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Guns N' Roses Offer Up Title Track to 'Chinese Democracy'

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)


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244 Comments

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donscip

Sixteen years too late - IMO, the De Facto standard for GNR is Appetite for Destruction and this simply does not stand up to it.

November 22 2008 at 5:04 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
itsasony

Over Produced Flair. Something you do when you have too much time to pick it apart. I would not call it crap either. Great effort. But you can't base a critic of an artist on a single song. It's within range of all previous work. The intro -I would say lose it, it takes more than it gives.

October 27 2008 at 4:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
elena

WELL, its about friggin time, listen its not the old GNR granted, I love his voice I just have to wait to hear him Live his voice use to go right threw me and felt everything he was saying.... It would be friggin fansatic if GNR the original gets back together... But i dont see that happening,, I would listen to the rest of the CD and then give more of my opinion..

October 26 2008 at 6:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Laura

Why is everyone comparing this to Appetite. It's new..It's 2008 not 1988. You're all haters jumping on the hate GNR wagon. The song sounds great and I'm thrilled for Axl. Can't wait to hear the whole album.

October 25 2008 at 12:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
riosjinx

this is axle. straight - up & some good licks to boot. in your face, axle. good job.

October 23 2008 at 2:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nindmspcure

I think it sounds dated. I'm disappointed.

October 23 2008 at 9:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
stratcat8262

I'll tell you whats missing from this song , THAT CLASSIC GIBSON SOUND THAT YOU CAN ONLY GET WITH A GREAT GUITAR PLAYER AND A LES PAUL GUITAR !!!!!!!!

October 23 2008 at 9:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Charmaine

I am one of gnr biggest fans, but this isn't "really" gnr is it?! I agree with Josh, Guns N' Roses is nothing without the rest of the guys!!

October 23 2008 at 7:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
palgrace01

Didn't like it. The begining was bad but it did get better. It takes sooooooooo long to get better that most people will turn it off before that point.

October 23 2008 at 6:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mattrix

Loved it. Gunners all the way. Can't wait to hear the rest of the album.

October 23 2008 at 5:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply