I think that synth will play a role in all of the songs whether consciously or subconsciously. No one really says "oh hey...that's synth on Paradise City". It's only noticeable when it's a more industrial type song or is used far too much (IE: There Was A Time intro).

True, but you never know when each recording is from. Technology has vastly improved in the last 10 years and I would think that looping and all the complexities that Axl is going for would be able to be weaved together better anyway.

Also Zutaut was in the studio where he probably heard a nice crisp temp-mix. Not an 128 kbps. outdated demo used for reference.

For example, on the album version of Chinese Democracy, Ron plays fretless and using the live recordings as a guide will sound really fast and dynamic. Although I love the song "Chinese Democracy", the drums don't ever 'pop'. They're there but they're kindof drowned out by the guitar.

All in all, I still hold belief that the final mixes on the final album will blow everyone away. Not sell 30 million copies or whatever, but really be good stuff. But that's assuming the album comes out, so here's hoping.

I was at atleast one of the shows you were at (Detroit). I'm not saying that Bucket isn't amazing because clearly he is. His work is full of emotion and I think he was a great fit for GNR, regardless of what some might say.

I was saying in terms of being very animated and "doing what Slash did" he wasn't good at it. Robin does his weird hop steps around the stage and whatnot. As much as Axl ran stageline to stageline, Slash was holding his own back in the day.

I wish Bucket was still in the band. I really do. GNR 2006 with Bucketfoot instead of Bumble would have been legendary.

I hate that don't hold your breath quote.

It's like....'don't be fans and follow us, but when we need your money come to shows. And buy the record when it comes out. And fully embrace the new lineup. Don't expect us to update you about anything though....'

I'm sure that we all would click the disconnect button if we could but in many ways I don't think that'll ever happen until Axl dies or this stupid record comes out.

It won't leak until the album is put into production. Only high level executives have access to the tracks, so unless someone steals a band member's iPod, then we're shit out of luck.

I would assume there will be a digital download prior to the hard copy to help prevent sales loss and all that, so I think unless it's an old demo being hoarded, the chance for a leak is a moot point.