Guns N' Fuckin' Roses: Chinese Democracy November 23 (Best Buy exclusive)

[Brett H.]

Guns N' Roses long-awaited new album, Chinese Democracy, is to be released in the US on 23 November.

The album will come out ahead of the regular Tuesday release slot in US music store Best Buy, according to Billboard magazine.

The rock band's last record, their covers collection The Spaghetti Incident?, came out in 1993.

Their new song Shackler's Revenge will debut on the soundtrack of video game Rock Band 2 ahead of the album release.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7662833.stm

----

I will be buying this album for sure. Finally, one worth dropping dime for.

[Cody]

Their new song Shackler's Revenge will debut on the soundtrack of video game Rock Band 2 ahead of the album release.

Another song, "If the World", plays over the end credits of the Ridley Scott movie that comes out today, Body of Lies.

[The Dream Master]

"The Guys From Blade Are Attached."

Seriously, it'll be crazy if this actually gets released after all this time.

[Chex]

I'll believe it when I see it. Even then, I'm not rushing out to pick this up. I really haven't heard anything about this either probably because every year there's a release date and every year it goes by. It really should have tons of hype surrounding it, but I guess you can only cry wolf so many times before it falls on deaf ears. :(

[Esten]

How long has this sucker been shelved?

[Deathscythe]

Anybody remember that if Axl Rose released this album in 2008 everyone will get a free Dr. Pepper?

[The Dream Master]

How long has this sucker been shelved?

Axl started work on this bitch in 1994. :eek:

It truly is the FvJ of the horror world.

[Esten]

So Axl is like Englund in FvJ? Does that mean he's gonna rule, but everything else on the album be subpar? :X

[Harmonic Bond]

Ehhh. Too little too late. This would have been great in 1994. Gun's and Roses with an industrial slant? I would have bought that. I was as much of a part of Use your Illusion mania than anyone, but the fans have moved on to other, and frankly, better things. It's mind bending how different my tastes in music is to back then. For me, there's no going back.

No way this lives up to the hype machine. I'm thinking it's the worst entry in the G&R catalog (not a hard thing to do, there aren't very many weak entries). Axl would be better off not releasing it, let it keep it's mysterious identity. Don't actually let people know it sucks. Tell people the leaks are "not finalized."

However, G&R fans should take heart. The sooner this tanks, the sooner the reunion bus gets cranked up. I'm thinking Slash and Co. are back in by 2011.

[Brett H.]

In my opinion, there is no nor will there be a hype machine created by the band. Best Buy will promote the hell out of it and that'll be that. Guns N' Roses does things their own way and always will.

[Chex]

In my opinion, there is no nor will there be a hype machine created by the band.

I somewhat agree. I do believe there was some hype over the years, but now it's become more of a "will this supposed album ever come out?" To me, that's all that's really left. The last perfect time for this release would have been around 2002 due to GnR's peformance at the MTV VMA's, but by a year after that I noticed there wasn't much talk about any the album anymore (from fans).

[Jason's Storm]

SO what took him so long to release it? Did he forget, he shoved it up his ass??:confused:

~JS

[Brett H.]

I think what weighed Axl down was a lot of legal trouble, poor performances when he was out of shape and people just not being able to deal with him. When members would quit, Axl would put everything on hiatus. I really think it was supposed to come out in 2002 and then 2006 because I can't see his nutty ass touring for no reason. I mean, look where he is at now. He can't even tour the album if he wanted to because Finck is with NIN and I hear Stinson may have quit. Brain said he'd be back when the album is released.

I also think when CD is released, Axl will want to keep it on the downlow because the people saying "15 years for this?" will bog it down way too much. He could have released the best album of all time and people would still say it. He creates situations for himself that he can't possibly win. I just can't wait to get an official tracklist. Some of the leaks people talk about as being finished, I don't think they are. In some tracks Axl's voice is really good, then the next it's hit and miss and I can't see Axl ever slacking around with his vocals.

No one really knows for sure, but that's my best guess.

[nottidelterrore]

I don't care about this too much & don't think it'll be as good as their classic stuff. Get the old line-up back together & make some great music.

I love Axl but the dude seems to be a crazy twat nowadays. Or has been one. I don't know.

[Sean [The Wildcard]]

Can't say I'm looking forward to it.

Maybe if it was in 1994, then I would be.

Now...not so much.

[Brett H.]

To be fair to Axl, have you guys heard the stuff the other guys have released? It has nothing on Chinese Democracy. Not even Contraband does. VR could have, but Scott Weiland is as useless as tits on a fucking bull and drug them down.

[Chex]

I think what weighed Axl down was a lot of legal trouble, poor performances when he was out of shape and people just not being able to deal with him. When members would quit, Axl would put everything on hiatus. I really think it was supposed to come out in 2002 and then 2006 because I can't see his nutty ass touring for no reason.

Not being able to be completely happy with what he's got was a major cause for delay. He's recorded enough material to fill up over seven more cd's, but some just weren't to liking, he had problems with this and that, etc. It was the Use Your Illusions problem all over again, but this time he didn't have a band and other folks making him hurry up.

I honestly think half the time period this has been going on (perhaps even up to 2002) was that at a certain point he thought that since there was so much hype and focus on him and this legendary album, it had to be perfect. The flaw was that he took far too long and now all of that has faded away. Like what's been said, at this point people will simply just dismiss it with a "....oh. Hmmm. Well, not worth the wait".

About it's release date, everything was looking good around 1999/2000. The first big step was releasing the single for the End of Days soundtrack, getting the band to redo Sweet Child of Mine for the end credits on the film Big Daddy, and so forth and eventually come out with a bang. Obviously that didn't happen. Band members coming and going prolonged everything.

Then 2002 hits with the MTV VMA's and everything is looking good....and then legal troubles arise. More of the same old stuff and here we are in 2008.

To be fair to Axl, have you guys heard the stuff the other guys have released? It has nothing on Chinese Democracy. Not even Contraband does. VR could have, but Scott Weiland is as useless as tits on a fucking bull and drug them down.
The only thing worth mentioning is Velvet Revolver and while I somewhat enjoy them, everytime I hear them play I always think "...this is just slightly off. It's a miss. It's close to being something big, but it's missing something." That was my first thought when I didn't even know the band, let alone who was in it, playing. It's like a sub-par what could be now GnR.

I love Axl but the dude seems to be a crazy twat nowadays. Or has been one. I don't know.

He's always been that way since the very start. It's because of that though that the albums that were released are what they are, but it comes at a serious price: putting up with a crazy man like Axl. I mean come on, the guy changed his name to an anagram of the words "oral sex". Not like the rest of the band at the time were much better as they all ditched their friend when his addiction to drugs became too much, they were wasted, getting into fights with other bands, had a "don't give a fuck" mentality only below Axl's...it was a destructive force versus another destructive force.

Everyone seems to be in a better place mentally and physically and that even goes for Mr. Rose. If they were to all come together and overcome their problems, make amends and so forth, something spectacular could be accomplished once more. It's just the question of if that would ever happen. As it is, from what I've listened so far over the past years the new tracks are entertaining with some that are very cool with others that are meh. Like Velvet Revolver, it may turn out to be another missed opportunity that's a step below of what could have been.

At the least, maybe Rose will get in another "fight" with Tommy Hilfiger. :p

[Deathscythe]

The only thing worth mentioning is Velvet Revolver and while I somewhat enjoy them, everytime I hear them play I always think "...this is just slightly off. It's a miss. It's close to being something big, but it's missing something." That was my first thought when I didn't even know the band, let alone who was in it, playing. It's like a sub-par what could be now GnR.

Yeah Velvet Revolver is umm...dissapointing to say the least?

Oh well, Appetite for Destruction and the Use Your Illusions we'll always have.

[DavidDunn]

Really? Like, finally? I remember Eddie Trunk from VH1 classic hyping this bitch up on Metal Mania back in 2005. Y'know, the week when they had the first annual Rock Honors and they brought VHI Classic's metal programming to regular VHI in May of '05 to promote it. Needless to say, I taped Metal Mania every Saturday night that month and on the last week of it, Trunk was talking about his interview with Axl in his studio while introducing Sweet Child O'Mine. He said that it would be out that fall like, three years ago. This thing has really languished in development hell for that long ad I'm still excited.

[Harmonic Bond]

In my opinion, there is no nor will there be a hype machine created by the band. Best Buy will promote the hell out of it and that'll be that. Guns N' Roses does things their own way and always will.

How often do bands create their own hype? Outside of KISS, hardly ever. Just because the band, themselves, aren't hyping the album, doesn't mean it isn't being hyped. Hell, I listen to positively no hard rock, classic rock, and mainstream rock, yet even I'm familiar with the projected songs on the disc, the revolving lineup of the band, and many of the lately bat-shit crazy-isms of Axl.

For the most part, it's the media's fault for hyping the album and harping on the unusual gestation period for the disc. However, the plight of the artist is that they have to meet the expectations of the public to keep their line of work. In this very odd case, G&R is not only fighting the uphill battle of fighting the hype caused by an album that took 14 years to make, but they also have to have enough success to offset the 13.5 million bucks it took to produce. So ...... Rose has his work cut out for him.

[4BarrelHemi]

How often do bands create their own hype? Outside of KISS, hardly ever. Just because the band, themselves, aren't hyping the album, doesn't mean it isn't being hyped. Hell, I listen to positively no hard rock, classic rock, and mainstream rock, yet even I'm familiar with the projected songs on the disc, the revolving lineup of the band, and many of the lately bat-shit crazy-isms of Axl.

For the most part, it's the media's fault for hyping the album and harping on the unusual gestation period for the disc. However, the plight of the artist is that they have to meet the expectations of the public to keep their line of work. In this very odd case, G&R is not only fighting the uphill battle of fighting the hype caused by an album that took 14 years to make, but they also have to have enough success to offset the 13.5 million bucks it took to produce. So ...... Rose has his work cut out for him.

Oh believe me the album will be hyped the record company wants it's money back so they will throw all kinds of promo into this.

Basically what I've heard is the Greatest Hits albums came out to knock off a big chunk of the 13 million it took to make Chinese Democracy and apparently 2 more albums waiting to follow it. The album is done and has been turned into the record company for a few months it's just been delayed because they weren't sure how to release it properly until hopefully now.

Still I won't believe it's coming out in Nov til it's in my hands.

[Chex]

Oh believe me the album will be hyped the record company wants it's money back so they will throw all kinds of promo into this.

Very good point. I doubt the record company just wants to toss out something it's cost them millions for and hope they cash in.

[Brett H.]

That's where the Best Buy deal comes into place. They get mega bucks for the exclusivity of their product.

[Chex]

I doubt that would be enough for the company to not promote elsewhere though especially with the huge financial hole the album's already in.

[Brett H.]

Rumor has it Best Buy has already bought 3 million copies.

[The Dream Master]

Shit, I'm not even a huge G&R fan anymore, and I'll be there opening day just out of curiosity. I imagine that'll be the case for a lot of folks.

[Chex]

I'm sure that's helped the cost of it and has to make the execs breathe a little easier.

I wonder if or when the magazines will start running stories and spins about the band and the album.

ADDED: Curse you, DM! Posting seconds before me!

[CanadianFonzie]

wait...what?

if it's released than what happens to all the hype?

[4BarrelHemi]

I am also thinking they will push for it to be played on mainstream radio and if they can find a ballad or a rocker that will be a hit it'll help even more.

[Chex]

if it's released than what happens to all the hype?

The hype from Chinese Democracy and Sleep Away Camp: The Return that vanished thanks to these products actually being released (this is assuming that's what happens to the former) crosses over and merges with Duke Nukem: Forever. If that game is actually somehow released, the hype becomes an entity with enough power to mentally rape the galaxy and consume us all.

[4BarrelHemi]

Well.......the hype may once CD is released depending on how it does. Will probably go to when will the original GNR reunite.

That HYPE would be massive. :shy:

[Brett H.]

It's on Best Buy's website right now, 3 different covers and they're also releasing it on vinyl.

[4BarrelHemi]

That is a really strange and plain looking cover. :shifty:

[bearholic247]

It will be nice to finally hear the album considering it's taken so long. Still part of me will have to see it to believe it.

If Axl really wants this thing to succeed he'd actually find a way to complete a North American tour, something he failed to do in 2002 and 2006. It seems everytime Axl tries to tour he ends up canceling parts of his tour.

[4BarrelHemi]

I agree completing an North American tour would be a big step in the right direction. I remember having tickets to the show here in 06 and it being canceled.

It seems like he rarely does it in other countries though.

[Brett H.]

That is a really strange and plain looking cover. :shifty:

I thought so too, but I think the thing about that cover is it is supposed to be real. Axl was in China and took that photo. If you look in the background, you can see Guns N Roses graffiti on the wall (Great Wall, perhaps?) and he said that he did not put it there.

[4BarrelHemi]

Well if that story is true and sure it probably is based on Axl could have done anything and chose that then it's pretty cool.

Did it happen to say when the pic was taken?

[Brett H.]

Well if that story is true and sure it probably is based on Axl could have done anything and chose that then it's pretty cool.

Did it happen to say when the pic was taken?

Well, the story goes that it was at one of the band's first concerts in like '02 they actually showed the cover to the crowd, but pics never surfaced. So, for years people said something about a bike and a basket. Don't quote me on the Axl took it part, but it's something like this. I know for a fact he said something about GNR being spraypainted in the background along the lines of "I didn't put it there, so it must have been one of you fuckers." at an early concert.

Although, I don't think it's the Great Wall. If it was, the cover would have been awesome for that to have been real. But, I don't know much about the Great Wall and I doubt there'd be a bridge like that near it.

[4BarrelHemi]

Well that's cool I guess it had to have been put there pretty recent to the 02 show then.

The more I look at it it's not that bad kinda artsy like the Illusion covers in a way.

[Brett H.]

Potential promo Best Buys ads have leaked, including one which appears to have a new song (I won't be listening - no use now that the album is coming out. Better as a surprise):

http://popflashproductions.com/client/azoff/GNR14.mov
http://popflashproductions.com/client/azoff/GNR13.mov

(think there's a bunch with different numbers - how this wasn't password protected I will never know. Someone's gonna get fired over this!)

And if you go to #10, it's a new song featured that's not been heard before

[4BarrelHemi]

I guess someone removed it I can't access it.

I agree though no use in listening to any new songs now if its going to be released next month.

[Brett H.]

Chinese Democracy hits radio tomorrow as the first single from the album. I listened to a 30 second sample and the drums are twice as rocking than in the track we all know from the leaks. Sounds pretty pimp.

[4BarrelHemi]

Well it's about time they started releasing something seeing as how the album is supposedly coming out in a month :p

So the clip you heard is better than any of the leaked versions we've previously heard?

[Brett H.]

Well it's about time they started releasing something seeing as how the album is supposedly coming out in a month :p

So the clip you heard is better than any of the leaked versions we've previously heard?

http://www.streamaudio.com/Player/?station=WHDR_FM&filename=gnrchidemoclip.mp3

A little because of better drums. It's already a pretty good track. I think this is gonna be an album where you gotta listen to it a good three times before the tracks really kick in. I know when I first downloaded it, I was very unimpressed with Chinese Democracy and now I love it. Some like Catcher in the Rye and Madagascar are instant, but this one is a grower.

Can't wait to see a music video, Rolling Stone said there'd be one (they never said for which song, but I think it'd make sense).

[4BarrelHemi]

Wow yeah I do like how this is sounding better than the leaks from a few years ago.

It sounds less industrial that the leaks did and more of a rocking sound to it. I can't wait to hear this on the radio.

[nottidelterrore]

I wonder if John Connor & his red-mulleted friend Tim will blast any tracks from Chinese Democracy en route to the Galleria on a dirt bike?

[The Dream Master]

http://andersonpooper.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/t1000.jpg

The Galleria?

And of course Budnick will still be rocking to G&R.

[nottidelterrore]

And of course Budnick will still be rocking to G&R.

"Your foster parents are kinda dicks, huh?"

http://content8.flixster.com/photo/10/87/50/10875058_tml.jpg

Is it bad that I printed out a picture of John Connor & sometimes ask people if they've seen this boy?

[jeff_brister2004]

i'm not believing this til I see it sitting on the shelves... I've seen about 5 or 6 "release dates" in the past for this album.

[4BarrelHemi]

Yeah but these are at least looking like official release dates. Plus nothing had been prior to this officially released to radio and the album hadn't made a deal with Best Buy or anyone else for that matter until now.

I agree it's kinda hard to believe it until it's in your hands but all signs are pointing to it's gonna be out in Nov.

Dr Pepper best be ready to pony up!
ADDED:
Well I heard the new single on the radio this morning and I was impressed. Of course if you go in thinking about old GNR you might be disappointed but it's a solid track way better than any of the leaks so far.

Axl should have an official statement coming soon then.

[Brett H.]

I can't get enough of when Axl screams, "Even with your iron fist! All that you've got to rule the nation..."
ADDED:
A press release has finally been sent out on Rolling Stone and GNR's official site has been updated with a countdown and the single.

[4BarrelHemi]

I can't believe this is finally going to happen. I think the next single will be a ballad type song.

[Chex]

Where's my free Dr. Pepper? (I'm sure someone else here can explain that better than I can)

[4BarrelHemi]

The album will probably come with a certificate to redeem for the Dr Pepper. :lmao:

No idea how Dr Pepper plans on honoring this at all.

[Esten]

Wasn't it "Everyone in America.", not "Everyone that buys the album."? Watch them not honor it at all.

[4BarrelHemi]

From what I just read apparently they will have a voucher on the Dr Pepper website you can print off and take it where ever Dr Pepper is sold and redeem it.

[The Dream Master]

Doep. Not only does Axl finally give us Chinese Democracy, but he'll also give us a can of Dr. Pepper. I might write him in as President in a couple of weeks. :X

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

ADDED:
A press release has finally been sent out on Rolling Stone and GNR's official site has been updated with a countdown and the single.

Damn it! You beat me to it! I am so happy this is happening. I can barely believe it... I've been waiting for years to say this...:

Chinese Democracy starts FUCKIN' NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[4BarrelHemi]

They are about to play it on the radio here again. It's crazy how much attention this is getting at various online sites and radio has been talking about it all day.

You never get that in this day and age anymore.

[Deathscythe]

Doep. Not only does Axl finally give us Chinese Democracy, but he'll also give us a can of Dr. Pepper. I might write him in as President in a couple of weeks. :X

If the world ends next month, at least we die with free Dr. Peppers.

[SoulOnFire]

Here's my main beef with this album. Ten or eleven of these songs have already leaked and many fans have heard them. Many sources claim Axl has over thirty songs in the can. So why didn't they use 14 different songs for the album instead of what has been heard and has had mainly negative reviews?

As for the title track, I heard it back in 2002 on a bootleg from Rock in Rio and have heard a couple different demos of it and I'm not that impressed. The chorus is kinda catchy though.

[Brett H.]

Here's my main beef with this album. Ten or eleven of these songs have already leaked and many fans have heard them. Many sources claim Axl has over thirty songs in the can. So why didn't they use 14 different songs for the album instead of what has been heard and has had mainly negative reviews?

As for the title track, I heard it back in 2002 on a bootleg from Rock in Rio and have heard a couple different demos of it and I'm not that impressed. The chorus is kinda catchy though.

It's not Axl's fault we obtained his shit before it got released. ;)

The finished Chinese Democracy is really busy (my only semi-complaint) and is way better than the demos. Axl's vocals are actually done and there's a wicked layer of Axl singing really high along with his growly vocals. I didn't used to like this song, now I can't get it out of my fuckin' head, took about 5 listens.

And for the Dr. Pepper, you gotta sign up on the website and then they will mail you a coupon.

[4BarrelHemi]

No point in throwing new tunes on this album if there is 2 more albums worth of material. Like Boo said it's not Axl's fault people leaked those tracks which we now found out were not even the finished product.

This version of CD is far superior to any leak previously out. I can only imagine what the other songs sound like fully done and mastered.

Save whatever new material you have for the next couple of albums.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

After playn shacklers revenge on RB2....wtf....I hope the rest is better then that song....

[God of Thunder]

How often do bands create their own hype? Outside of KISS, hardly ever.

Yeah I as about to say, Axl doesn't even begin to have shit on Gene and Paul when it comes to the hype machine, :D

Either way, I've heard the songs that have been released as singles or on Rock Band or soundtracks, whatever, and they're DECENT. They turned out a lot better than I expected. I've never been huge on the Use Your Illusion albums. I've liked em more over time, but Appetite is ana lbum they probably should have saved for later release, because that album kicked so much ass, everything after disappointed most people I guess because it just didn't live up. Who knows. I don't have a Best Buy near me, maybe I can luck up and find it somewhere else (these 'exclusives turn up in other places sometimes.). I buy it if I see it as a fan of the old stuff and morbid curiosity.

[Deathscythe]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQQ5-8ctG4c

Song was not Welcome to the Jungle but it was alright.

[The Dream Master]

I think I might be the only person in the world that hasn't heard a single track from this album yet except for the song that played over the end of Body of Lies. Even then, I was barely listening and don't remember what it sounded like.

[Deathscythe]

I think I might be the only person in the world that hasn't heard a single track from this album yet except for the song that played over the end of Body of Lies. Even then, I was barely listening and don't remember what it sounded like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQQ5-8ctG4c

Join the fun!

[The Dream Master]

I've waited this long, I might as well hold out until I hear the single on the radio.

[Deathscythe]

Had I had not heard that song just a while ago, I would have been in the same position as you. :/

[4BarrelHemi]

I've heard some of the demo versions of the other songs and some sounded really good.

I haven't heard the one from Body of Lies yet and really don't want to haer anymore of the finished mastered product until it's released.

[Harmonic Bond]

Listened to the single. Not bad, not great. Axl has put together an awesome band, they sound great, maybe even better than the old lineup. I'm afraid the only outdated part might be the guy writing the lyrics.

EDIT: I You Tubed "Shackler's Revenge." Much better. You can tell Buckethead is in that one.

[4BarrelHemi]

I dunno I thought the lyrics were pretty good not like most of the run of the mill stuff you get nowdays.

[Brett H.]

A lot of people are pissed that Axl Rose read a book or two when making a few songs on this album. What the fuck did they think he was gonna do, sing about struggling to make ends meet and doggin' the loosest women on the block? :shifty:

[4BarrelHemi]

I think some people don't get it's not like it used to be when AFD came out when all of those songs were written before they were signed and at least half of the songs on Illusion were written back then as well.

Hell Axl wrote November Rain based on a short story he read so I don't see that much of a difference if it's something he feels strongly about. Isn't that what most songs are written about??

[Brett H.]

From Antimusic.com:

Here is a little info that we went sent over: According to Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems, between 5am Eastern on 10/22 and 5am Eastern on 10/23, "Chinese Democracy" was played 683 times - full length - on all BDS monitored terrestrial and satellite radio stations.

WAAF-FM in Boston and WHJY-FM in Providence both played it 18 times during that time period. WBSX-FM in Wilkes-Barre was next with 17 spins.

By comparison, the #1 song on the Billboard Mainstream Rock radio chart was spun 322 times on October 22, with 526 spins overall.

Interesting, should be fun to see how it holds up. The thing is this album (like all GNR records) isn't really to be measured solely by the basis of popularity in North America. GNR has fans all around the world and their South American crowds were downright massive. All in all, I'd like to see the album be a success if only to maybe have Axl keep going. But, maybe if he goes all these years with this one, what if he tries to do that again if it goes over well? Ahhh, the quandaries of Axl Rose.

[4BarrelHemi]

Wow those are some impressive numbers!!

[Harmonic Bond]

A lot of people are pissed that Axl Rose read a book or two when making a few songs on this album. What the fuck did they think he was gonna do, sing about struggling to make ends meet and doggin' the loosest women on the block? :shifty:

I don't think he'll get too much friction from going "art rock" from anyone. From what little I've heard, the content of the lyrics should be just fine for the targeted demographic. Like someone mentioned, he's head and shoulders above his contemporaries these days.

My critique, for the Chinese Democracy single, is that the lyrics flow poorly with the music. The rhyming and pacing is ...... nonexistent? Which is a shame, because Guns and Roses are historically masters at this. To be honest, I can't even understand what Axl says in most of their songs. I'm practically deaf, and he's a bit of a mumbler. However, the rhyme schemes are easy as pie to pick out, and he's always done a great job with pacing the vocals with the music. As a matter of fact, I think he does the latter quite well in "Shackler's Revenge."

[4BarrelHemi]

It's ok there are songs from AFD I still don't know all of what he's sayin. It took me forever to figure out he says something about Captain America in Paradise City.

[Brett H.]

Low quality versions of This I Love, Sorry and Scraped (the three as of yet unheard tracks) have appeared on Limewire thusfar; so the whole album leak can't be too far off. I am not gonna download them, but from what I hear This I Love is and Sorry are ballads, Scraped is a rocker that doesn't 'sound like GNR'. Can't wait to hear them on the 23rd.

[4BarrelHemi]

This is what someone on a GNR board I post at said the 3 songs sound like.....

Sorry - ozzy like ballad with heavy moments
This I Like - Modern November Rain
Scraped - Modern rocker with queen like vocal intro

[Brett H.]

The album's liner notes (supposed) have leaked and I'm disappointed to learn not only did they take Brian May (legendary guitarist from Queen) off of Catcher N' the Rye (I don't need to hear the new song to know this was a bad mistake - May was perfect and it was the best track on the album), but Axl never even listed him in the credits for the song.


[A reader has seen the sleeve notes of the long-awaited Chinese Democracy album, and wrote in that Brian wasn't credited on Catcher In The Rye. See LETTERS.]
Ah ... well, I did not know this ! Thanks, Thomas.

Well, it is a shame, perhaps ... I did put quite a lot of work in, and was proud of it.

But I could understand if Axl wants to have an album which reflects the work of the members of the band as it is, right now.

I do have mixes of the tracks with my guitar on, work tapes at the time, but they will remain private, out of respect for Axl.

Thanks for your kind wishes, Thomas.

Cheers
Bri

I remember when Catcher first leaked, Brian was so happy to divulge a bit of info and seemed so excited about the track. Axl did what he always did, shit on those who cared and brought in morons like Finck. It's like he's pulling the heart right out of the very songs he creates sometimes.

[4BarrelHemi]

That sucks I like Brian and Queen. I guess I can see what he's saying though if Axl wants to have it as whoever is in the band now but no one's even sure Finck is still in the band.

They better get something figure out by the time it's time to tour for this thing or it's gonna be one big clusterfuck.


Which reminds me did anyone catch the Chinese Democracy commercial during Monday Night Football?

[CanadianFonzie]

couldn't matter less to me if there was or wasn't Brian May on the album

[4BarrelHemi]

It might matter to Brian though that's gonna be a big chunk of change he won't be seeing now.

[CanadianFonzie]

lol yah but as long as the album is being released, it's no concern what-so-ever of mine...unless Brian forces the album to be postponed

[The Dream Master]

Hey, don't jinx it man. :X

[4BarrelHemi]

Anti Jinx this album won't be released til 2108:D

[Brett H.]

Rolling Stone review (4 out of 5 stars):

Let's get right to it: The first Guns n' Roses album of new, original songs since the first Bush administration is a great, audacious, unhinged and uncompromising hard-rock record. In other words, it sounds a lot like the Guns n' Roses you know. At times, it's the clenched-fist five that made 1987's perfect storm, Appetite for Destruction; more often, it's the one sprawled across the maxed-out CDs of 1991's Use Your Illusion I and II, but here compressed into a convulsive single disc of supershred guitars, orchestral fanfares, hip-hop electronics, metallic tabernacle choirs and Axl Rose's still-virile, rusted-siren singing.

If Rose ever had a moment's doubt or repentance over what Chinese Democracy has cost him in time (13 years), money (14 studios are listed in the credits) and body count — including the exit of every other founding member of the band — he left no room for it in these 14 songs. "I bet you think I'm doin' this all for my health," Rose cracks through the saturation-bombing guitars in "I.R.S.," one of several glancing references on the album to what he knows a lot of people think of him: that Rose, now 46, has spent the last third of his life running off the rails, in half-light. But when he snaps, "All things are possible/I am unstoppable," in the thumper "Scraped," that's not loony hubris — just a good old rock & roll "fuck you," the kind that made him and the old band hot and famous in the first place.

Something else Rose broadcasts over and over on Chinese Democracy: Restraint is for suckers. There is plenty of familiar guitar firepower — the stabbing-dagger lick that opens the first track, "Chinese Democracy," the sand-devil fuzz in "Riad N' the Bedouins" and the looping squeals over the grand anguish of "Street of Dreams." But what Slash and Izzy Stradlin used to do with two guitars now takes a wall of 'em. On some tracks, Rose has up to five guys — Robin Finck, Buckethead, Paul Tobias, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal and Richard Fortus — riffing and soloing in broad, saw-toothed blurs. And that's no drag. I still think the wild, superstuffed "Oh My God" — the early Chinese Democracy track wasted on the 1999 End of Days soundtrack — beats everything on Guns n' Roses' 1993 covers album, The Spaghetti Incident?

Most of these songs also go through multiple U-turns in personality, as if Rose kept trying new approaches to a hook or a bridge and then decided, "What the hell, they're all cool." "Better" starts with what sounds like hip-hop voicemail — severely pinched guitar, drum machine and a near-falsetto Rose ("No one ever told me when/I was alone/They just thought I'd know better") — before blowing up into vintage Sunset Strip wallop. "If the World" has Buckethead plucking acoustic Spanish guitar over a blaxploitation-film groove, while Rose shows that he still holds a long-breath vowel — part torture victim, part screaming jet — like no other rock singer.

And there is so much going on in "There Was a Time" — strings and Mellotron, a full-strength choir and Rose's overdubbed sour-growl harmonies, wah-wah guitar and a false ending (more choir) — that it's easy to believe Rose spent most of the past decade on that arrangement alone. But it is never a mess, more like a loud mass of bad memories and hard lessons. In the first lines, Rose goes back to a beginning much like his own — "Broken glass and cigarettes/ Writin' on the wall/It was a bargain for the summer/An' I thought I had it all" — then piles on the wreckage along with the orchestra and guitars. By the end, it's one big melt of missing and kiss-off ("If I could go back in time . . . But I don't want to know it now"). If this is the Guns n' Roses that Rose kept hearing in his head all this time, it is obvious why two guitars, bass and drums were never going to be enough.

It is plain, too, that he thinks this Guns n' Roses is a band, as much as the one that recorded "Welcome to the Jungle," "Sweet Child O' Mine," "Used to Love Her" and "Civil War." The voluminous credits that come with Chinese Democracy certainly give detailed credit where it is due. My favorite: "Initial arrangement suggestions: Youth on 'Madagascar." Rose takes the big one — "Lyrics N' Melodies by Axl Rose" — but shares full-song bylines with other players on all but one track. Bassist Tommy Stinson plays on nearly every song, and keyboardist Dizzy Reed, the only survivor from the Illusion lineup, does the Elton John-style piano honors on "Street of Dreams."

But Rose still sings a lot about the power of sheer, solitary will even when he throws himself into a bigger fight, like "Chinese Democracy." In "Madagascar," which Rose has played live for several years now, he samples both Dr. Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech and dialogue from Cool Hand Luke. And at the end of the album, on the bluntly titled "Prostitute," Rose veers from an almost conversational tenor, over a ticking-bomb shuffle, to five-guitar barrage, orchestral lightning and righteous howl: "Ask yourself/Why I would choose/To prostitute myself/To live with fortune and shame." To him, the long march to Chinese Democracy was not about paranoia and control. It was about saying "I won't" when everyone else insisted, "You must." You may debate whether any rock record is worth that extreme self-indulgence. Actually, the most rock & roll thing about Chinese Democracy is he doesn't care if you do.

[4BarrelHemi]

Thanks for posting that review man. 11 more days!!!

[The Dream Master]

Man, that review actually has me very excited now. At first, this was going to be nothing more than a curiosity for me, but some of these songs sound very interesting.

[Chex]

Great review that actually has me pumped into checking it out. I managed to catch the song Chinese Democracy last night on Music Choice-Rock and the sound was that of '87's Appetite. The vocals were strange though as if I didn't know the band, I wouldn't have guessed it was Axl. Not that they didn't fit or were out of place, simply that it was a departure.

Then again, maybe I just don't remember Axl's vocals all that well.

[Brett H.]

Yeah, I tried to tell people that the album is the real deal. It's a bit different but it's still good. People have trouble wrapping their heads around that, though. Axl knows what he's doing... it may be nutty, but he's never going to release a shitty album. The interesting thing about the review is it doesn't reference Catcher in the Rye at all, and that tells me the reviewer loved the old demo and thought they ruined it on the new studio version.

I read that the reviewer from Rolling Stone that reviewed CD is the last credible one they have, so that's a bright spot. Too many reviews are going to poke fun and I just don't get that. It's supposed to be about the music, it doesn't matter what happened leading up to it. It's not that they can't poke fun, but when your job is to talk about the music... what the fuck? Like this review on The Guardian of Chinese Democracy... it doesn't even make sense.


Guns N' Roses Chinese Democracy Geffen/Universal Imagine if 'Chinese Democracy' had never come to pass. Axl Rose would have retained an air of Machiavellian mystery and we would've remained complicit fall guys for the best joke played on the music industry. Now that this half-cocked hard rock anachronism is here, the only laughs are unintentional. Axl: you blew it.

That's their entire review. Huh?

[4BarrelHemi]

That is a stupid review and seemingly has nothing at all to do with the music.

[Chex]

Looks like a runner up to that review I saw for The Evil Dead:

A very badly made and cheesy movie. Acting is terrible and looks bad in every way. Still, a cult classic so you have to check it out. 5/5.

Yes, it's terrible in every way, but I must check it out as it got a perfect score.

[4BarrelHemi]

I can't believe this isn't getting more promo so far that it is I mean it's 9 days from being released.

[CanadianFonzie]

I finally heard the title track, I really like it, it's really not very Guns N' Roses like, but I still really like it

[Brett H.]

Better hits the radio tomorrow, and this is the song that's gonna make or break the album. It's downright catchy and my favorite rocker on the album.
ADDED:
http://www.q1043.com/pages/news/gunsnroses/better.html

If you wanna hear the new single, look no further than the above link. It's better (hah!) and the guitars stand out more than the leaked version, it has real drums too.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

I just listened to Better streamed thru the link boo posted above. It's fucking awesome! It is so much better than the leaked version! Damn it, I'm so psyched for Sunday. I'm going straight to Best Buy on Sunday right after work.

[Deathscythe]

Can't believe this is released in less than a week. Sadly, nobody besides people on the internet seems to know about this...thats how I feel anyway.

[Brett H.]

The album has officially leaked in its entirety. I'll be waiting to buy it, but I can't wait to hear what people say about it.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

The album has officially leaked in its entirety. I'll be waiting to buy it, but I can't wait to hear what people say about it.

It's leaked? Heh, not surprising, I guess... I'll definitely wait until Sunday. I mean hell, I've already waited this long I think I can wait another 4 1/2 days. And to be honest I don't really care what people say about the album, I know I'm gonna love it and that's all that I care about, because people are either gonna love it or hate it. No real gray areas...

Hey, for anybody who hasn't checked it out go to www.mygnrforum.com and read thru some threads there you will find pretty much all you need to know. I've been at that site everyday checking the news since I found it 5 or 6 years ago (I have an account there but I only ever posted once and I never use it anymore).

[4BarrelHemi]

Yep I'm heading straight to Best Buy Sun when I get off work as well.

[Brett H.]

I hear MyGnr is a little on the nazi side, I use gnrevolution.com where the userbase is smaller, but you can pretty much say anything you want about anyone in GNR (other sites are really against Slash and threads are closed if people say positive stuff about him, etc...). Either way, the people there always browse the other forums and you get news that is usually tossed off of other boards.

I don't mean what people have to say about the quality, but it's pretty much accepted that Chinese Democracy has a lot of obvious cut and pasting and I'm curious as to what has changed about certain songs. Not to mention the fact that he has everything so busy that a lot of things/people are drowned out of the mix. I know I'm going to like the album, even if Axl's writing isn't as interesting as his stuff in the past. He packs the emotion into it, but doesn't deliver in the word/phrase/metaphor variety quite so much. There's too many "yous" rhyming with "dos" for my loving.

[4BarrelHemi]

I use NewGNR.com and Heretodaygonetohell.com personally both have good info.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

I hear MyGnr is a little on the nazi side, I use gnrevolution.com where the userbase is smaller, but you can pretty much say anything you want about anyone in GNR (other sites are really against Slash and threads are closed if people say positive stuff about him, etc...). Either way, the people there always browse the other forums and you get news that is usually tossed off of other boards...

They are kinda strange with their policies. Somethings you can say and some they don't like but I don't really see too much censorship going on there, I mean, I'm sure there is but I don't notice. Lots of fights and flame wars get started there but as stupid as some of those are they are kinda funny to read. Plus, after you visit a place so much you don't really look around for an alternative. I mean, I stumbled onto the old F13 board and I never looked for another one. Although, the reason I never post on mygnrforum is there isn't really a sense of community there like this place.

Never been to gnrevolution.com tho.

I don't mean what people have to say about the quality, but it's pretty much accepted that Chinese Democracy has a lot of obvious cut and pasting and I'm curious as to what has changed about certain songs...

Ehh, true...

I use NewGNR.com and Heretodaygonetohell.com personally both have good info.

Never been to newgnr.com and HTGTH is good I used to frequent there as well when i found mygnrforum but stopped frequenting 'heretoday' after a while.

[SoulOnFire]

I just got done listening to the album and I'm not sure what to think. It's been seventeen years since the last new Guns album and it's just surreal hearing this. How does it sound? Epic. Simply epic. It's AFD crossed with UYI and hit with a shot of steroids. I've long been one to shoot down this album, saying it's an Axl solo album and that it would be the biggest POS the world has seen. I gladly eat my words. It's better than the UYI albums combined. It's almost as good as AFD. Of course, Axl surrounded himself with some great sidemen, so some credit goes there. But this is still Axl's show and he did damn good with it. His voice is in fine form, hitting some nice screams here and there and showing some range he hasn't before (the beginning of Shackler's Revenge being a big one). The guitars are great of course, with some nice soloing and jamming going on. Yes, there is some electronic and industrial influence but Axl manages to make it work.

Maybe after a few more listens and after the shock of finally hearing the album wears off, my rating will lower. But for now it's a solid 9/10.

[4BarrelHemi]

I have a feeling that's how I'm gonna feel about it come Sun when I pick it up. I'll most likely crank it as soon as I get in the car but then once it's over It'll probably not register what to think since this is finally it.

A few spins should determine it though. If the comparisons are anywhere close to what you described it should be a thing of greatness.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

If anyone wants to hear the album now it's streaming in it's entirety on their MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/gunsnroses).

I'm not going to listen to it right now. It's tempting but I wanna wait until Sunday. It'll just be that much better, for me.

[4BarrelHemi]

I agree I'm gonna wait until Sun before I listen to it. I've waited this long I might as well do it right and old school buy it and tear the wrapping off and crank it in my car.

[Brett H.]

The media is finally playing the matchup of the year: Kanye vs. GNR for album sales this coming week.

Axl is gonna stomp Kanye's ass in. :p

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

The media is finally playing the matchup of the year: Kanye vs. GNR for album sales this coming week.

Axl is gonna stomp Kanye's ass in. :p

Fuck yeah!

[4BarrelHemi]

I sure as hell hope he can beat out Kanye.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

I'm sure he will...

[Brett H.]

The scariest thing in all of this - it's pretty much decided that Axl is not happy the album is being released. If anything, the album we're getting must be further behind in completion (in Axl's mind OR situations surrounding the album [lack of band members?]) than it was in 2000. The last times the album was supposed to come out, Axl did press/tours for them and now we're getting the album and he hasn't said a word? That just doesn't make sense. Axl has to be severely pissed off because he'd seemingly rather sabotage (as much as he can) his own album rather than promote it. In the last 10 minutes I've gone from thinking Axl Rose is back to realizing we're probably worse off right now than we were in 2000... and it took 8 more years for it to be, perhaps, forced out.

There are rumors of a GNR appearance at the AMAs on Sunday, but GNR is rumored to play every award show since 2000, so take it with a few grains of salt.

[4BarrelHemi]

I agree it is very very strange it's being released in less than 2 days and Axl hasn't said a word about it at all.

[Furious Styles]

I'm sure he will...

The lyrics from Madagascar that you have quoted are one of the most powerful lyrics I've ever listened to. Even at the MTV awards, when I first heard him say those words, I was blown away. More epic than anything on UYI I or II

Old-Boo...You're most certainly right, it seems Axl was strong-armed into releasing the album. I don't know what to think either. Axl is a creative genius, but I wonder at what point along the process he had come to?

The saga of Chinese Democracy is like nothing else ever witnessed.

[Brett H.]

I love Madagascar as well. I like the double entendre on the "bless them that they might grow old" meaning to grow up or to just forgive and hope they have a long life. Axl is really good at picking little things that I personally agree with or feel and saying them in the middle of a song and me digging it completely. No other artist does it quite like him.

Some people were saying how cheesy some lyrics on Chinese Democracy are, and I can agree somewhat and at the same time totally disagree. The difference between Axl Rose singing cheesy lyrics is you can bet everything you own that he has a reason and feeling for writing every word he does. It's not generic... it's always truth. When Axl says "As I wander through my days/and try to find my ways/to the feelings that I felt/I saved for you and no one else" you know that something happened to him that makes it 100% valid.

[Furious Styles]

I would characterize Axl's lyrics as unabashedly sincere and moving. There's a nakedness and vulnerability in Axl's voice that allows his words to carry emotional weight. Listening to Madagascar, you can almost TOUCH the pain Axl feels; those words carry a real sense of sadness Axl feels towards all his fans and friends who turned their backs on him.

Simply POWERFUL. This may just be the most important rock record since Nirvana's Nevermind.

[Deathscythe]

Everybody remember to get a free Dr. Pepper tomorrow!

[Ron]

I want my Dr.Pepper!

[Cody]

Must be a lot of people going to DrPepper.com to get their coupons, the site won't load for me.

[Deathscythe]

For the lazy like me...

http://www.drpepper.com/freeDrPepper/?icamp=hp_dpfree_coupon

[4BarrelHemi]

I can't log into that Dr Pepper site :mad:

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

I picked up my copy of the album today... it's fucking AMAZING!!!

I enjoyed every single song on the album. Sorry is fucking great! This I Love is so wonderful it's in the stratosphere! Sorry, This I Love & Madagascar are my favorite songs on the album. I personally think that the album was worth the wait! Enjoy your Dr. Peppers! (I don't care for Dr. Pepper but hey...)

[Brett H.]

My ears are still fucking ringing from blaring this bitch from start to finish and color me impressed. This is one of my favorite albums of all time and I finally found out why I wasn't completely feeling it just listening to random songs. For the first time in God knows how long, this is an album to enjoy, it's not about some singles and filler.

I always loved Madagascar and finally, I.R.S. makes perfect sense to me. From the songs Sorry through to Madagascar, the lyrics are almost entirely about the old band and everything aligned listening to the Sorry/I.R.S./Maddy together.

As for the three new songs, imagine how I just about shit myself when Sorry and This I Love are two of the best songs on the album. I would venture to say This I Love is, to me, the next Estranged (which would be the next November Rain to GNR casuals). I was so moved during that song and since I know the history of it being the oldest surviving song, it means a lot more. A very and emotional followup to the terrific Use Your Illusion era ballads. Scraped is another good tune and finally on the album we catch a glimpse of the positivity of Axl Rose and the reason youth took to him in the first place back in the 80s. When Axl used to introduce the song 'Double Talkin' Jive' in concerts, he'd say "This is a song about the people that say you can't do shit with your life". I recall one concert rant he did when his family spoke out against him speaking out about his past and encouraged those in the audience to be who they are and stand up and be what they can be. The song Scraped echoes this with lyrics such as "No one can make you do what they want to. You know you're stronger than the lies that they tell you."

Back to Sorry, it's 100% about Slash and it's so full of emotion, the kind you get when you fight with a friend you've loved for years but never made up. I am usually in Slash's corner, but Sorry gives an implicit insight into the world of Axl Rose and he raises some great points. I think it was more Slash being pissed off at going on stage late, but according to the lyrics when Axl says "You know where to put your just shut up and sing", it's obvious Slash must have told him to 'shut up and sing' which I can see how it'd really fuck up Axl. We've covered it in this thread that Axl sings with more emotion than anyone else is completely true. To him, it's not singing, he's giving away his soul. Is Axl fucked? Yes, but to hear these things out of his mouth, it helps you see where, in his mind, he's coming from. He never wants to screw the fans. Unlike Aerosmith, Axl never forgot his songs. Axl never passed out on stage drunk and high. When he did take the stage, he tried everything he could to make it an experience for him and for the audience.

Axl Rose: :bow:

[Furious Styles]

Emotional. Epic. Masterful. Absolutely Beautiful!

Chinese Democracy is more than an assorted set of musical tracks on a compact disc. It was always meant to be. It is an album of grandiose, extravagant and over the top musical art with a singular vision, inspired and created by one man. Ironically, released in the transcendent and ever hopeful 21st century, Chinese Democracy is a remnant of 20th century hard-rock excess. It is an emphatic epitaph to a time-period that no longer exists. Only Axl Rose, perhaps the most enigmatic musical figure in history, could have created it. It was his destiny.

It is fitting that the man who carried the weight of the entire rock world on his shoulders during the 1990's disappeared into the shadows of his own despair and egotistical perfectionism for the better part of almost two decades, only to re-appear and deliver the most important rock n' roll record since Nirvana's Nevermind.

It has been said by many, that there will never be anything like Chinese Democracy, ever again. They were right, both literally and figuratively. Never has any musical record meant so much, for very different, irrelevant and unknown reasons. It's more than a rock record, it's a window into the life of one man, and through that window we look, only to see a reflection of ourselves.

[Special Killa B]

I still can't fucking believe that Chinese Democracy is finally in my hands!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome CD!! Axl's still got it!! Fuck all you haters!!

[4BarrelHemi]

I gotta agree this is one badass album. I can't pick a favorite track which isn't a bad thing at all.


Axl has returned!

[The Dream Master]

I only listened to about half of it last night, but I was actually blown the fuck away by it. Like I've said a few times in this thread, I'm only a casual G&R fan these days (and I was only ever a huge fan of the Use Your Illusion albums), but Axl has crafted something special with what I've heard so far. I particularly dig "If the World" and "Better."

[Bill 1981]

I gave it a listen to and I must say I wasn't impressed by it at all...

[Sean [The Wildcard]]

I really wanted to like this album. I don't know what it is...but I'm not impressed nor do I like it one bit. At times...I even found myself cringing.

[bearholic247]

I've waited just like everyone else to hear Chinese Democracy. I have to say it's incomplete. I need a fucking Guns N Roses tour to go with this. I want to see Axl out there on the road. Some of these songs have so much going on in them it'd be really interesting to see Axl pull them off live.

Anyways I'll be interested to see how this sells the first few weeks. I think alot of old Guns N Roses fans will give it a listen I'm just not sure how far this album will go beyond that. Especially with no tour and Axl being so quiet lately.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

I'm sure it'll perform well. I agree, it would probably be flying off the shelves with a little more promo, but... at least we have Chinese Democracy. Besides, I'm sure Axl's planning something. People might think he's crazy but he sure as hell isn't stupid. I don't think he'd just sit on this oppurtunity and piss it all away.

[4BarrelHemi]

I'm pretty sure a tour would happen in 09.

[Brett H.]

Everytime I hear 'This I Love' I just get so sad when I hear Axl sing "'Cause her heart's just like mine...". I think it's Axl's defining emotional moment.

Upon my first listening through to the 15th or 20th time I've listened to the song so far, it just creeped me out. I equated it to a ghost story like The Changeling where past was lost, hidden and abused. It's like Axl Rose walking alongside the Phantom of the Opera and creating a masterpiece of sorrow and internal holocaust.

[Furious Styles]

I'm sure it'll perform well. I agree, it would probably be flying off the shelves with a little more promo, but... at least we have Chinese Democracy. Besides, I'm sure Axl's planning something. People might think he's crazy but he sure as hell isn't stupid. I don't think he'd just sit on this oppurtunity and piss it all away.

The promotion for this record has been absolutely abysmal. Blame can be assessed to whomever: Best Buy, the record label, or Axl himself. But the fact remains that this record should be marketed as the second coming of Christ.

I suppose it's only fitting that the release of the album be marred in as much mystery, controversy and intrigue as the making of the album.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

... But the fact remains that this record should be marketed as the second coming of Christ.

Ha! I like that. It's true tho, and I agree with you on the promo. I expected more from Best Buy. They should have had newspaper spreads, more TV ads, radio spots, a shitload of signs and displays inside the store, a fucking banner outside and inside the door, the album spinning all day... But that's just me.

This album is just fucking perfect! It's a masterpiece. It deserves so much more promotion.

Everytime I hear 'This I Love' I just get so sad when I hear Axl sing "'Cause her heart's just like mine...". I think it's Axl's defining emotional moment.

I agree, boo. 'This I Love' is one of my favorites off the album. It was exactly what I was expecting: grand, sweeping, epic, and extremely emotional and heartfelt.

[4BarrelHemi]

Best Buy really dropped the ball on promo for this album. I think that will make less bands want to go the Best Buy exclusive route over Wal Mart which obviously knows how to promote and sell.

A small cardboard display is just pathetic for an album that should very well sell a ton of copies on curiosity alone.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

I just can't get enough of this album! I've pretty much listened to this album non-stop since Sunday. I love everything on the album!

Best Buy really dropped the ball on promo for this album... A small cardboard display is just pathetic for an album that should very well sell a ton of copies on curiosity alone.

Agreed.

...I think that will make less bands want to go the Best Buy exclusive route over Wal Mart which obviously knows how to promote and sell...

Wal-Mart would have ruined it. With this being such a monumental album Wal-Mart might have worked with it. But more than likely Axl would have had to edit it, then again maybe not because this album doesn't really need a 'Parental Advisory' sticker. But I do know Axl would have never edited it had that been the case, he would have told Wal-Mart to shove it up their ass.

But the idea of Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy being a Wal-Mart exclusive is just one of those things I classify under "when hell freezes over." It just doesn't seem like it would have worked then again I could be wrong. But fuck it, at least it's here. Hopefully it outperforms Kanye's album...

[Furious Styles]

But fuck it, at least it's here. Hopefully it outperforms Kanye's album...

Early reports from HitsDailyDouble.com have Kanye West's album at Number 1 with around 500 K whereas Chinese Democracy is in second with 300 K.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Early reports from HitsDailyDouble.com have Kanye West's album at Number 1 with around 500 K whereas Chinese Democracy is in second with 300 K.

Eh, figures...

I guess now he's just gonna have that much more of an ego. I can see it now: "The self-proclaimed 'voice of this generation' has topped Axl Rose's new album in it's first week." Before you know it he'll be talking shit about Axl. Hey, maybe it'll end up like that shit with Tommy Hilfiger a couple of years ago... Ha!

[Brett H.]

The Best Buy exclusivity hurts the sales at the beginning and helps later. When the album becomes available everywhere (I think it's just BB the first week), then people can pick it up more when they come across it. It's a lot harder to find Best Buys than Wal-marts. With that said, GNR saw Best Buy coming because they have 3 million copies of the album kicking around that GNR's already seen money for. That was the purpose of the BB deal, in my opinion.

[Deathscythe]

Paul McCartneys group The Fireman released an album on the 24th, just to add to this.

But I don't think Kanye will have an effect of Chinese Democracy sales. I mean its a rapper vs. a rock band, different audiences.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

The Best Buy exclusivity hurts the sales at the beginning and helps later. When the album becomes available everywhere (I think it's just BB the first week), then people can pick it up more when they come across it. It's a lot harder to find Best Buys than Wal-marts. With that said, GNR saw Best Buy coming because they have 3 million copies of the album kicking around that GNR's already seen money for. That was the purpose of the BB deal, in my opinion.

I always thought that too. I never said anything but I figured that the management and record company want to make sure they recoup some money whether it sells well or not. That's why they went with an exclusive I think because at least in America that's a guaranteed 3 million copies "sold", if you will and who knows what Best Buy paid for them. That way they don't have to worry about how well it sells.

Which I guess means that the lack of promo is okay then. Because the record company got their money and all the fans that have been following Chinese Democracy this long, like myself, probably ran out and their copy/copies the first day of release. From there anyone interested will then build on the album sales slowly but surely especially with Xmas so close. I mean, who wouldn't want Chinese Democracy sticking out of the top of their stocking? :D

Paul McCartneys group The Fireman released an album on the 24th, just to add to this.

But I don't think Kanye will have an effect of Chinese Democracy sales. I mean its a rapper vs. a rock band, different audiences.

True.

[Brett H.]

The only problem with the lack of promotion is GNR fans are always going to have to hear "#2? LOL 17 YEARS!1" (quality wouldn't matter to these people) instead of it being #1 and that being that.

Plus, it's a slap in the face we don't even at least get an Axl interview. He doesn't have to, but people that bought the album deserve to hear about it and what songs mean, I think. I know the album speaks for itself, but a little clarification and explanation of inspiration would have been nice. It's sort of the package deal you hope to get with an album.

[Furious Styles]

I always thought that too. I never said anything but I figured that the management and record company want to make sure they recoup some money whether it sells well or not. That's why they went with an exclusive I think because at least in America that's a guaranteed 3 million copies "sold", if you will and who knows what Best Buy paid for them. That way they don't have to worry about how well it sells.

Agreed.

This is purely speculation as we're on the outside looking in. But there's a lot of concern (among some fans) regards to the band's future and the impact sales will have on that future. We still don't seem to have a good reason as to why Robin Fink left the band to re-join NIN if Guns was on the brink of releasing the album (and one would assume) start a world tour in support of the album.

Did Geffen and UMG bring in legal power to help secure the release of the album? Was Novemeber 23rd the date Axl wanted? There's still talk that Chinese Democracy was simply a collection of songs thrown together from the vault and that the final album did not have Axl's blessings (hence the reason he has been all but invisible.)

If the album sales are poor, perhaps Axl doesn't have the leeway or leverage to release subsequent albums to his liking. From what I recall, Sebastian Bach said that Axl had recorded enough material for almost three full-length albums. So poor sales could possibly jeopardize the way in which Axl would like to take the band heading into the future.

To quote Sean Connery, "who knows Highlander....who knows?" :p

[Brett H.]

If Chinese Democracy doesn't top Contraband's sales, will Axl ever have the heart to release an album again? :X

[Deathscythe]

The only problem with the lack of promotion is GNR fans are always going to have to hear "#2? LOL 17 YEARS!1" (quality wouldn't matter to these people) instead of it being #1 and that being that.

Plus, it's a slap in the face we don't even at least get an Axl interview. He doesn't have to, but people that bought the album deserve to hear about it and what songs mean, I think. I know the album speaks for itself, but a little clarification and explanation of inspiration would have been nice. It's sort of the package deal you hope to get with an album.

I've overheard many 13-15 year olds talk about how much they love Guns N' Roses. I guess that could just be California for you.

[4BarrelHemi]

Well I think the second weeks sales are really going to determine what this album does and it's staying power.

I hope whoever said it's just Best Buy for the first week is right .

[Nick Michalak]

Two weeks ago, I didn't even KNOW this album was really coming out! I continued to scoff at the realistic possibility of it ever being released. Of course, I don't even listen to the radio anymore, and so, unless they ran TV or internet ads, I wouldn't have any idea. Still, I go into Best Buy every week, and I didn't see any promo until two days ago.

-NJM

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Still spinnin' it eight days in!

I just love the dynamics of this record! The songs have some headroom. I'm glad that Axl didn't give this the Death Magnetic treatment. A lot of speculation was flying around on MyGnrforum.com about it being mastered "loud" but I'm glad that's not the case. It's nice to see that Axl has more passion and respect for his music than to murder the mix. (Not saying Metallica doesn't...)

[4BarrelHemi]

I am still just shocked by the lack of promotion Best Buy is giving this thing.

[CanadianFonzie]

I've been meaning to come on here and say how I love the album, This I Love has to be my favourite off of it, it's what I expected though, I mean it doesn't compare to the Use Your Illusions or Appetite, but a masterpiece nonetheless

[Brett H.]

Funny story, Axl is still supposedly changing the album and liner notes as we speak. :X (according to the rumors, that's not even a joke)

[Sean [The Wildcard]]

Oh I wouldn't doubt that for a second, boo...Hell, apparently he's suing Dr. Pepper, too.:lmao:

[Slice]

I've only been a casual GNR fan through my life, but have to admit this album is amazing. I don't care if it doesn't sound like the GNR of old cause like I said I was never a huge fan. It's too bad that after all these years it has finally come out and lived up to the hype, only to fail because of the lack of promotion.

[CanadianFonzie]

I don't care if it doesn't sound like the GNR of old

see I say anyone who doesn't like the album for that reason is clearly dumb, I could use stronger words but I won't, because no two GN'R albums have ever sounded alike, the Use your Illusions were completely 100% different from Appetite, and at the time that difference wasn't taken so kindly but people learned to live with it, and I say those who still don't like the Use Your Illusions because it doesn't sound like Appetite aren't really Guns N' Roses fans at all, instead they are Appetite For Destruction fans

my point being Chinese Democracy being released in 08 would be the same as Chinese Democracy being released in 98 in the sense that it still would have sounded completely different from anything they've ever done. The way I see it, Guns N' Roses, though unforgtunatelly, was not meant to carry Axl and Slash together for long, because that is the classic case of two musical geniuses with two completely different musical opinions that makes it impossible for two people of the such to be in the same band

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

I have a habit of checking www.mygnrforum.com a couple of times a week or so but I think I'm gonna stop that. Everytime you go there it's "The band is done." or "Nothing else is gonna happen," or "Axl's finished," or "Fiasco," etc. Fiasco? Chinese Democracy has only been out for 2 fucking weeks! How is that a fiasco? Appetite took a year to take off! Anyway, there's just too much negativity on mygnrforum. Why can't they just enjoy the album? I don't care if we heard most of it prior! Hell, I'm still listening to it just about everyday. It hasn't left the stereo in my car since Nov. 23rd! I'm listening to Sorry right now. I love that song!

[Nick Michalak]

Okay, I don't listen much to the radio anymore since I got my 80 GB iPod, but I've been giving it some attention lately. Here in Chicago, 97.9 The Loop is THE rock station, and if any station here would be promoting and playing the shit out of this album, it would be them. When Death Magnetic was released, it's like they were playing new Metallica every hour, and mentioning it before every commercial break. Chinese Democracy? Haven't heard a word. Like it doesn't even exist. Again, I didn't even know it had a concrete release date until a week before it came out. Also, I refuse to consider purchasing the album until I hear a few full length tracks, and the only place to hear them really is on the radio - which is where it's not getting much, if any, airplay in Chicago.

-NJM

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Okay, I don't listen much to the radio anymore since I got my 80 GB iPod, but I've been giving it some attention lately. Here in Chicago, 97.9 The Loop is THE rock station, and if any station here would be promoting and playing the shit out of this album, it would be them. When Death Magnetic was released, it's like they were playing new Metallica every hour, and mentioning it before every commercial break. Chinese Democracy? Haven't heard a word. Like it doesn't even exist. Again, I didn't even know it had a concrete release date until a week before it came out. Also, I refuse to consider purchasing the album until I hear a few full length tracks, and the only place to hear them really is on the radio - which is where it's not getting much, if any, airplay in Chicago.

-NJM

The whole album is streaming on their website.

Regardless of the fact that Axl hasn't done a single interview or anything to promote this album, it's almost like no one else cares. None of the rock stations around here have played any of the songs much. There are only 2 good rock stations around here and one of the rock stations played the single Chinese Democracy, 2 times a day for a few weeks but once the album came out nothing. Then the other station played a clip of Better. I have yet to hear Better in full on the radio.

[Brett H.]

You guys won't believe this, but according to the people who run mygnr and htgth, Axl Rose was posting and answering people's questions tonight under the name Dexter. I was watching Juno at the time, too bad I wasn't there. He seemed to be quite candid. Wonder if it was really him... if they said it was it could very well have been.

[Furious Styles]

You guys won't believe this, but according to the people who run mygnr and htgth, Axl Rose was posting and answering people's questions tonight under the name Dexter. I was watching Juno at the time, too bad I wasn't there. He seemed to be quite candid. Wonder if it was really him... if they said it was it could very well have been.

Jarmo - who runs HTGTH - confirmed that it was Axl!

Supposedly, he was online for almost three hours answering questions! :D

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Son of a bitch! I was asleep while he was on! I would have actually logged on and used my account if I had known that Axl himself was posting on MyGnrForum!

Damn... I could've talked to Axl Rose... [sadly kicks around a can on the ground, mumbling, gazing at the ground]

Well, let's all look out for the video for "Better."

I still can't get enough of his album.

[The Dream Master]

So does that mean "Better" is a single? That's a good choice if that's the case. I think it's probably my favorite track on the album.

[4BarrelHemi]

I can't believe I missed that :( It's confirmed on the GNR offical site it was him.

It blows my mind after reading what he said and hearing that Eddie Truck interview that he comes off as a normal guy cracking jokes and telling stories and being cool. Then on the other hand you have him acting totally insane.

[Furious Styles]

I can't believe I missed that :( It's confirmed on the GNR offical site it was him.

It blows my mind after reading what he said and hearing that Eddie Truck interview that he comes off as a normal guy cracking jokes and telling stories and being cool. Then on the other hand you have him acting totally insane.

I still can't believe people over at MyGnR gave him so much shit initially. LOL Axl showed them what was what though :p

[Brett H.]

He was on chinesedemocracy.com tonight. Hopefully he comes to gnrevolution where I roll. Smaller board and I think they'd be more likely to shut the board down so new members can't join and then let the members have a few shots at Axl. If he comes there, I'm gonna ask him about This I Love and Trailer Park Boys.

[TheLoStboY199]

Does that fucker still have his ginger corn-rows? haha..Anyways I thought the album was alright. I enjoy some of the songs on there and overall it's def. above average. I was never a huge GnR fan to begin with so I kinda went in with a clean mentality which seems to be the way to go. It was worth the 11 bucks I spent on it.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

So does that mean "Better" is a single? That's a good choice if that's the case. I think it's probably my favorite track on the album.

Yes, it was officially made a single on December 2 even though some radio stations were playing Better the day or a couple of days before the album dropped.

I'm so glad Axl's been posting on MyGnrForum and HTGTH. He has opened up so much. If he ever releases his autobiography Baz said he was writing I will definitely buy it and probabaly read it a million times. He was definitley speaking the truth when he was saying the media made him out to be nightmare or the bad guy. He seems to be wayyyyy more normal than the media has painted him. Which honestly I always figured he was nothing like the media made him out to be and probably be a pretty cool guy to talk to. I can't wait to read more of his posts. He seems to be content with himself and where his life is at the moment.

[Brett H.]

That's what always weirded me out about Axl, the guy seems great, but then he goes and does something nutty that defies all logical explanation.

What he said about Snakepit was shocking, though. According to Axl, Slash basically wrote the songs, lyrics, etc... and basically just told him to go fuckin' sing what is here and that's that. Axl said he spent like a month on the phone with Slash for hours a day basically trying to get Slash to let him work a bit on the songs and do a bit of stuff for himself, but he'd have none of it. And as far as I know, it's true, Duff did indeed tell the Snakepit stuff to fuck off, too (Axl says even before he did, Duff wouldn't do it). Duff seemed really excited about what Axl would have done for a solo record with the industrial stuff in an interview I saw.

GNR broke up because Slash and Axl couldn't get along. The mere fact Matt Sorum and Duff stuck around with Axl AFTER Slash left has to say something about how Slash was acting. Or perhaps they were just scared to leave what was the biggest band in rock music. Also, Duff/Matt/Slash got back together, so Slash couldn't be as bad of a guy as Axl paints. Either way, I think Slash isn't as innocent as he says, and neither is Axl. It's all so confusing that I think only a direct conversation between Slash and Axl (which of course, we'd never see) would spell out the truth. I think the bottom line is every member of GNR (except maybe Izzy) would kill right now for a reunion if only their individual egos wouldn't have to admit defeat. Not necessarily because they all need to be in GNR to be successful, it's proven they don't, but when combined they are arguably the greatest rock bands the world has ever known. You can't replace something that special.

[Chex]

I think the bottom line is every member of GNR (except maybe Izzy) would kill right now for a reunion if only their individual egos wouldn't have to admit defeat.
Gilby Clark is too busy appearing in Fall Out Boy videos. :p

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

... Either way, I think Slash isn't as innocent as he says, and neither is Axl...
True but you gotta remember, all these years the media has eaten up the tiniest nuance of negativity that has slide off Slash's tongue in regards to Axl or his supposedly strange ways. Whereas this is pretty much the first time I've seen Axl speak this honest and open about the subjects he's spoken about. Everyone else has said their piece and now it's Axl's turn.

...but when combined they are arguably the greatest rock bands the world has ever known. You can't replace something that special.
Damn right.

That's what always weirded me out about Axl, the guy seems great, but then he goes and does something nutty that defies all logical explanation.
Again, true. But you can't tell me that you've never suddenly done somehting out of left field for no reason before. I have on a couple of occasions. Just happens... I can't tell you how many people think I'm stupid for some of the choices I've made but... they're not me are they? :D

[Furious Styles]

I don't even know what to write, my mind is still buzzing from reading what Axl wrote!

Gathering what I could from Axl's writings, the importance of the name "Guns N' Roses" as a property only became apparent after the band broke up.

The demise of Guns N' Roses is summed up perfectly by Axl when he was discussing the legal ramifications of the band's name. The issue never came up during the Illusions tour (Axl more or less calling "the hostage story" BS) but only after the band broke up, and other parties realized the significance, importance and posterity of "owning" the name in a legal sense.

Most likely, lawyers and music suits got into the ears of the band members and that's where the legal issues ensued!?!?! (Anyone else with a better understanding of the situation?)

One thing is for sure - the battle lines are going to be drawn now. It's all out in the open; between not only fans, but most certainly former band members as well. Because, eventually, someone is going to ask - who is speaking the truth!?!?

[4BarrelHemi]

I swear I am a member of both HTGTH and NewGNR.com and I have been waiting on this album since 97-98 and I can't for the life of me think of something I think is good enough to ask as a question. :doh:

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

...Gathering what I could from Axl's writings, the importance of the name "Guns N' Roses" as a property only became apparent after the band broke up.

The demise of Guns N' Roses is summed up perfectly by Axl when he was discussing the legal ramifications of the band's name. The issue never came up during the Illusions tour (Axl more or less calling "the hostage story" BS) but only after the band broke up, and other parties realized the significance, importance and posterity of "owning" the name in a legal sense.

Most likely, lawyers and music suits got into the ears of the band members and that's where the legal issues ensued!?!?! (Anyone else with a better understanding of the situation?)
That's the way I understood it.

One thing is for sure - the battle lines are going to be drawn now. It's all out in the open; between not only fans, but most certainly former band members as well. Because, eventually, someone is going to ask - who is speaking the truth!?!?
True. Although I am a fan of Slash and his work... I always figured that Axl wasn't really the one to blame at least not entirely. Which, assuming Axl is telling the truth (no reason to assume he isn't telling the truth) would confirm that he was not the bad guy that everyone's painted him.

[Brett H.]

My only concern is just because Axl was in the frame of mind to think ahead and be sure to own the name of the band way before anyone else realized how important it was doesn't make him right. Smarter businessman than them, sure, but it's not like Guns N' Roses wasn't built by 5-7 people. I can see why it would royally piss them off when they were no longer in Guns N' Roses. I also don't buy the fact that he thought he'd ever get fired. Sure, the thought came up, but no one would have the balls to do it. They wouldn't have signed that paper signing over the rights had they ever thought they'd get rid of him.

Axl admitted, though, that if the shoe was on the other foot, he'd be calling them motherfuckers, too. So, that's a plus.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

I just don't understand how people can pass this album up simply because they think it isn't Guns N' Roses or Slash sin't on it. I love Slash's work but he left the band in 1996! That was 12 years ago! He's moved on why can't you?

No matter what arguments may arise about the band name, which it seems some people can't get past, the fact remains that this album contains great and wonderful music! That is a fact. If some people would get over theirselves and actually listen tot he music there would be no problem.

[Nick Michalak]

Once I actually get to hear full length tracks from the album, I can render an opinion on it. But again, you could listen to the radio all day long, and not hear so much as a mention about it. I, personally, have no qualms about the lineup. I just have no access to hearing high quality audio from this release. I won't do a blind buy.

-NJM

[Darth Sinister]

I just don't understand how people can pass this album up simply because they think it isn't Guns N' Roses or Slash sin't on it. I love Slash's work but he left the band in 1996! That was 12 years ago! He's moved on why can't you?

No matter what arguments may arise about the band name, which it seems some people can't get past, the fact remains that this album contains great and wonderful music! That is a fact. If some people would get over theirselves and actually listen tot he music there would be no problem.

The thing is that when a band has the right mix of talent involved, it becomes something more than another band. There's a bar that is set and it needs to reach that level consistantly. When you change members, you wind up having this. Aerosmith went through this in the early 80's, during the dark days of their addictions and turmoil. Freddie Mercury's death has been considered the death knell of Queen and having either Paul Rodgers or Robbie Williams or whoever isn't enough for those die hard fans. With G'N'R' it is a case of wanting all of the members back together, rather than Axl's current band.

[Nick Michalak]

Sinister has it right. When you see a symbol of quality like Guns N' Roses, you expect certain things. A certain quality of musicianship and sound. The band's sound might have evolved from Appetite to Illusion, but you can still identify Slash's signature sound. Metallica evolved from Kill 'Em All to Ride to Puppets, but you can still hear the same musicianship, the same quality of talent in there. But when you remove so much of that original talent, but still parade the band's name as if it was still the same, you've got a conflict.

When someone leaves the band, it's not just a person on an instrument. It's the full talent of that one musician being removed from the choesive whole. What they contributed before will never be there again. Queen, despite whoever they could get to front the band, could never make music or concerts as good as they did with Freddie. He wasn't just a singer, he was a songwriter, and performer. He was an artist. Even bassist John Deacon has left the band. Brian May is an excellent musician in his own right, but he alone can't make up for Freddie's absence.

Pantera can never be the same without Dimebag, and there's no use trying. Black Sabbath ran through the 80s with numerous lineup changes. Tony Iomi was the only constant, but it just doesn't sound or feel like Sabbath without Geezer Butler or Bill Ward. Even Sabbath with Dio is distinctly different in theme and presentation than Sabbath with Ozzy. And even though Jerry Cantrell was the main songwriter of Alice in Chains, without Layne Staley, it's just not as powerful. Everyone in a band contributes something, and the more they contribute, the harder their absence is felt when they leave.

Guns N' Roses, without the musicians who made it the headlining band that it was, becomes something else. When all you've got of the original or classic lineup is Axl and a keyboard player, you can't expect people to react to your new music in the same way. It's essentially a completely different band altogether, and it might as well have a different name, too. Guns N' Roses is now a brand name used to sell records. Because is says Guns N' Roses, a lot of people will blindly purchase it on name value alone, only to realize that this is nothing at all like the GNR they once knew. If Axl released this same album, without the GNR name, it wouldn't get noticed as much by the general public. Granted, the lack of publicity for the release rather negates that, but I believe my point is understood. So, partly, it is Axl's fault for branding this as a Guns N' Roses release, and using the old band's popularity to help push the release of a completely different band. It's corporate marketing, pure and simple.

-NJM

[Brett H.]

Axl Rose finally does an interview with Billboard and lets out some shit about the record company. Gonna read it now and edit my post with thoughts.

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/specials/axl-speaks/interview.shtml

[4BarrelHemi]

Well that sucks that there will never be a reunion of the old GNR.

[CanadianFonzie]

are you really surprised though? Duff and Slash think they're better off without GN'R and Axl is too stuck up

[4BarrelHemi]

Not really surprised I guess just it's sad. Axl did say he'd work with Izzy and Duff though so I guess 3 out of the original 5 ain't bad.

[CanadianFonzie]

actually when I heard he has been doing some shows with Izzy, that was enough for me...not surprised though, cause Izzy is Axl's oldest friend in the band

[God of Thunder]

I think the album is unspectacular, and in hindsight, I realize if I had not bought this album, I could have bought a CD that I had been looking for for quite some fucking time later that day.

The opening song, "Chinese Democracy" is absolutely fucking awesome, I like it a lot. "Shackler's Revenge" is good too, but it takes a scaryturn toward Nine Inch nails/Linkin Parkness. "Better" isn't a bad song.... but Axl REALLY sounds like a pussy. Either way, I absolutely hate "If the World" and "Catcher in the Rye." The harder songs aren't too bad, but still, not great.

[bearholic247]

So Axl emails some answers to some questions to some reporter 2 1/2 months after Chinese Democracy comes out.

It would have been nice to see how big Chinese Democracy could have been if Axl had done some press when the album came out. Still as of now there have been no videos and no tour announced to support the album. Axl should step outside his mansion and do some actual work to get his music out there.

Plus instead of bitching about his record company why not explore other ways to get your music out there. Take a page out of what Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails have done.

[Brett H.]

Guns N' Roses' new guitarist is DJ Ashba, formerly of Sixx A.M. I think he's the best they've got since Buckethead. Better than that Robin Fincke asshole.

31XIX9PjRlQ

[CanadianFonzie]

oh I heard about him playing with them...but I thought it was a one off thing...COOL!

I think it's safe for me to say taht This I Love has easily become one of my favourite songs Guns N' Roses has ever released

[JP's Revenge]

I just wish Slash and the guys would bitch slap Axl into submission so they could make some kickass music again.

I've only heard the 30 sec previews on itunes, but from what I can tell... the music is severely lacking. Kinda like a generic wave of sound.... I don't know, I'm no music buff, but it just didn't draw me in.

I'll finally be picking this up tomorrow though.... I have medium/low expectations, but I can't help wanting to hear some more from Axle.

[CanadianFonzie]

see everytime I listen to the album I end up liking it more

[JP's Revenge]

Listened to the entire album last night... and I not 100% sure what to think right now.

"Sorry" and "This I Love" are the two tracks that instantly jumped out at me... both are excellent.

But the album just feels weird to me... for one thing, it sounds like some kind of lame filter was put on Axle's voice... it just sounded flat. I can understand putting heavy effects and echo on a shitty, no talent hack... but Axle Rose? Come on.

That being said... there weren't any tracks that I disliked... I'll give it a few more listens soon and hopefully it grows on me.

[CanadianFonzie]

well Axl has aged, and with a voice like that, it has aged too, but I say it's for the better, cause back in the 90's he sounded shit live, if you watch recent live clips of the band now he sounds amazing live

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

I have to say I was kinda shocked when I heard they got DJ Ashba... personally I think he's much better a guitarist than Robin Finck so I can honestly say I'm happy about hearing this.

[CanadianFonzie]

I saw pro-shot live stuff from GN'R with Robin on youtube, including a guitar solo of his, and the solo itself was aweful, I mean when he tried to shred out, but when he got melodic he was great, but that lead me to think he'd make a better rhythm guitarist than lead guitarist

he does play the solo on This I Love, which I think is the best solo (and song) off the album...but all in all I was happy when I heard he left to reunite with NIN

[JP's Revenge]

well Axl has aged, and with a voice like that, it has aged too, but I say it's for the better, cause back in the 90's he sounded shit live, if you watch recent live clips of the band now he sounds amazing live

I don't think Rose needs very much effect on his voice. He's one of the best/most distinct vocalists of our generation... why muddle him down?

[CanadianFonzie]

no I'm saying it sounds different due to age, cause what I meant was hearing how he sounds live now it sounds like the way he sounds on the album, I mean in that looong hiatus he must have really taken care of his voice

[JP's Revenge]

Any rumors on the follow up album?

[The Dream Master]

I'm sure there will be 15 years worth of rumors before we ever see it. :X

[CanadianFonzie]

actually Axl signed some sort of contract for the band to release another few albums, can't remember the exact number of albums...didn't say how long we'd have to wait for them though:p

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

actually Axl signed some sort of contract for the band to release another few albums, can't remember the exact number of albums...didn't say how long we'd have to wait for them though:p

Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see...

I'm still curious about the rumoured summer tour. Rumoured to be with Van Halen. It sounds strange that Van Halen was thrown into that speculation, but it would be cool!

[CanadianFonzie]

HAHA I was JUST about to finally post that rumour and you beat me to it

I heard that like a month ago that there was such a rumour, and I would just HAVE to go see that...well it's a Van Halen concert so I would have gone anyway, but with Guns N' Roses, one of those things that is just too good to be true, like Judas Priest touring with Whitesnake

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Yeah that rumour's been floating around for a couple months or so now. And the fact that it would be Guns N' Roses & Van Halen is what makes not get my hopes up. I mean, I love Van Halen and obviously Guns N' Roses but it just sounds, like you said, too good to be true.

I would have liked to have seen Priest and Whitesnake... what a combination!

[CanadianFonzie]

but Priest and Whitesnake is actually happening, I'm getting the tickets this Friday

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Yeah, I know they're on tour together I just won't be able to see them. Hope you enjoy the show. Still what a combo.

[CanadianFonzie]

man that sucks dude, this is the kind of show I think everyone should be able to go to

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Well the Motley Crue Grand Rapids show was my first and only concert and I loved it. Had a fuckin' blast. But I just usually can't find the money to go most of the time. Motley's show was something special to me.

[CanadianFonzie]

cool, you went to the Motley Crue show that was released on DVD for that tour just like I went to the Motley Crue show that is being released on DVD for this tour...lol

[Brett H.]

Vince Neil slams Axl: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=125556

Maybe they'll fight afterall?

No wonder Axl makes no progress, DJ Ashba hasn't even played with him yet for fuck sakes.

[CanadianFonzie]

funny I was just thinking today how I don't know who I prefer over the 2 bands, I mean those are 2 bands that I just can't determine a winner...however Chinese Democracy wins over Saints Of Los Angeles

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

For anyone who cares, it looks like Axl's hittin' the road again. Gn'R have 4 dates in Asia coming up and several in Canada. Tix are already on sale.

[Brett H.]

It's just been announced that Sebastian Bach will be opening for (at least) the prairie shows.

Oh fuck yeah, I got my ticket now.

[CanadianFonzie]

I got my tickets on Monday, can't wait!!!:D

[Brett H.]

I got my tickets in the mail today!

[Brett H.]

So, I guess Axl Rose beat up a photographer at an airport. I saw footage from the concert in Taiwan and it looks really good. The only disappointment is through an act of Satan, they never played Nightrain, which is pretty much a GNR live staple since the beginning of time. That sucks for me because that's my song, dammit. I bought that ticket thinking about Nightrain live. :X

Now I doubt I'd leave disappointed or anything, but I really wish they'd played it. My only pending complaint, really. The new guitarist can actually play unlike that Nine Inch Nails or Soundgarden or wherever he played before loser Finck is gone. This is gonna be sweet.

For the record, Axl punching the photographer is up on TMZ in video form. :X

[The Dream Master]

Uh oh, the trains starting to come off the tracks. How long until Axl goes batshit crazy and cancel the remainder of the tour? Here's hoping he holds out at least another month or two. :X

[Brett H.]

I think Axl will keep going the more people he gets to punch. :X

Hey, the stop in Regina is like 6 shows into the Canadian tour. If these guys can pull off ten shows, then I get to see them. I honestly think they can. And I'm really excited because that DJ Ashba fucker is an LA guitarist and you can tell, he actually fits the band. And, they're playing a lot of Chinese Democracy tunes and taking out some of the older stuff (which is a good or a bad thing, depending on how you look at it), but I think it shows Axl wanting to progress and support the album (albeit a year plus too late), which if done right, probably can only encourage him to release more stuff.

[The Dream Master]

I hope so mang, for your sake at least. I hope they announce a fuckin' US tour or some shit. I'll go see them.

[Brett H.]

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New Axl:
http://www.libertytimes.com.tw/2009/new/dec/12/images/bigPic/600_30.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2608/4177422644_a2fb75a633.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4177423152_f5aa7e4dbd_b.jpg

[The Dream Master]

Thank god he ditched the dreds and the big, oversized jerseys. :X

[Brett H.]

And gained an awesome Hulk Hogan/Fu Manchu beard/'stache thingy. :X

[zach82]

Maybe part of his new stage act is ripping off a yellow undershirt and doing a leg drop on fans when he goes crazy ;)

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Ashba is such a better guitarist than Finck and thank goodness Axl got rid of the braids. He looks like Axl again!

[CanadianFonzie]

man I saw the setlist for this tour, can;t wait for January 28th!!!

[Brett H.]

Just for the fuckin' record... this has been annoying me since '08. Can some mod change this thread title to Guns N' Fuckin' Roses. That g just irritates the fuck out of me.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Oh, evidently Axl has a Twitter account now. The link to it and Guns N' Roses Twitter were posted in a blog on the official myspace page.

Axl Rose's Twitter (http://twitter.com/axlrose)

Guns N' Roses' Twitter (http://twitter.com/gunsnroses)

I'd really like them to announce a US tour. I'd definitely go in a heartbeat. Even though they're only gonna be in Asia and Canada and therefore won't be able to attend, I feel just as psyched for the tour as I was for the Motley Crue show I went to back in February.

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Say what you want about the new line up but dare I say it certainly feels like Guns N' Roses more so than previous lineups post-1995. Getting Ashba was the best thing they could've done.

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I was awe-stricken there for a minute. I'm serious! I was watchin' the video and when he belted that shit out I was like "WOW!" My motherfuckin' jaw fell open and then I was all wide-eyed and shit, with a big-ass grin on my face. Man, if anyone wants to argue that he ain't still got it, they can fuck off!

[CanadianFonzie]

I know damn well he's still got it, I really can't wait for the concert, I know it's going to be an amazing show, and I can't wait to see Sebastian Bach tear it up, hope he plays more Skid Row than solo, though he is NOT one to dwell on the past which is a little unfortunate

[Brett H.]

Osaka got a huge treat with an epic 28 song set list plus solos and all that for a 3 and a half hour GNR show. Fuck that'd have been doep. They must have wanted to try every fuggin song they hadn't tried yet at that show. Now there's one for the fuckin' ages. If they did that in Regina, I'd shit. :X

[CanadianFonzie]

if they did that in Toronto I'd shit, maybe that's cause they were missing an opening act...perhaps that Danko Jones guy

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Don't know about missing an opening act. Axl commented on the show on his twitter (I don't have one but I check his page every few days or so to see if there's anything new) and he said nothing about no opening act. Just getting carried away and dusting off Whole Lotta Rosie. Lucky bastards.

[Brett H.]

Tonight in Calgary a little friend showed up on stage with Axl. Bubbles, from the Trailer Park Boys and they sang a little tune called Liquor & Whores.

I have my fucking fingers crossed that I get to see Axl Rose and Bubbles do Liquor & Whores this Wednesday in Regina. That would absolutely make my fucking day. Please, God...

[CanadianFonzie]

I wouldn't even know the song, I never watch the show, I'm just looking forward to the sweet tunes of Skid Row opening for Guns N' Roses, and than watching Axl put on a 3 hour set

[Brett H.]

Well if the trends go according to... every other show so far on Canadian soil, this is going to be a 3 hour extravaganza for me tonight. Last night in Saskatoon they fucking played Whole Lotta Rosie again (I hope they play it in Regina!), played a 10 minute version of Catcher in the Rye with a new verse (!) and Sebastian Bach and some other guy joined Axl on stage for the final song of the 3 hour set, Nightrain, which marks the first time a show never ended with Paradise City since 1991.

In other words... a pretty monumental night to be a GNR fan in Saskatoon earlier this evening.

[CanadianFonzie]

Brett I expect a full review when you get back

[Brett H.]

You got it. Off to Regina now!

[Kat]

Tonight in Calgary a little friend showed up on stage with Axl. Bubbles, from the Trailer Park Boys and they sang a little tune called Liquor & Whores.

I have my fucking fingers crossed that I get to see Axl Rose and Bubbles do Liquor & Whores this Wednesday in Regina. That would absolutely make my fucking day. Please, God...

I was supposed to work at that show (EMS for GnR) but I decided to book it off and go fool around & waste time at a comic show. :lmao: Now, I am kind of wishing I did...

[The Dream Master]

Even though he's already off, I wanna wish Brett the best of luck with the show tonight. Hopefully there's liquor and whores for all. :X

[Brett H.]

Jesus fucking Christ... I have never seen anything like this in my life! After swilling down a fifth of Jim Beam mixed generously with a single can of pop; we got there in time for Sebastian Bach, who was fucking INSANE swinging his microphone around on the cord like a madman with his long hair and black leather pants and pumped everyone up like a motherfucker. We were fucking in the fourth row and going fucking insane. Baz plays Slave to the Grind for the first time on this tour that I know of and basically tells the USA to fuck off by saying that people say Skid Row is an American band, but fuck that, they were a CANADIAN band. We're rockin' to Baz the hardest and he looked me and my cousin in the eyes, which was fucking awesome. Baz is fucking insanely nuts, I will forever never forgive the hardcore GNR fanbase for turning on him in the last few years. I will for the record state that I applauded the choice to bring Baz along on this tour from the get-go, I was one of about two who supported it on a certain GNR forum. Oh, and Baz is all "YOU GUYS LIKE MODEL TRAINS?!" which is a reference to his Trailer Park Boys appearances. After his set I look at my cousin and we say the same thing. "Jesus Christ... and that was only the opener... this is going to get better. Sebastian Bach is the perfect opening act because he is better than most headliners. It's insane to see that this guy is playing the fucking Hard Rock in Thunder Bay tomorrow... traveling 1700 miles to play a small ass show.

Axl comes out and he's fucking dancing and doing everything Axl usually does, despite the smallest crowd of the tour, he don't give a fuck, he's going as nuts as Baz and pyro and shit is going off like a mother. We're so close the flames give you some big time heat when they go off and the bass actually moves your clothing. Bras are flying on stage, Axl's fucking screeching in ways you don't think possible - when you think he can't go higher, he somehow does. He fucked up at the end of November Rain. Nobody cares. He even played the fucking piano with his feet! I took my eye off him for one second to watch DJ play guitar a mere 5 feet from me and I look back and the motherfucker is up on top of the piano singing! He's throwing the mic stand around like a lunatic constantly.

They played for like 2 and a half hours or a bit more and I made a decision to not hear This I Love on Youtube live when I read Axl rocked it. I wanted to see it for the first time live in person (it's my favorite track on the album) and it was fucking amazing, Axl said a year ago that it's the most personal song for him on Chinese Democracy and it shows. He sang so fucking high and loud... I have no idea how he belted that shit out. He hit shit normally the artists only hit on the albums.

Best part of the night in the laughs department is a tiebreaker between:

a) "Regina rhymes with fun!" - Axl Rose
b) Me giving my underage by a few years cousin a beer before he got down to the floor, to which we had to go through more ticket takers. We get to the bottom and he stumbles a bit and the lady says "Sir, you almost spilled your beer!"
c) The boys playing Dueling Banjos.

[The Dream Master]

Sounds pretty fuggin' doep, mang. Glad that Axl stayed away from the asshole zone long enough for you to experience that shit.

[CanadianFonzie]

man you just got me so pumped, one more week until they hit Toronto! fuck I can't wait! but judging by where my seats are, people better be standing, when I saw Kiss in october my seats were worse than the ones I have to GN'R (but still awesome enough) and nobody was standing and teh guy behind me told me to sit down...I just leaned on my chair out of peoples way, but fuck them, Paul even said during that show "hey this isn't a place for couch potatoes" and told them to go home, so than people stood for like half the next song and sat down again, HAHA

ANYWAY my point is shows are much more fun when everyone stands, cause I HATE sitting at shows...and I hope people stand during Baz's performance

This I Love is my favourite song off the album too, I'm interested in seeing how he plays it live

[Brett H.]

Everyone went nuts for Baz in Regina, but the city is known to be pretty hardcore for rock acts. Due to the small size of the city the shows don't always sell out (well, really, the shows normally sell out I think, but GNR did two shows in a huge province that only is home to a million people), but the people are nuts for it.

And I forgot to mention, because it only just now kicked into place; there was a small portion of the show where Axl sang a bit of something and I couldn't put my finger on it, but I'd heard it before. I realize it now that he was singing Gran Torino.

[The Dream Master]

As in the song at the end of the movie? If so, that's pretty doep.

[CanadianFonzie]

just came back from the show, I have SO much to say

first of all the whole show the audio wasn't the best, i think something was wrong, but I got used to it during GN'R's set, but it really effected Baz's set, but it was funny cause I think he could tell that something was wrong so he threw the mic on the ground and gave the roadie the finger, unbelievably funny

now GN'R didn't come on at 10:40 like Brett's show, they came on at fucking 11:30, which fucked me over cause the show went until 2, and the last subway left at 1:35, so we had to waste more fucking money at take the taxi home, it was funny though, while we were waiting the whole hour and a half for the band to come on they were showing girls in the crowd on the screen and there was one girl it kept going back to cause each time she kept getting closer and closer to taking her bra off, she lifted her shirt to show her bra and later her thong but she didn't go all the way and it was keeping us entertained as to if she'd show it all lol

but the entire day was something to remember forever, amazing day and amazing show (except the audio)

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

Well, I'm sure everyone has read Axl's lastest Twitter letter, but I'll post it here anyway. Seems the banning of Slash stuff was all bullshit and evidently GN'R are now being managed by none other than ex-Motley Crue manager Doc McGhee. Interesting, evidently Axl booted Azoff.

Fuck!! The NY shows were insane!! Love the free form laid back vibe n' both were completely different from r view. The fans were AMAZING!! John (Varvatos) was really great! And to keep CBGB's rockin'?! Badass!! Goin' into Rose Bar was rough on some. Lotta best left memories from the old hotel. The gig helped w/some o' those. Felt really good on stage. (We actually "LIKE" playing together n' I absolutely agree some things should b a lot less complicated than others made them in the past that's why we're together n' other's by their own accord ain't here.) We all had a great time, it was a madhouse!! Thanks to everyone who came out n' those who helped put 'em 2gether. Good to have a short break n' gear up 4 South America. I LOVE NY!!

On another note Guns is now managed by Doc McGhee n' we're off to a fun start. Big welcomes! It's nice to have the support!!

Elsewhere:

Canadian tour n' Slash banned clothing nonsense: which I addressed live as soon as it happened but hey fake allegations from unreliable sources bein' negative n' all especially w/us n' these issues got more weight to n' 4 aholes. Fabricated from a 2001 bs RS piece from Rock N' Rio. Bottom line Never happened, end of story. Fuck TMZ, ContactMusic, Spinner (I got ur attitude.)

Goin' on late at Rose Bar nonsense: Nope, Nopity, Nope!! 1:30am on time! U got played!! We were asked to do a show for fans n' friends etc. We were told when to arrive n' when to play between 1 an 2am which we did exactly. We didn't perform for the press or their deadlines other than that they were there. We do our best provided we r treated in the same manner to be polite n' cordial. The past can kiss ur ass, not gonna happen here. Under other circumstances n' advance arrangements things may have been or be different, w/these shows they weren't.

Goin' on "hours" late in Toronto nonsense: Based on set change etc. went on 1 hour 8mins late w/circumstances beyond r control n' last minute physical injuries from earlier performances (which took that hour to find ways to deal with) n' could have cancelled the performance not "hrs". Apologies were made. If u have a problem w/any of that or especially if u weren't there fuck off.

Not doin' surprise shows for the hardcore fans nonsense: Sorry some feel that way. Saw a lot at both gigs singin' every word in every song. We made efforts to get several if not all fans who contacted us n' were in town into these gigs. We also didn't know most of the guests as we don't live here n' for that matter what makes some internet fan more hardcore than whoever else anyway, oh that's rt...nothing!! Some just like 2 bitch 2 bitch. So if ur complainin' n' u drink beer, today I recommend a Lucky or perhaps a Red Stripe...if ur still peeved...again, fuck off.

I sweat nonsense: On ur mama! Really? That's what u write about? No shit! I work hard, it's good for ya n' I smell better than u!!

Takin' shots at Slash n' reunions over Haiti nonsense: Never happened. Wasn't aware of any comments from the old lineup.

So in closing...Fuck the LA Times, TMZ, Contact Music n' Spinner. I don't need "forgiven" for alleged n' fabricated nonsense. I've no respect for mean spirited aholes gettin' paid talkin' shit at other's expense or irresponsible biased partisan politics wanna be journalism by dated hacks. Go on! Back ur boy! But when he says he never killed no one that ain't exactly true. Yeah, that's right, stone cold. So if we happen to play your neighborhood or for that matter anywhere at anytime regardless of the circumstances, presales, public sales, give aways, even free shows consider yourself uninvited. It's a free country but you're formally n' publicly not welcome.

Bottom line is we ain't makin' efforts to rain on ur parade why piss on or take cheap shots at r's. Oh that's rt...how u make ur livin's all that counts not others, whatever. U ain't above anyone regardless of who or what corporation u work for n' unfortunately most of u'll get to learn that the hard way.

Everyone else...

Thanks for ALL the positive comments, press n' tearin' it up w/us!! It was absolutely fucking AMAZING!! Can't wait to see u out there n' we absolutely appreciate your support!!

Thanks again 2 everyone involved n' everyone that was rockin' out 4 makin' everything SO fucking great!!

What an experience!!

Peace!!

Axl-

[CanadianFonzie]

I'm sure that's not why he was so late for the Toronto show, but whatever it was a good experience

[ChildrenoftheDamned]

I don't know. I'd take the Toronto explanation with a grain of salt but since he's been in good spirits and everything's been great so far, I definitely do not wanna piss on the parade.

[Brett H.]

Slash's first single off his solo album debuted today.

The verdict? Awesome (http://www.spinner.ca/2010/02/26/slash-by-the-sword-feat-andrew-stockdale-song-premiere/).

[CanadianFonzie]

you know it started off kinda slow but I got into it

who is singing that one?