Holding an actual copy of Guns N' Roses' 'Chinese Democracy' in your hands is like finding a Wonka Golden Ticket. More than a decade in the making, 'Chinese Democracy' was soon becoming the stuff of urban legend. Until Axl Rose decided to release it on Nov. 23, 2008. No, really.

Part of that legacy is the album's numerous false starts, be it due to empty Internet release rumors or announcements from Rose himself that never came to fruition. I had the opportunity to interview Rose for Rolling Stone at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in January 2006, at a Korn tour launch party. At the time, an easy-going and very chatty Rose said, "People will hear music this year."

That release date turned out to be three years premature, but other details he mentioned were true. For example, the Queen-like arrangements he described, which can be found on the theatrical 'Street of Dreams,' as well as the ballad 'This I Love.'

"I'm trying to do something different," Rose told me. "Some of the people are going to say, 'It doesn't sound like Guns N' Roses. It doesn't sound like Axl Rose. You'll like at least a few songs on there."

This may have been his greatest truth.

In celebration of the album's release, we bring you exclusive 'Chinese Democracy' album art, sure to whet your appetite for the real thing. Finally.

Listen to 'Better'