Guns N' Roses Offer Up Title Track to 'Chinese Democracy'
- Posted on Oct 22nd 2008 9:25AM by Benjy Eisen
- Comments (244)
It's been almost exactly nine years -- or, more specifically, 3276 days -- since Guns N' Roses officially released a new studio track (operative word being "officially"). Believe it or not, it's been even longer than that since Axl Rose first went into the studio to create the album he's always referred to as 'Chinese Democracy.' However, a democratic process it was not. The album became the stuff of legend (and the punch line of jokes) as musicians and producers came and went, sessions were shrouded in secrecy and the erratic Mr. Rose reportedly shredded millions in expenses with nary a song to show for it.But ladies and gentlemen, dudes and dudettes -- it's time. At 5:00AM EST this morning, the title track to the band's finally forthcoming album 'Chinese Democracy' officially hit airwaves and the interwebs. The album itself will be available exclusively at Best Buy beginning November 23. Yes, really. So pop open a Dr. Pepper (your next one is on the house), tell the FBI to simmer down and join us as we welcome GNR to the 21st century.
The Chinese Democracy' Controversy
Seventeen years in the making and at least $13 million spent during production, Axl Rose's 'Chinese Democracy' has become a music industry enigma.
WireImage.com
In all those years, Rose has gone through at least three studios, four producers and countless musicians during the recording process of 'Democracy.' Rose has notorious issues with creative control and perfectionism, and hoped 'Democracy' would be the greatest album ever made.
Rob Loud, Getty Images
Guns N' Roses was one of the most important and influential bands to come out of the '80s, as their aggressive, blues-heavy take on rock was a delight amid the rash of light hair-metal fare.
Kevork Djansezian, AP
Their landmark 1987 debut album 'Appetite for Destruction' album is often considered among the top records of the past 25 years, and some consider it to be one of the best rock records of all time.
Amazon.com
Clashes between the bandmates, however, did them in. Axl's unpredictable temper often wound up in him walking off of the stage mid-show, which incited riots in some cases. His bandmates eventually had enough of it.
KMazur / WireImage.com
Slash, who was the band's lead guitarist, has been the most oustpoken against Rose, often saying that he has zero interest in ever playing with him again. He currently mans the axe for Velvet Revolver.
Christopher Pike, CP / AP
For a brief time, Rose enlisted the quirky guitar genius Buckethead to replace Slash for a Guns N' Roses tour, but the stint was short-lived.
Getty Images (2)
Reader Comments(1 of 13)
pdxcollectat 10-22-2008
This track had a very long/slow into, but got a good beat going deeper into it. I'd rate it average.
gnfnrs692at 10-22-2008
Ok so if u cant tell by my screen name I am a die hard GNR fan!!! I do think the song is alright it may grow on me but yeah I do think some of the intro was over done. Takes way too long to get to song. But its alright I would definitely like to hear the rest of the album b4 I make a harsh judgment of calling it crap. Dont think it can be as bad as spaghetti incident I didnt care for that album at all!!!
Karenat 10-22-2008
Too long of an intro.....Don't particulary care for the song either. 70s and 80s band somehow can not seem to make a come back song or album.
Vitoat 10-22-2008
I beg to differ Karen...Saints of Los Angeles and Death Magnetic are pretty awesome cds from some 80's bands
hosakajenitsuat 10-23-2008
Well, I'd have to say it's definitely not Appetite material, but it isn't that bad either. Hell, if anything, I'd say kudos to Axl for finally putting something out, and it's quality music. Oh yeah, if you think Slash is capable of writing a solo like that...have you heard any Velvet Revolver? It sucks, along with his other solos for GnR. Once again, good job Axl.
micdrntat 10-22-2008
17 years for this crap? Way too much overdubbing. Guns n' Roses grabbed America by the throat with their sheer rawness of "Apetite." There was nothing raw with the "Illusion" albums, and there certainly isn't anything raw here. Axl has lost his hunger. As well as most of his fans.
radiotransientat 10-22-2008
I agree... it's a poor attempt to replicate G N'R post-1995.... If the rest of the album continues along the course of the "title track", then one will have to be forced to "Use Your Illusion" to listen to the rest of the record.
From what I've heard, this is absolutely horrific.
impwalkersat 10-22-2008
Well worded & well put!
rawisericho2000at 10-23-2008
Nice spelling.
gmwaiteat 10-22-2008
Axl's voice sounds great....don't even miss Slash's guitar.....can't wait for the rest....glad they didn't release some "pop" crap as was predicted....
Joshat 10-22-2008
dude this is some pop crap this isnt GNR all we can hope for now is some reuinioun and maybe just maybe the old guns n roses will come back and gnr is nothing with out slash duff izzy and matt
Joshat 10-22-2008
you don't miss slash's guitar? thats the thing i miss the most. he was the only reason i listened to gnr in the first place.
Donnaat 10-22-2008
hello
Donnaat 10-22-2008
hello
Donnaat 10-22-2008
hello
mgos4lifeat 10-22-2008
this cd will kick major ass...#1 on the charts ...soon.
mgos4lifeat 10-22-2008
out with "the Old" and in with the "NEW GUNS N' ROSES"
SO look where VELVET REVOLVERS AT...DEAD, THEIR HISTORY.....
Joshat 10-22-2008
i'd rather listen to velvet revolver's stuff than this shit anyday of the week.
Rey Reyat 10-22-2008
This shit sucked what happened to the classic shit you botoxed freak
xdef00at 10-22-2008
wow, 17 years? 13 mill ? - not worth it, it sounds like a crappy slipknot song, he should stop gettin' plastic surgery and pull the Dildo out of his anus