Patience is one thing. Waiting over 17 years for an album that is most likely responsible for the downturn of the economy is another. Nevertheless, we must get over the satire and the bad jokes just to say that Chinese Democracy has finally come out. We can no longer joke about the delayed album that won’t come out. That doesn’t stop us from making fun of the album that has come out.
Chinese Democracy is by no means a Guns and Roses Album. It may not have any of the same lineup from the 90’s but it has isolated itself from anything that could be close to the synergy of GnR. Think of it like Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” and instead of just firing the drummer, Roger went and canned Gilmour and the rest, brought in John Osborne and Micheal Nesmith, and decided to release it in 2001. The album is essentially just Axl Rose with some guests here and there. I honestly think the album should have been called “Axl Rose and Pals Presents Chinese Democracy.”
Even though it isn’t a GnR album, it’s still good. The first few tracks have that 2002-05 sounding nu metal thing going on. And then we have those slightly piano tunes in the vein of November Rain. But it does sound good altogether. Each musician’s contribution, maybe for the exception of Axl, was extremely well put together. Need proof? Just listen for buckethead’s trademark work in the title track.
In short, this isn’t your Grandfather’s GnR. In fact, it isn’t your fathers, stepfather’s, long lost brother’s, Third and twice removed cousin’s, or anyone’s for that matter. But I like it.
~Llama With Headphones
