[GNRnHOUSE]

http://www.lacitybea...er_4_2008/7824/

Guns n’ Roses
Chinese Democracy (Black Frog/Geffen)

As Chinese Democracy is (of course) the first Axl Rose Solo Project disc and not (of course) the sixth Guns n’ Roses studio album, a slight realignment in expectations on the part of the group’s fans is necessary … and if the correct adjustment is made – that is, you’re ready to get into Axl’s ring – the record more than delivers. It’s true: Fifteen years after The Spaghetti Incident? – an album of cover tunes – Rose proves once again that he was always more than just a Sunset Strip poseur sniffing after poontang, but a writer of both perception and attitude. The most amazing thing about Chinese Democracy – considering its troubled gestation – is that it’s not some whiny, “me-me-me” statement of hardship; in fact, it sounds as if Rose is quite aware that hardly any Midwestern kid really gives two shits about a rich megastar, and he gives that dude something to believe in: a great fucking song or three. Or more.

The most notable tracks are some of Rose’s best ever. “If the World” feels like a future classic, mixing a ’70s Stones shuffle with Curtis Mayfield’s soul, as does the Alice in Chains-reminiscent grunge-groover “Scraped.” The production isn’t a hard-and-flat heavy metal roar on these tracks, as it was in the Mike Clink days (never much admired his sonics on the Use Your Illusion collections). Instead, Rose’s affection and influences have broadened: There’s Moby’s ecstatic panoramas (“There Was a Time,” the orchestral finale of “Prostitute”); the Stooges’ streetwise strut (“Chinese Democracy”); and Sabbathy megaton-weight blues (“Sorry”). And much of it – most of it, actually – rocks like nobody’s business.

Even when, late in the album, Rose turns self-pitying and begins to lash out at unknown accusers (“Sorry,” “I.R.S.”), the result is fascinating; the echo on his voice heard on “I.R.S.” makes him sound alone and feral, yet without being so enemy-specific that some unnamed youth out there can help but identify with the heartache and pain. According to the credits, an army of producers, engineers, and musicians helped Axl Rose create this long-overdue and self-indulgent opus, but it takes just a single listen to realize that even though Velvet Revolver released two records in less time than it took Rose to make half of his, there’s nothing on their albums that’s half as compelling as the music on Chinese Democracy. Sometimes even a dictator knows what he’s doing.
–Joshua Sindell

[tberrie007]

I think any guns fan will read this and have to agree! World sales make GNR Number 1 baby!

[teknophyle83]

Spot on, I say

[Val22]

Wow, that's exactly how I feel about this cd. Finally, someone understands the mind of Axl Rose. When I listen to the cd, I feel like I'm listening to Axl's life story. He's baring his soul on this cd and I feel that's very brave for any artist to do.

[dalsh327]

Great albums/CDs become classics in due time. It's extremely rare that the best work someone does is liked right off the bat. There's people who want this to be some self-indulgent mess and be one of the biggest flops of all time, but track for track it's good. Only time will tell where this one will stand.. which is how it should be. If you're listening to it in a year, it's going to be in the "classic" category.

[B F O G]

Great Review---Orchestral arrangements on TWAT are classic...

[jw77]

couldn't have said it better myself...spot on

[dredscott]

jw77, on Mar 4 2009, 04:43 PM, said:

couldn't have said it better myself...spot on

Great Review!!

[Marion68]

Sometimes even a dictator knows what he’s doing.
–Joshua Sindell
[/quote]