear Axl's voice for the first time in forever, and delighted that the song was actually pretty decent. There Was A Time (T.W.A.T.) This second leak (although a partial leak may have preceded it) has the make-up to be a very decent song. It has a memorable hook, along with a very Use Your Illusion, off tempo/ballady Axl Rose style. It also features some tasty licks from who I assume is Buckethead, a prior (?) member of the band who helps give the song an emotional, poignant vibe. "November Rain" it is not, but it's a definite sign that Axl can still pen a worthy tune. Better This is the third leak, and this song simply puts a smile on my face. It has chart-topper written all over it, but without selling out to today's scene. There's very few songs that I thoroughly enjoy on my first listen, but "Better" can be added to that short list. I still consider Chinese Democracy the "Axl Rose" project as opposed to "Guns N' Roses," but this song easily does either name justice. It is instantly catchy and is still great on repeated listens. It's a definite hard rocker that includes a head-bangable bridge with a slight industrial edge, but without Axl sounding like a poseur. With "Better," Axl's shaping a style of current music instead of copying it. Hooks, melody, and the GN'R vibe. Thumbs way the hell up on this demo. Catcher In The Rye Fans familiar with the Illusion albums will know that Axl tends to enjoy writing the off-tempo epics, and this track definitely continues that tradition. Many listeners who previewed this song had recognized a Queen vibe right off the bat, and rightly so. It seems that even Axl did, as it was later confirmed by Queen guitarist Brian May that he was asked to guest on this track (he accepted the invite). Apparently inspired by John Lennon's shooting death by Mark David Chapman, this song has a slightly eerie, somber feel, but is at the same time intensely melodic and beautiful. This song, like "Better," has the makings of being A+ material. From the four tracks I've previewed, there are two highlights that hit both ends of the spectrum - a great rocker and a strong epic ballad. Judging by the leaked songs, there's no doubt there's some great material in-between. The pessimist in me feels that Chinese Democracy is never coming out. However, the leaks leave me optimistic that if it does, it will be something great. ***LINK EDITED BECAUSE FULL OF ADWARE***Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaddisonmoore Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 posted before Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STEERT Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Exactly :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest RonMexico82 Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Interesting - I would agree Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
december pain Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 great read. finally, someone knows what theyre listening to. its not the "Zomg studio bluez" crap like before. excelent review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wagnoris Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Good to see the leaks getting a positive review. I would much rather see CD release and get reviews like this though. Back to being a GNR fan and waiting............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gd99 Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 good read...I have to agree on what is said...took me a while for CITR to grow on me, but now I can't stop listening to it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JUDGESMF Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 . Apologies if this is a re-post but I enjoyed the review. - W.AXL KEV---------------------------------------Posted before - kaddisonmoore Jesus do some people actually come on here and not read a thing!!!thanks w.axl kev I have not seen it before and I am very glad that I know have!! and I couldnt give a shit if it's been posted before , because if it has you people dont need to read it and then post a remark telling us that its been posted before !!! Just let those who have not seen it , enjoy it !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W. Axl Kev Posted March 21, 2006 Author Share Posted March 21, 2006 . Apologies if this is a re-post but I enjoyed the review. - W.AXL KEV---------------------------------------Posted before - kaddisonmoore Jesus do some people actually come on here and not read a thing!!!thanks w.axl kev I have not seen it before and I am very glad that I know have!! and I couldnt give a shit if it's been posted before , because if it has you people dont need to read it and then post a remark telling us that its been posted before !!! Just let those who have not seen it , enjoy it !!! I agree thanks mate. I think 'Better' seems to be the pick of the bunch for most people. My personal favourite is TWAT though. The guy does sound like he has listened to them with an open mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AradiaRose Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Excellent review, I too am glad to hear some positive words for these songs... I can't stop listening to them either, just wish that the album was already released... rock1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaddisonmoore Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 . Apologies if this is a re-post but I enjoyed the review. - W.AXL KEV---------------------------------------Posted before - kaddisonmoore Jesus do some people actually come on here and not read a thing!!!thanks w.axl kev I have not seen it before and I am very glad that I know have!! and I couldnt give a shit if it's been posted before , because if it has you people dont need to read it and then post a remark telling us that its been posted before !!! Just let those who have not seen it , enjoy it !!! I agree thanks mate. I think 'Better' seems to be the pick of the bunch for most people. My personal favourite is TWAT though. The guy does sound like he has listened to them with an open mind.srry didnt mean to sound like an asshole loli agree with the review Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W. Axl Kev Posted March 21, 2006 Author Share Posted March 21, 2006 . Apologies if this is a re-post but I enjoyed the review. - W.AXL KEV---------------------------------------Posted before - kaddisonmoore Jesus do some people actually come on here and not read a thing!!!thanks w.axl kev I have not seen it before and I am very glad that I know have!! and I couldnt give a shit if it's been posted before , because if it has you people dont need to read it and then post a remark telling us that its been posted before !!! Just let those who have not seen it , enjoy it !!! I agree thanks mate. I think 'Better' seems to be the pick of the bunch for most people. My personal favourite is TWAT though. The guy does sound like he has listened to them with an open mind.srry didnt mean to sound like an asshole loli agree with the review It's cool man. No harm no foul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildrose Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Agreed with it completely.But, just to piss off Kev - Been posted before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W. Axl Kev Posted March 21, 2006 Author Share Posted March 21, 2006 Agreed with it completely.But, just to piss off Kev - Been posted before. You'll be the death of me Wildrose! I knew as soon as I saw you had replied you would do that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmrgnr Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 I'm sure i've seen it posted before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JUDGESMF Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 I kind of missed the boat on the leaks . Can anybody direct me on where to go to find them?Afraid not - That would be breaking the rules!I can tell you that they are very good!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evil_l Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 Hadn't read it. But it was a good review! I totally agree on Better but I think TWAT is stronger than Catcher in the Rye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tbone947 Posted March 21, 2006 Share Posted March 21, 2006 I kind of missed the boat on the leaks . Can anybody direct me on where to go to find them?*points in general direction of everything* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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