Guns n Roses: Chinese Democracy CD Review

Before I put up this weekends poll (which is a goodie), I have to stray off the world of soccer and into one of my other loves in life – music.

Guns n’ Roses, as previously constituted, was an incredibley formative force in my childhood. Axl, Slash, Duff and the gang were icons in my mind. I clearly remember being in Argentina, roughly 1988, and watching Guns n’ Roses play live from Buenos Aires in front of a fuzzy 12 inch tv screen. And there was Axl Rose, insane front man of the greatest Rock and Roll band of that age, talking shit to a crowd that didn’t understand a word, belting out hits that sounded like carbon copies of what I heard on CD and overall, performing like tommorrow didn’t matter. I fell in love.

Fast Forward: November 2008.

After nearly 14 years of silence (another great GnR line), Axl Rose has decided to front a new band, with new members, which included a guitar wizard wearing a KFC bucket helmet. Like any Guns fan, I was intensely skeptical of what this product would produce. Yes, I missed the crooning of the greatest rock vocalist of my youth, but would that be enough to forgive this sacriledge?

ALBUM REVIEW

First off, I have to put this into perspective; if you are awaiting a mind blowing, life altering experience from listening to this album simply because it has been 12 years in the making, adjust your expectations. The fact is, nothing can live up to THAT hype. Instead, just take the album for what it’s worth; the long awaited offering from one of rock and rolls most controversial front man, who has decided to paste the name of his former project to a completely new band. Or in other words, if you are expecting Appetite for Destruction, turn around and walk away now.

Once you get past that, you can judge this album with a little less bias. And you may find what I did; this album ROCKS!

Chinese Democracy incorporates the distinct sounds of the old Guns n Roses, and gives it a modern day makeover. From hip hop style sampling and digitizing to the full on rock and roll wall of sound from upwards of five simulateous guitars, Axl Rose has transformed himself into Rocks Beethovan, “composing” an album enhanced with minute details sprinkled onto the surface for that extra flavor.

The title song, Chinese Democracy, is a straight kick to the jaw, and is prominently featured as the albums first song. This one harkens back to a former Chinese Democracy song, which was featured in the “End of Days” soundtrack, “Oh My God.” Very heavy, and adrenaline fueled. But, as to not turn off the ladies, there are some classic “Use Your Illusion” type soft rock to keep things on an even kiel. Songs like “Better” and “Street of Dreams” can be your classic “Don’t Cry” style mainstream offerings, with catchy verses like “I don’t know what I could do / everywhere I go I see you / What I thought was Beautiful don’t live inside of you any more.”

Speaking of lyrics, there are definite overtures to the words Axl expresses. Like past offerings such as “Get in the Ring” and “Shotgun Blues,” Axl isn’t afraid to make his views known. “If my intentions are misunderstood / Please be kind / I’ve done all I should / I won’t ask of you / What I would not do,” or “Why would they / Tell me to please those / That laugh in my face?” both from the song Prostitute. This is the giant Fuck You that Axl has made famous throughout his career.

Is the album a masterpiece? Well, what is in todays music industry? Where most of todays albums have three singles and a bunch of filler, Guns n Roses have grouped a well put together compilation of songs that creates a natural flow. In other words – Axl created a complete work, an album the way albums used to be constructed. It’s as if Axl intended to give every GnR fan through the generations a little something to enjoy. Then again, he probably doesnt give a shit what anyone thinks.

Either way, give the album a shot. Its a definite 4 out of 5 stars in my book. Do what I did – buy the album, listen to the title tracks and some of the advertised hits (Better, Street of Dreams, Sorry, I Love This), and then just let it play while you are at home, in your room, in your car, your office, your iPod – whatever. You may just suprise yourself.

PS: Selling through Best Buy exclusively was a horrible idea – they are an electronics store! WalMart is all purpose and the way to go. Boo to their advertising and marketing team.

img credit: Personal Photos, GnR in MSG 2006

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