To put Chinese Democracy in some perspective: it arrives 17 years after the twin Use Your Illusion, the last set of original music by Guns N' Roses. Consider that 17 years prior to the Illusions, it was 1974, back before the Ramones and Sex Pistols, back before Aerosmith had Rocks and Toys in the Attic, back before Queen had A Night at the Opera -- back before almost anything that Axl Rose worships even existed. Generations have passed in these 17 years, but not for Axl. He cut himself off from the world following the trouble-ridden Use Your Illusion tour, retreating to the Hollywood Hills, swapping every original GNR member in favor of contract players culled from his mid-'90s musical obsessions -- Tommy Stinson from the Replacements, Robin Finck from Nine Inch Nails, Buckethead from guitar magazines -- as he turned into rock's Charles Foster Kane, a genius in self-imposed exile spending millions to make his own Xanadu, Chinese Democracy.
Like Xanadu, Chinese Democracy is a monument to man's might, but where Kane sought to bring the world underneath his roof, Axl labored to create an ideal version of his inner world, working endlessly on a set of songs about his heartbreak, persecution, and paranoia, topics well mined on the Illusions. Using the pompous ten-minute epics "Estranged" and "November Rain" as his foundation, Axl strips away all remnants of the old, snake-dancing GNR, shedding the black humor and blues, replacing any good times with vindictive spleen in the vein of "You Could Be Mine." All this melodrama and malevolence feels familiar and, surprisingly, so does much of Chinese Democracy, even for those listeners who didn't hear the portions of the record as leaked demos and live tracks. Despite a few surface flourishes -- all the endless, evident hours spent on Pro Tools, a hip-hop loop here, a Spanish six-string there, absurd elastic guitar effects -- this is an album unconcerned with the future of rock & roll. One listen and it's abundantly clear that Axl spent the decade-plus in the studio not reinventing but refining, obsessing over a handful of tracks, and spending an inordinate amount of time chasing the sound in his head -- that's it, no more, no less.
Such maniacal indulgence is ridiculous but strangely understandable: Rose received unlimited time and money to create this album, so why not take full advantage and obsess over every last detail? The odd thing is, he spent all this time and money on an album that is deliberately not a grand masterpiece -- a record that pushes limits or digs deep -- but merely a set of 14 songs. Compared to the chaotic Use Your Illusion, Chinese Democracy feels strangely modest, but that's because it's a single polished album, not a double album so overstuffed that it duplicates songs. Modest is an odd word for an album a decade-plus in the making, but Axl's intent is oddly simple: he sees GNR not as a gutter-rock band but as a pomp-rock vehicle for him to lash out against all those who don't trust him, whether it's failed friends, lapsed fans, ex-lovers, former managers, fired bandmates, or rock critics. Chinese Democracy is the best articulation of this megalomania as could be possible, so the only thing to quibble about is his execution, which occasionally is perplexing, particularly when Rose slides into hammy vocal inflections or encourages complicated guitar that only guitarists appreciate (it's telling that the only memorable phrases from Robin Finck, Buckethead, or Bumblefoot or whoever are ones that mimic Slash's full-throated melodic growl). Even with these odd flourishes, it's hard not to marvel, either in respect or bewilderment, at the dense, immaculate wall of god knows how many guitars, synthesizers, vocals, and strings.
The production is so dense that it's hard to warm to, but it fits the music. These aren't songs that grab and hold; they're songs that unfold, so much so that Chinese Democracy may seem a little underwhelming upon its first listen. It's not just the years of pent-up anticipation, it's that Axl spent so much time creating the music -- constructing the structure and then filling out the frame -- that there's no easy way into the album. That, combined with the realization that Axl isn't trying to reinvent GNR, but just finishing what he started on the Illusions, can make Chinese Democracy seem mildly anticlimactic, but Rose spent a decade-plus working on this -- he deserves to not have it dismissed on a cursory listen. Give it time, listening like it was 1998 and not 2008, and the album does give up some terrific music -- music that is overblown but not overdone.
True, those good moments are the songs that have kicked around the Internet for the entirety of the new millennium: the slinky, spiteful "Better," slowly building into its fury; the quite gorgeous if heavy-handed "Street of Dreams"; "There Was a Time," which overcomes its acronym and lack of chorus on its sheer drama; "Catcher in the Rye," the lightest, brightest moment here; the slow, grinding "I.R.S."; and "Madagascar," a ludicrous rueful rumination that finds space for quotations from Martin Luther King amidst its trip-hop pulse. These aren't innovations; they're extensions of "Breakdown" and "Estranged," epics that require some work to decode because Axl forces the listener to meet him on his own terms. This all-consuming artistic narcissism has become Rose's defining trait, not letting him move forward, but only to relentlessly explore the same territory over and over again. And this solipsism turns Chinese Democracy into something strangely, surprisingly simple: it won't change music, it won't change any lives, it's just 14 more songs about loneliness and persecution. Or as Axl put it in an apology for canceled concerts in 2006, "In the end, it's just an album." And it's a good album, no less and no more.
The wait is over. The new album from Guns N’ Roses, Chinese Democracy, has arrived. The album, which features 14 brand new songs from Axl and company, has garnered rave reviews and is easily the most anticipated release of the year.Track listing:1. Chinese Democracy2. Shackler’s Revenge3. Better4. Street Of Dreams5. If The World6. [...]Related posts:Chinese Democracy Review (by Guns N’ Roses
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If you asked your average rock fan they would probably have said that there was more chance of the CIA admitting their part in the assasination of Kennedy and Ringo Starr signing another autograph than the new Guns N Roses album seeing daylight. Well a couple of weeks back it finally happened. After 17 years, a million false starts and a revolving door policy on guitarists and producers the mos...
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HOLY FUCKING SHIT, have you guys read the liner notes for this fucking thing? "Produced by Axl Rose and Caram Costanzo. Mixed by Andy Wallace, Caram Costanzo and Axl Rose. Final Mixing: Caram Costanzo and Axl Rose." "Additional production and preproduction by Roy Thomas Baker." "Additional Production: Sean Beaven." "Additional and/or initial Engineering." Those are [...]
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In an effort to jump-start the critically important deconstruction of Guns N' Roses' late-period video output, I've taken the liberty of posting the mini-film that provides visual accompaniment to their hit, "Cold November Rain." It is Rock Town Hall's hope that willing Townspeople will step forward with insightful observations and analyses, so that we may better understand what exactly is go...
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Pushing 50 with wrinkled varacose hands grasping at the straws of his youth, Axl Rose and his cohorts (a term used with a grimace, since the driving force is singular) released Chinese Democracy yesterday. This album has been the butt of jokes, the basis for lawsuits, and mastabatory fare for legions of heavy metal hangers-on for the last 15 years. If you were lucky, yesterday you signed up f...
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I have a much different angle on Chinese Democracy than most of my blogging peers. When Use Your Illusion came out, I was probably sitting in front of a TV watching Sesame Street at the tender age of 2 years, 11 months (This is where I duck while my peers throw things at me for making them feel old). I haven't waited 17 years, endured the countless broken promises and trainwrecks that led to ye...
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It took Axl sixteen years to finish this album. It took us an hour and ten minutes to listen to it. You're welcome.
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Stream it here One thing you have to understand before you listen to Chinese Democracy is that If you don’t listen to it in some sort of rock time vacuum then you aren’t going to enjoy it. This is music that doesn’t really fit anywhere in today’s musical landscape. I’m not sure whether it’s above [...]
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Get your first listen to the second single from Guns N Roses upcoming album "Chinese Democracy". The single is called "Better", listen here!
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Guns N' Roses' comeback single lacks hooks but still has the power to captivate.
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Here's the link to hear the song in full!Rock it out!Sami
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The wait is over! Guns N Roses' new album "Chinese Democracy" hits stores on November 23rd! Listen to the title track and first single RIGHT HERE!
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Years before Catcher in the Rye even leaked, it was known that the song would be an elegy for John Lennon. However, now it has been out for over 20 months and it seems we still haven’t dug any deeper than that rudimentary understanding of its meaning. Axl is an artist, he’s not just going to write a song because he randomly misses someone who died decades ago. What significance or meaning d
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I just read an article on MTV.com that states that Axl's childhood biography comes out on May 4. He is also putting the finishing touches on Chinese Democracy. I'll believe it when I see the album in stores.
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Here's a headline from Blabbermouth this morning: GUNS N' ROSES' 'Chinese Democracy' Single Best 'Mainstream Rock' Debut Since 'Don't Cry' Wow. So in the seventeen years since "Don't Cry" was released, there hasn't been a better debut than "Chinese Democracy?" What incredible power Axl Rose has over the charts! Only, this isn't exactly true. And by "exactly," I [...]
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From this past Friday night's Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO… check out the first twenty seconds: -AR Related posts: OPEN LETTER FROM EVERY TIME I DIE TO AXL ROSE (7) HEADLINES CAN BE MISLEADING (9) THE FIVE BEST COCK ROCK VIDEOS ABOUT GOING (OR NOT GOING) PLACES (5) SAD SACK STEVEN ADLER: "I WANT MY BEST FRIEND SLASH BACK." [...]
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Dr. Pepper's website is still not working, but that hasn't stopped the world from participating in Chinese Democracy mania. I stopped by the Best Buy on 23rd St. (where door signs read "The Most Anticipated Album Release Ever!") to buy my copy yesterday, and rumors from an unconfirmed source have it that one Axl Rosenberg [...]
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It's 11:03 on Sunday night. Earlier today I bought my real, live copy of Chinese Democracy at Best Buy. I want my Dr. Pepper. But it is not to be. EPIC FAIL. Of gargantuan proportions! Related posts: CHINESE DEMOCRAZY (3) BECAUSE WE WERE ALL THAT FAT KID SINGING ALONG TO DIMMU BORGIR AT SOME POINT IN OUR LIVES [...]
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"AS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED":PR Dr. Pepper is saying that they will give everyone in America a can of Dr. Pepper if Axl Rose actually releases ??Chinese Democracy?? in 2008."It took a little patience to perfect Dr Pepper's special mix of 23 ingredients, which our fans have come to know and love," said Jaxie Alt, director of marketing for Dr Pepper. "So we completely understand and empathize with Ax...
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They said it would never happen, but apparently it has.According to NME, Guns N' Roses have finally finished their long awaited ??Chinese Democracy??, the album that Axl Rose has been working on for the past 14 years.Was it "Dr. Pepper's prodding":CH that finally got Axl and the boys to finished what they started 14 years ago?Therockradio.com reports that Geffen Records, the band's record label...
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"We never thought this day would come." Tony Jacobs VP of marketing for Dr. Pepper admits. Neither did anyone, buddy. "But now that it's here all we can say is: The Dr. Pepper's on us."So how exactly does Dr. Pepper plan on delivering its promise to give every American a free 20oz Dr. Pepper when GNR's Chinese Democracy is finally released on November 23rd? Coupons. (There goes my idea o Dr. ...
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You'd think that after the 14-17 years that it took to make Axl's Chinese Democracy (and the estimated $15 million) the long-awaited album would hav secured teh Number One chart position around the world. You thought wrong.In a week that saw new albums from major platinum selling acts like Coldplay and Kanye West, Chinese Democracy placed second behind the Killers' third album Day & Age. Day & ...
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That's it. The photo comes from the Best Buy Web site, where the album is now available for pre-order.Wow. Ok. So it seems Axl and co. are really moving forward with the release of this thing after fifteen years. The album is due for release on November 25th. $13.99 will buy you three-four songs that have NOT been leaked or played live previously - "Scraped," "Sorry" "Street Of Dreams" and "Pro...
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Recently a man who 'leaked' nine track from the much hyped Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy, who claims he received it from an "anonymous online source," may be facing serious legal trouble.The blogger, a man who goes by the handle Skwerl reportedly used to work in the distribution department of Universal Music and is now a web designer. He explained he was initially told to take the files...
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Today I awoke to Axl Rose blabbling away about Chinese Democracy's demise. After three weeks out, the album just barely made the Top 30. In the post on the homepage there was a picture of Rose, which reminded me of myself just this past October 31st. And since we've been sharing a lot about each other here on MOG recently, I figured it would be appropriate. I don't know why I didn't share soo...
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While some media outlets are reporting that Guns' N Roses' Chinese Democracy is hitting the local Best Buy to the sound of cricket chirps, Dr. Pepper seems to be on fire. The soft drink company promised a free Dr. Pepper to all if GNR finally released their fourteen years in the making Chinese Democracy album by the end of 2008. Chinese Democaracy finally hit stands yesterday, albeit exclusiv...
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Guns N' Roses are being sued for $1 million (£627,116) for copying songs which ended up on their last album 'Chinese Democracy'.Filing the lawsuit are British record label Independiente and the U.S. arm of Domino Records, who are seeking damages against the band and the album's producers.The songs in question - 'Wherever You Are' and 'A Strangely Isolated Place' by German electronic musician Ul..
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This is all starting to souds a little bit too Spinal Tap. After debuting at a disappointing Number Two last week on the UK chart, behind the Killers' Day & Age, Guns N Roses' Chinese Democracy is on its way to being a commercial flop. The album some 14+ years and millions of dollars in the making fell nine spots in the UK to land at Number 11 its second week out.Despite not being able to secur...
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Someone may've posted this already, but apparently a well-off Guns & Roses fan paid big bucks for a pre-release sampler of the long-awaited (really?) GnR f/up album: Chinese Democracy. Then he predictably leaked it to the world via the 'intranets'. For all that care, or are just morbidly curious, you can listen here...http://idolator.com/tunes/mp3/leak-of-the-day-part-ii-apparently-guns-n-roses...
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| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 Chinese Democracy |
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| 2 Shackler's Revenge |
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| 3 Better |
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| 4 Street of Dreams |
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| 5 If the World |
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| 6 There Was a Time |
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| 7 Catcher in the Rye |
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| 8 Scraped |
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| 9 Riad N' the Bedouins |
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| 10 Sorry |
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| 11 I.R.S. |
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| 12 Madagascar |
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| 13 This I Love |
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| 14 Prostitute |
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Click to purchase…
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 "Chinese Democracy")
