"Better" Versions 1 & 2

[envenom]

Could someone please cite the differences between the version of "Better" that leaked last year and the new one on the radio?  (Which I've yet to hear...I think)   I'm still not sure which version I have.  Given the Buckethead-esque solo in the middle, I'm guessing it was the previous leak, but then again I was under the impression that the final release would be a mish-mosh of all 25 guitarists who worked on the album throughout the years, so difficult to say.  My apologies if this topic has already been covered in another thread.

Thanks

[ty182]

As I see it, the "new" leak is simply the same recording, just a re-mastered/mixed one. It sounds a bit more crisp and there are added sound effects.

[envenom]

Hmmmm, ok, several of the reviews I'd read (Spin?) indicated that the previous leak had more nu-metal influence and that on the newer version those elements had been removed?

[envenom]

Here were the exact quotes...

""The previous leaks from the mythical beast that is Chinese Democracy were underwhelming, but the fact that 'Better' is, by all accounts, the true, bona fide First Single raised hopes -- that are dashed the moment you hear the no-longer-nu-metal sheen, patently designed to drain the song of any character."

""The mix was too poppy, too Axl Rose-by-way-of-Justin Timberlake. It sucked all the edge and life out of the demo we've all been listening to for the past year."

http://www.spin.com/features/everybodystalkingabout/2007/02/070222_gunsnroses/


Is this accurate?  Here all along I thought the track I was listening to was the toned down version, but it sounds like that might not be the case.

[RyanRose]

The second one has a lot more sync and its harder to hear buckethead

[ndcrazy8]

THe biggest difference is the intro (new version you hear synth much higher in the mix) and the drums (once the lyrics begin)....

[kwljunky]

first one raw and riggly, second one sounds like someone had a spastik fit on a dj turntable.

[Madagascar07]

Id agree with tht article, i liked the first demo i thought it was awsome as the guitars were heavy but with the new mix i could hardly hear BH solo and i thought someone had let Pitman loose on the track and not in a good way

[Mister Merkaba]

The second one is more synth-driven.

[I ARE ESS]

yeah its like pitman went into overdrive on the newer leak

[rozy]

When I think of GNR, I expect the guitars to dominate ala slash. Guitar & axl vocals, and nice raw drums, Like alot of UYI1 songs

[GunsNR]

""The mix was too poppy, too Axl Rose-by-way-of-Justin Timberlake. It sucked all the edge and life out of the demo we've all been listening to for the past year."

Completely agree....

25 guitarists who worked on the album

[Randy Jesus]

The second one has a slower pace, Different vocals, Synth. So no its not the same recording.

[slashpuppie]

I love the song except from one thing...
I dont like the synth-thing from the second part of the first solo till Axl start to sing again before the second solo....