Here Today... Gone To Hell!

/jarmo

Here's another vocal performance I don't understand. Maybe the worn down sound is intentional? With all the superb vocals found elsewhere on the album, that's all I'm left to assume. This, like "If The World" is one I find most different from what a casual GN'R fan would expect. It's a welcome change though. The sample section in the middle is very inventive and a nice layer over the solo. I could do without all the vocal layers from the middle on. The vocal performance and layering force a lower score for an other wise great song.
3.5/5

What the f is "My'd own denial"?

I think it remains true to the live version, which I've always liked-great song

The first time i listened to it in RIR2001 i fell in love with it! I think this song is magic! The work done by Axl with the speeches MLK, Braveheart, etc....its genius!!! What he means by it so powerfull!!

I dont trust that pile of plop booklet. I'm pretty sure its supposed to be "marred in denial".

Its a total buzz killer reading along with the lyrics and finding innacurate lyrics, missing lines and verses, verses jumbled up.  :no:

Could be my favourite song on the album.  : ok:

I was disappointed with this song. I had such high expectations for the finished version, but I think it sounds better when they have performed it live. It is still a great song it just sounds like the tempo is a little too slow compared to the live version.

i personally hate this song... never liked it. never will. it's the worst song on the record for me... it's my "you're crazy" from AFD. The one song that makes it nearly perfect as a whole.

The tempo does seem slower, I thought that about Better as well. I thought my cd player must be on its way out.

"MIRED" in denial.

I liked the crazy penguins, but otherwise it wasn't as good as Finding Nemo...

I think the worn down sound is intentional.  That sound fits the emotional context of the song.  He's a man that's been wounded, broken and worn down by the world, but by the end of the song has summoned the will to defiantly say "I won't be told anymore, that I've been brought down in this storm, and left so far out from the shore, that I can't find my way back, my way anymore."  By the end of the song, he really feels those lyrics and screams them out.

Ali

Michael J. Fox!!!!

it's the best damn song I have ever heard.

Like I said about the Blues, er, Street of Dreams, it sounds weird hearing a studio version after all these years. It's not a bad thing, but it's almost like a brand new song, albeit one you're very familiar with. Kind of like running into your exact double on the street.

I think all the songs sound better than the leaks with the exception of this one. I really love this song but it is just not as good as some of the leaks I have heard. One part that bothers me is that the solo seems like it is drowned out and it was one of my favorite parts.

They have definitely made the samples louder than the solo.  I love both so it's kind of hard to decide what was the right choice there.

I agree i didnt like this track live and like it even less finished although only disliking one record on an album is a personal record.
1/5

I think it is "marred" in denial too?  The lyrics in the CD should clear that up!

???If you go to myspace when the song is playing on the player and point over the photo of the CD....
It says release date 10/10/2009???

wonder if that is a typo or another release date for a seperate CD?


It's A really special song and nice to hear it on the new CD.

I to don't know what happen here. Axl singing this song live sounds better then whats on the album. And this still sounds like the demo. i give it 2/5 not feeling the album verson like i was thinking i would.  keep in mind i'm rateing the album versons of all songs. Madagascar is still a great song don't get me wrong.

His voice is too raspy on this track. I prefered the cleaner tone of the live versions

I listened to this song straight after listening to Breakdown on UYI 2, and the difference in raspy vocal styles was minimal.

Get over what you hoped it would be and just accept what it is now. Its a wonderfully emotional and moving song, Axl is in the moment and for all we know he could have been feeling particuarly chocked up and emotional when he recorded this and decided, for the integrity of the song, that take was the one to keep.

lol  You can't order people to like something...

I didn't like the vocals at first either as a big fan of the old live versions. Second listen I think they work beautifully. Just have to accept he changed the emphasis after 01.

He was only singing it the way he did in RIR 3 because his voice was out of practice and weak lol

If they dont like it for what it is then fine. If they dont like it because they wish it was something they had imagined it would be, then thats different.

My favorite performance was RIR3, but I have to accept on the final cut those vocals were the ones chosen.

I cant dislike this song because a few old live shows were different, I could only do that if this version was truly pathetic, and its not, its still very powerful

Probably my favorite track from the whole entire cd. I've loved it since I first heard it a long time ago, it still hasn't lost its hook to me. There's only one gripe from me about it - the vocals. I like the rasp and hoarse voice but it doesn't quite fit as well as it did live (yes I know live is always much more different).

Anyways, a fine point in the album for me.

 8)

I agree. I can't stand his voice in the beginning. I'd actually rather listen to the 2002 Soundboard versions of it live. But it's still a great song. One of their best.

I'm a massive fan of the song and the lyrics. However this and Street of Dreams just seems like the vocals aren't quite right/finished.

Maybe my favorite song still

I mean once u factor in I've been listening for 7 years and I STILL LOVE IT just as much as the first time.

This next to This I Love is the best ballad on the album.

Im still surprised that Buckethead is the only one playing solo bits on the studio version.

ohh  :nervous:, since i heard this song in 2002 i was really impressed, i love the song, i dont have the cd yet, and im waiting to have it to heard the songs (not myspace for me), im a little bit nervous by why you guys are saying, it looks like the live ones sound better than the album version.

it just depends,
everyone has different preference as to Axls vocals on this song,
the 2006/-7 live performances sound most like the studio version (not suprising)
with the deep raspy slower vocals,

but if you prefer the 01/02/RIR3 vocals, with the cleaner higher pitched vocals
then it takes a little getting used to in this version,

but I can understand why he chose the deeper vocals as it conveys more feeling for the songs mood.

this song is magic

why is the song called madagascar?
sorry if this is a stupid question.

for me, i think that though it certainly is "mighty" it's the weakest for me on the record



sidenote* please axl, we need OMG

So Madagascar sucks, but OMG is a great song?

 :rofl:

Both songs are great I believe...

Madagascar used to be connected to what is now mainland Africa, but over the course of millions of years through tectonic changes in the earths crust, Madagascar became seperated and isolated.
I consider it a metaphoric name choice symbolising Axls breakaway and isolation from the old band.

The lyrics seems to back that up, but like a lot of Axl songs they are a little ambiguous and other connections can be found in the songs meaning. Human rights and slavery and the refusal to be completely beaten for example.

But the title is definently a metaphor for seperation.

hello, i don't know who you are or where you left your brain sorry :-\

my opinion is that it's the weakest song on this record, that doesn't mean i think it sucks since the record has such high standards, another opinion of mine is that there could have been more asskicking rock songs, like OMG, a song that is very very underrated IMO

Oh My God is one my favourite new GNR songs, whats not to like? : ok:

Madagascar doesnt seem to be have been produced to the same quality as other songs. The guitars and strings at some parts seem far to low in the mix. Bucketheads solo is drowned out by the samples which is odd.

Its the one song I keep going back to even though I've played it to death over the years.

i love how its slowed down a bit and i love the new drums during the sample and solo.  mastered version sounds great.

Yup... this song has to be about the break-up of the original band.  "Forgive them that tear down my soul"... gotta be.

I just walked in and it was playing(im a weirdo and leave the radio on all day for my dog while Im gone) on 97.9 loop in Chicago. The DJ commented that he loved the song, got the album over the weekend, and had to listen to it a few times before getting into it as a whole. He said maddy was his fav cut. I myself took a few listens with most all the songs also exept for maybe Better and TWAT which hooked me from the get.

Any other songs being played anywhere?

Yeah man, to add to ur comment, I heard prostitute on the loop as well. The dj playing it loves the cd and played almost every song I think over the course of the weekend, pretty sweet.

I fucking hate how people call it "maddy", it's disguisting ::)
Anyway, interesting that Prostitute is getting airplay, that's probably the least radio friendly song on the album. Extremely complex.

Heard Pretty Tied Up on SIRIUS Hair Nation today....

Boston,MA area:
WAAF - Better, IRS, Catcher in the Rye and Chinese Demcracy
WBCN:  Chinese Democracy
Rock 101 (NH) - Chinese Democracy, IRS and Catcher in the Rye

Those are the ones I have heard while driving the last few days

are u kiddin', that would be my first pic for radio!!

extremely complex? i wouldn't go that far. i can't really say what i really think about that song because my comment would just be deleted but i think with a title like Prostitute it could have been ALOT better.

as far as radio goes the station i listen to suck but its either listen to them or a station that doesn't even play Metallica because they're "to hard" or listen to a even softer rock station and i just can't take that shit :no:

so no i haven't heard any other song on the radio besdies CD. I've tried telling them that Better is out now too but they claim that its not and that the other stations i've refered too probably have gotten a siece and decist letter ::) i just wanna call 'em up and say fuck you i know what i'm talking about but i like winning shit off them :D

however, i was shocked when i heard that this one radio station i just happen to flip through at my work that usually plays the "hottest jams" say that CHINESE DEMOCRACY came out. but after that the dj just talked shit for the next 2 minutes

i hate Nebraska.....

im more interested in the part of you leaving the radio on for your dog, he feels lonley whith out it or what?

than you should move to the city :hihi:

92.3 K Rock in NYC/NJ Played the whole album without interuption twice over the weekend and played every song off the album several times over the course of the weekend every hour on the hour...I heard Prostitute about 4 times, same with just about every song on the album... : ok:

If I heard Madagascar on the radio while driving I would probably fall asleep and kill somebody.  Kidding, but not really single material if you ask me.  Same with Catcher in the Rye. 

I've only been playing theCD in my car so I haven't been listening to the radio.

 The dj's in milwaukee on 102.9 the hog HATE Chinese Democracy. I called in to request Better when it came out on radio, and the "Gasman" was like "You like that piece of crap? They should call it Much Much Worse. But hey, this isn't about me, it's about you guys. I guess I can play it for you."  I was like WTF?

Madagascar "maddy...haha" was playing on Y 108 in toronto as well....I'd just missed it, and caught patience instead.

From what I've heard, Radio stations are saying fuck it, and just playing whatever songs they want. I've also hear that This I love has been played quite a bit.

This is DEFINITELY a good thing for the band and the album.

Kinda off the original topic, but in-line with your question.

As a kid, I went to a rural school. We had a long driveway I had to walk down to meet the bus. Anyway, in the wintertime, I could hear music. I thought I was insane. If it were just quiet enough, I could make out music and voices and everything. I finally asked my dad about it, feeling I was nuts.

Turns out, our neighbor, about 3/4 of a kilometer away, leaves the radio on 24/7 for his cattle in the barn during the winter.

you sure the DJ wasn't Vince Neil ? :rofl:

i'm glad the radio stations that you guys listen to are liking the album, i think that most thats been said about it is that its "ok" or "not bad" or "shit"

i really hope This I Love makes it as a single, its such a beautiful song that'll get the laddies hooked immediatly. Its just that vaginal but i still love it cause its so awesome, i can't say enough about that song. An instant classic

:peace:

Better has been getting regular play on 97.7 HTZ-FM in St. Catharines, Ontario.  Chinese Democracy is #1 on their daily song countdown, Better is in the #6 spot.  They played everything on the disc throughout the weekend.

It would easily be topping all your lists of the best songs on the album, right up there with This I Love! There is no denying that the song is a fucking masterpiece, yet because most of you heard it years ago you don't give it the credit it deserves and it doesn't rank high at all on people's lists over album favourites, hell I don't even see a fucking thread for it! That's not fair at all! GIVE MADAGASCAR THE PRAISE IT DESERVES!!!! :rant:

yeah its an awsome song, one of the best tracks on the album

but..... like u said we've all heard it years ago, and its a bit like an old GNR song to me now ?

Well it's not anymore of an "old" GN'R song than other songs that have been played live for some years now, like Street of Dreams, Chinese Democracy and Rhiad N' the Bedouins (yes I know that one was played live only way back). The point I am trying to make is that people don't give the other songs we've heard live the same treatment, and I know for a fact that when people first heard Madagascar live most people were blown away by it! All I am saying is that now that we have an awesome studioversion of this masterpiece, it's a damn shame to see it receive almost no attention at all!

I remembered when they told us that band is holding "big guns" for album, I assumed it's "Madagascar" and other ones! But when I heard "Sorry", "This I love"... It changed my opinion. I'm not saying that "Madagascar" is a bad song, but I don't play it like  I used to four years ago!

i think we all know its an amazing song, but i think people are just too excited about the new ones we have only just heard ?

in time when were familiar with all the songs i think people will start to respect it more  : ok:

That's fair enough and understandable that you play songs we've never heard before more, what I am disappointed in is the fact that Madagascar doesn't get the credit it deserves as one of the absolute gems on the album, whether we've heard it before or not.

I understand you completely! But I'm afraid that time killed "Madagascar"!  :(

"Killed Madagascar"? I understand your point, but seriously, if you heard Don't Cry before its release, would it kill the song for you?
Madagascar is still the masterpiece it was on the 14th of January 2001, and I don't understand how time can take away from that.
I'm only saying that now that the record is finally out we can finally make the final judgment on this song, and it should get the respect it deserves.

I think you have a bit of a point there, but at the same time the album version of the song isn't a patch on the Rock In Rio one. A lot of the passion is gone ; it just seems to have lost some emotion. In general, I really like the album - I'm not a moaner. But out of all the songs, I think Madagascar has really suffered. It had so much potential - its a shame. And why did they change the Rock In Rio guitar solo? That was utterly crazy. The one on the record doesn't come even close.

This is a very good point, and the responses here only further prove it.

The point here is simple, if you had only heard Madagascar the couple of times you attended a live show,  then right now it wouldn't feel like an old GNR song to you. Because of leaks and bootlegs, some of you have been listening to a song for years that was just released on sunday! It's a perfect example of why the band must have been so frustrated. It was your choices to listen to the music before the album's release, and then it's easy to sit here and make it sound like it's GNR's fault that you're used to a song, or that you don't like some of the changes from a live recording of a show a bunch of years ago.

Don't get me wrong, I really love "Madagascar". Especially when I heard it for the first time. And what I meant "time killed the song" it was all that impatience for album and new songs! And what Million said, his totally right, they changed it, and it doesn't sound like it used to!

I am pretty sure the quotes in the middle section were very important to Axl. I read that if the King family would have not allowed him to use MLK's "I Have A Dream" quotes he would have not released the song. That said, it seems that Axl's vision of this song places more importance on the quotes for the middle section that in the solo. I think it ends up great... This album has plenty of tasty solos, I can deal with one being low in the mix for some great quotes.

This song is great... One of my faves.

Time has had an effect but I still love Axl's voice coming out of that Bucket solo. It is honestly my favorite moment on the album.

spot on for the historical american democracy moment, I reckon. 8)

Madagascar is an absolute masterpiece. That's really all that can be said. Powerful, masterfully produced, Axl's vocals are really something else on this track. It was one of the best tracks during all the leaks, and it's one of the best tracks now. I hope this track becomes rightfully realized as a modern classic.

Seems like just about everyone is bothered by the final version of the song

I have demo's which were much more powerful

A shame, could have been the best song

Still darn good

  I agree alot with this post, but if that is the case release the album first and tour after. It is not 91 anymore or 76 or otherwise don't complain.

well i have heard the final version

i love it, i loved the old versions, but i have always loved the raspy Axl voice, and it goes perfect with the song.

'Madagascar' is in my top 3 songs from the album, it is such a powerful song. I used to play the RIR3 and other soundboard versions almost on a daily basis at one point! I really like the final mix, I agree that the Buckethead solo from RIR3 was the best but I think the solo had to be toned down a bit in order for the quotes to really stand out and it has worked because I get chills every time I hear that part. Another thing I really like about the final mix is the layered vocals at the end. I remember the excitement of seeing them perform this at the 2002 VMA's and the hairs standing up on my neck as I watched in awe. I think the song is definately about the seperation from the old band and the turmoil of recording new material -

I won't be told anymore
That I've been brought down in this storm
And left so far out from the shore
That I can't find my way back, my way anymore
Forgive that they teared down my soul
Bless them that they might grow old
And free them so that they may know
That it's never too late

I think these lyrics in the verses are aimed at all the people who said Axl was a washed up has been and couldn't make it without the former members. 'Everybody's acting like we can do anything and it don't matter what we do, maybe we gotta be extra careful because maybe it matters more than you even know' I think is aimed at the critics and fans who were always complaining about the length of time the album was taking, Axl was being extra careful because he knew this album was going to matter more than anything he'd ever released in his career before.

'Im free of all the chains we had together' and 'I have a dream, Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty we are free at last' I think are about Axl having a dream to take Guns in a new direction and the other members not supporting this new sound, he eventually had to break freem from them, didn't Axl even say in an interview that being made to record with the old band would be like a 'prison sentence'? The original band had a 'Failiure to communicate', Axl really is a genius for re-using this sample as it now has so many meanings. I could go on and on about why I believe this song is about the old band and the split but it seems obvious really, however these are just my interpretations.

Can anyone else name a current song that deals with such powerful themes? The closest I can think of is Life Your Life, just off the top of my head (but even that doesn't quite reach the same level as this song). U2 would come close, but Under A Blood Red Sky/Joshua Tree era.

There is so much strength to this song - the words, the lyricism, the delivery, the sound bytes.

Sure there are elements of autobiography but the overall meaning is bigger than all of us.

What amazes me is how the samples fit right into the rhythm or is it the other way around.



BTW I am really astounded that there is a thread running that aims to vote off the least favorite song - and this is one of them!

 :no:  Dr Martin Luther King's speech is one of the the most inspirational of the 20th century.


*raises fist into the air*

finalversion is amazing.
the most powerfull song on the cd

Absolutely.
Not necessarily my favorite, or what i think is the best... but for depth of meaning and lyrical artistry, this song is unreal.

At the close of what feels like a rough year at what is hopefully the end of a long journey in my life, this song serves as an anthem. A cry of defiance and serious intent.

I won't be told anymore
That I've been brought down in this storm
And left so far out from the shore
That I can't find my way back, my way, anymore.

Graduated today, quite drunk now. There was this girl I liked, but with the things I've seen today, this song has never felt more close as it has today, specially the line

I've searched and found the ways you used to lure me in

So fuck you and the guy I earlier today was so happy to have as my friend.

Oh no I won't be told anymore..

I love Madagascar! I'll never forget the first time I heard part of it at the VMA's in 2002. It totally blew me away then, and it still blows me away now!

If it's right what you said about the song being about old/new band stuff, I would totaly loose my respect for Axl.

I get your point guys, about the voice. Personaly I'm fine with it. But I think I would also pick the live version from Rio then the album one. But I still like the album version. The only thing that's bit frustrating, is the opening sound of that "brass synth"(I'd call it). It seems like it's the same one, they were using during the shows, but sounds bit strange here.
Anyway, I realy like the song and the lyrics and the fact, that next to If The World, it's something different from the other songs on the album and different from many many songs we know.
Is there a way to find out what these famous words "My'd..." should be? It bothers me since I've first heared the song.


The funniest thing about Madagascar is, while played live in 2002 in Osaka, the drums started the song as if it had 5/4 time signature and then the keys brought it back to 4/4. Funny. 

That performance of Madagascar was incrrrrrrrrrrrrrrredible :beer:

I did cry when I heard it that first time.

By contraries, I've really taken to the voice on the album. very expressive of quiet grief.

I think the Rio version of Madagascar was timeless. I do enjoy the album version though.

Loved it. And I thought the album was half a year away...

That live version is pretty special
I think iprefere the way he sings it in that version too

A truly brilliant song, Axl really delivers on this one. This song has really impressed some of my non-GNR fan friends

I have friends who don't like GnR but love this song too. It has some very powerful emotions. This has been my favorite GnR song for years

A lot of people bash the 02 vma performance, but i thought that version of Madagascar was phenomenal.  :drool:

I love the album version as well : ok:

I agree. That performance at the VMA's was great (IMO).

AA.

I kept thinking about Madagascar as I watched Barack Obama's Inauguration celebration yesterday. It is too bad that Chinese Democracy wasn't released earlier, and Madagascar was released as a single so the mass would already be familiar with it. You know, if this album was promoted proper like as it deserved. It really fits the whole theme of right now. It would have been so amazing and appropriate for Axl to have performed this yesterday. On the dawn of MLK Jr. day and Barack's big day tomorrow. I love this song, and really love Barack. I feel this is such a triumphant time. Wasted opportunity for Madagascar to have been part of such an historic and wonderful time. Oh well.

I agree. I played it first thing this morning on the way to work!

never mind. both obama administration and cd have just started. there will be other oppotunities. 

Madagascar grew on me.  It kinda had to, it's got a heart and a meaning and a message and you gotta be ready to hear it.

"Let me tell you a story..."  this bit just...it's got such a positive message, y'all are right it should probably have been performed at the inauguration celebration.  But I think it's kinda directed to the world as a whole, not just the USA. :3

My friend Barack Obama is not just for the U.S.A. either. Under Barack Obama the world will change.

Forgive that they teared down my soul
Bless them that they might grow old
And free them so that they may know
That it's never too late

I am planning on getting these lined tattoo'd before I see my next gnr show. Every person gets something different from lyrics. These words helped me so much that I want them as a reminder forever.
amyl

Damn, those really are amazing lyrics. Stunning.

Barack is our President now. Life is so fucking beautiful today.

That is my favorite part of the song.

those lyrics are even more amazing when you consider how hurtful and destructive some people have been to axl.  the fact that former bandmates and ex girlfriends could do everything in their power to ruin axl, but he still asks god to forgive them there trespasses speaks VOLUMES about what an amazing guy axl is.  if it was me, and slash tried to sue me and drag my name through the mud i probably would never even consider forgiving him.  but axl is truly a special man with a heart as big as any the world has ever known.  i'm so glad he could put all his inspiring, selfless emotions into song so we could all share.

I agree. It would have been perfect. It really fits the issues raised yesterday.

Isn't it interesting how/telling that the samples start with "I'm gonna tell you a story"?

I bet some people just think they put random samples there because it sounds cool.  :D




/jarmo

Hopefully they aren't that stupid.  ::)  :hihi:

totally true.  there's so much to appreciate in that song, from the organs to the symphony orchestra to the spoken word part.  it's like a million layers of sonic expression, so yeah i can see that it might take people a few listens to apprecaite all that is going on.  it is very cool that they start the spoken word part with a sample that explains 'i'm going to tell you a story.'  that  way it is literally like its telling you a story.  but i wonder why they didn't find a sample that had something about 'this is the end' or 'now sing it one more time..." (leading into the final chorus)

I don't think I've fully grasped the meaning of the song but I'm guessing it's something to do with both the evolution of the band and that of human society.

You know, not everybody pays attention to stuff like lyrics.

 :nervous:



/jarmo

I just adore the lyrics in this song. They're beautiful and so so powerful. REally inspiring.

I'm loving this song again right now.  The sample section is still badass even after hearing it for years now.

Freedom infers responsibility.

I'm listening to that inaugural address again feeling some of the sentences correspond to the song.

that greatness is never a given. It must be earned.

since adam and eva left paradise we will never be able to find our way back any more but

"With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children?s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God?s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."

just a random thought. 

who do you think Axl is referring to when he says forgive them they tear down my soul, bless them that they may grow old, etc?

You.

Im honored :love:

I watched the film 'Casualties of War' last night. Just had a little read about it on wikipedia

'A quote from Michael J. Fox's character was sampled in the song "Madagascar" in the Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy'

3:36 to 3:44 you can hear Mr Fox speaking and also from the same film I'm pretty sure Sean Penn is quoted at 4:01 to 4:07

I'd recommend this film, maybe it was part of the inspiration for the song itself

 : ok:

I know this is out of the blue, but at most bars and stuff, does anyone know why Madagascar can't be found on a jukebox? These are even internet type machines, where you can search for a song-has anyone else noticed this? Can anyone think of a reason why?

not to fond of this song

the narration reminds me of the tower of babel.

Is the rest of the album there?

I like the lyrics

I don't think it's necessarily a slight at the song.  I checked the jukebox at a bar a few weeks back and they had a number of CD songs, but not them all.  I don't think "Madagascar" was on there, but neither was "Shackler's Revenge" and a few others.  They probably just randomly select songs from albums.  I played quite a few CD songs that night for my own enjoyment.  It was loud though so people hardly noticed.

In some way, I can see them both being related to each other. Having audio samples and telling a story.

why not ask the band directly..... im not trying to kill the thread, just thought you might get a straight answer   : ok:

http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/board/index.php?topic=56162.140 (http://www.heretodaygonetohell.com/board/index.php?topic=56162.140)

Other than the Cool Hand Luke sample I see no connection. Both are great songs...Although live Madgascar always seemed a bit drawn out to me.

I sorta can see the connection. Or no point in using the same quote, I'd imagine.

Why does it have to be 'civil war' and not simply 'war'? What's so civil about war, anyway?

When did they have the Civil war? in 1860s or during the illusion era? Or maybe any time anywhere there are civil wars.

Providing that the civil war was about the then ongoing one anyone in the band then was involved, the wartime and the aftermath must be reflected on in broader perspective in Madagascar.

naa wardey I think this is a q only axl can answer.
but maybe GNRFAN20 could post it to the Madagascar thread.  :yes:

edit: jarmo is quick bout his work.   :D

The Civil War  did happen in the 1860's. The connection is their with Civil War being the beginning and Madagascar being the aftermath.

I'm listening to this song right now and I that song has an effect on me that I can't explain, I feel the same way since the first time I heard it on RIR3.

Amazing song, the speech part makes gives me goosebumps everytime I listen.

This along with CD (the song) is my least favorite song on the album but I still enjoy it.  Guess that shows how much I like CD (the album)  :P

 I appreciate the studio version.

when i heard the title I thought of Darwinism.

Hey amigo, what's up? :)

Actually I found out the other day how the second verse ("if we ever find this truth..." or something like that) has a similar backing vocal track as the way Axl sang in RIR3, in a sad and low voice. It was a cool addition, I don't remember listening live or in demos.

This is my new favorite GNR track.

We don't talk much about this track cause it's been around forever since Guns New year shows in Vegas, but had this song been kept secret until the release, I'm sure it'd have been everyone's favorite.

Drums in Madagascar are simply awesome.  At 2'23" love how they kick in and the guitar blasting leading up to Axl's last verse and solo.

They played in Madrid in 2006, very close to the finale. I hope Madagascar makes the cut and it's played constanly throughout the next tour.

Actually the firts time it got played was in Rio 2001, not Vegas. :)

The way the quotes are done still give me goose bumps every time I listen to it. 

I was listening to the song earlier today as I was out "enjoying" the chilly weather and I gotta agree with you on that.


It's easy to just not pay attention to them because they don't have Axl singing, but when you do pay attention, it definitely adds something to the song.



/jarmo

IMO, the best song on the album.

The studio version and seeing it live changed my opinion of the song dramatically. You can never rely on boots.

I still love the performance of the song during the VMA montage.  Vocally it was Axl's best work that night.

Ahhhh........someone else who enjoys listening to music in the brisk cold air outside while walking. There's nothing like it! I love it! Cheers to that Jarmo!  : ok:

Still one of the best performances of Madagascar ever :smoking:

Love this song...I was watching an old bootleg from Budapest, '06...yup, that's the one.  Axl does something unique towards the end...he goes just a little bit higher on one of the last "I've been brought down in this sto-ooorm, ohhh" that just works so fucking well.  Like Jarmo had mentioned, goosebumps every time!   :peace:

Such a beautiful song.   :beer:

This is one of those songs that is superb in a live setting. This song has been a favourite of mine since I first watched Rock In Rio 2001. The simple keyboard melody, the guitar fills and then the epic voice montage during the solo. At a show, I especially love looking around the crowd during the voice montage, and see people sit back and appreciate the message in the words.


Lee

I'm the same! Definitely one of my favourite ways to relax!

Anyway, I thought I'd throw in my two cents on "Madagascar".

When I first heard it (many moons ago now!) I thought it was an incredible song, but - for some reason - when the album was released I found that I skipped it in favour of listening to other tracks. Perhaps because I'd already heard it? I don't know...

However, I've now found myself falling in love with it all over again! There seems to be some debate over Axl's vocals in this one (I skim read this thread before posting) and, personally, I really like the raspier ones - I think they really suit the track.  They portray the right kind of emotions for the song. Don't get me wrong, I liked the clean vocals on the live versions, but I just prefer this version. ;)

This would be a fantastic track for a single... Can you imagine what the video would be like? I'm thinking epic!

It was one of my favorites from the beginning.  I sometimes wonder what the lyrics were inspired by.

When he premiered the song in 2001 during his first show back on the big stage with a new Guns line up he said "hopefully it will express my sentiments", I took it to be about the aftermath of the break up of the old band and Axl's determination to carry on despite the pain, hardship and lies written about him in the media.

I was listening once again CD from top to bottom yesterday. During Madagascar I got this feeling of being in the middle of the ocean during a fn' storm! I kinda almost felt the waves pushing me. It was awesome how the rythm and orchestration of this wonderful song created those images in my mind. It was like a viceoclip  ;D

I've listened to this great song countless of times but never felt this before. Just wanted to share!  :beer:

under the influence of what? ;D

Under the influence of beautiful music at loud volume.

I was also lying on bed, maybe a bit asleep I guess...

47 years ago today, Martin Luther King, did his vocals for Madagascar  :hihi:

Nice  : ok:

It's a great, totally unique song.

A great title (analogy), with great and timeless lyrics both in terms of subject matter, depth and the chorus itself. I remember hearing and watching this for the first time during the Rio III show on some crusty old VHS tape I got my hands on. As Axl stares open-eyed at the amazing and vast crowd, smiles/jokes with Tommy (he's wearing a wifebeater with a red star), dedicates it and the theme begins... *goosebumps*

The performance of this song in Budapest in '06 gives me chills still. We were down there and it was a semi-chaotic beginning that turned in to a triumphant night. Axl goes all out on Maddie here and jives on the chorus - much like he and Bumble/Tommy have added "uh-uhs" inbetween the opening and ending a-capella of Better on the tour in 2009/2010 now.