Mabye I'm cheating, I play madagascar on vinyl, I have a Technics 1210 turntable so I can speed up and slow down songs with the pitch adjustment.

I play Maddy at a higher tempo and it sounds sweet. I'm used to Axls vocals now, but I agree the definitive version for me as well is Rio. That said I thought the 02 version was pretty sweet as well. I would love to here Maddy from the lost Vegas show, where no audio exists, I wonder what stage Axls voice was at at that show, a year after Rio.

I was hoping for more interesting drumming during the bridge on the album, it just chugs along, and the guitar solo should be higher in the mix than the samples and strings. If that section was mixed better it would transform the song.

I dont get the continued love for TWAT, yes Buckets solo is glorious, truly one of the most enjoyable I've heard in my life. I listened last night through headphones, smoking some green, and my ears were more intuned than ever. Its a flawless solo and one that makes you inspired to pick up the guitar to try emulate him.

But apart from that? C'mon the first half of that song is basically fucking drivel. I cant bear that shite anymore, and practically skip that song all the time.

I wanted ITW out early but you all picked off my favourites first. Now I circle the sky waiting to pick off the weak ones.

4 of the ones left I'd happily bin before mulling over the 2 remaining.

I picked ITW cause it sucks fucking ass.

Highway To Hell was the theme for Summerslam in 98!

Awsome read, I had to tackle it in a couple of sittings though. Still a bit fuzzy on the "cycle" concept, but 10/10 for originality.

I also loved your desciption of Madagascar and I still find the original performance chilling and moving. It is still my favourite song on the album though even with the power chords, I find the flaws of the album version are typical of the whole album - moments of sheer brilliance are overshadowed by unneccecary indulgance.

Its also a sad read in a way, instead of rejuvinating the online community this release has signalled the end of the line for many people, yourself one of them obviously.

I like the idea of taking a holiday from the boards, it might help focus on the music again instead of the BS surrounding the band. I might just look out for news of a tour or album appearing in my newspaper instead of checking the depressing fan boards every other day.