Chinese Democracy - Guns N Roses new CD
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Re: Chinese Democracy
Chinese Democracy is the weakest song on the album by a long margin - why it was released as the single, I have no idea. Try listening to Madagascar, Better, Street of Dreams, Riad n' the Bedouins.
It's not the Guns n' Roses we knew back in 1994, and thank God for that. If Axl had just done the same old thing, I would have been incredibly disappointed. It's time to MOVE ON. I like that Axl's sound has evolved somewhat since then - that there are more ballads on the record, and there are some obvious industrial, jazz and blues influences there.
For me, this CD has proven an unpalatable truth - in spite of how much of a knob Axl Rose may be as a person, it was he who made Guns n' Roses truly special. His lyrics, his songwriting, and that inimical voice are everything that I've been missing on all those rather bland Velvet Revolver albums.
I never imagined the album would be incredibly ground-breaking (it's hard to do that sort of thing twice in your career) - I was simply hoping for some quality music, and I wasn't disappointed. The album has grown on me a lot over the last few listens - like the old tunes, they stick in your head and refuse to depart, melodies lingering on long after you listen to the them.
Personally, I consider this album a triumph, and a welcome addition to my Guns n' Roses collection.
Chinese Democracy is the weakest song on the album by a long margin - why it was released as the single, I have no idea. Try listening to Madagascar, Better, Street of Dreams, Riad n' the Bedouins.
It's not the Guns n' Roses we knew back in 1994, and thank God for that. If Axl had just done the same old thing, I would have been incredibly disappointed. It's time to MOVE ON. I like that Axl's sound has evolved somewhat since then - that there are more ballads on the record, and there are some obvious industrial, jazz and blues influences there.
For me, this CD has proven an unpalatable truth - in spite of how much of a knob Axl Rose may be as a person, it was he who made Guns n' Roses truly special. His lyrics, his songwriting, and that inimical voice are everything that I've been missing on all those rather bland Velvet Revolver albums.
I never imagined the album would be incredibly ground-breaking (it's hard to do that sort of thing twice in your career) - I was simply hoping for some quality music, and I wasn't disappointed. The album has grown on me a lot over the last few listens - like the old tunes, they stick in your head and refuse to depart, melodies lingering on long after you listen to the them.
Personally, I consider this album a triumph, and a welcome addition to my Guns n' Roses collection.
Re: Chinese Democracy
/\ and you probably enjoyed the new 'death magnetic' album by metallica too?
honestly, it was everyone BUT axl that GNR. but because axl has that trademark shreik/whoa-whoa whooa-whoa, much like rob zombies 'hey yeah' and james hetfeild 'ruuff' that makes it identifiable with the band. Yes its good to hear his voice on a cd, i supposed, but its not axl that makes the band. If buckethead was the main guitarist, and putting forth 100% writing, it would sound like buckethead with axl moaning on top of the cd.
Its like van-halen/van-hagar. When david lee roth released his solo cd with steve vai, the music was in similar style to old van halen, just with more cheesy lounge cover songs, and it sounded like it, especially with vai intricate guitar playing. Van hagar, on the other hand didn't sound like van halen at all, it sounded like montrose with eddie playing guitar... oh i'm sorry keyboards too
the thing i'm getting at was that, that era of van halen sucked compared to original van halen, and new van halen (with gary cherone not the van halens and dlr) sucked even more... thus new gnr sucks, old gnr rules
/\ and you probably enjoyed the new 'death magnetic' album by metallica too?
honestly, it was everyone BUT axl that GNR. but because axl has that trademark shreik/whoa-whoa whooa-whoa, much like rob zombies 'hey yeah' and james hetfeild 'ruuff' that makes it identifiable with the band. Yes its good to hear his voice on a cd, i supposed, but its not axl that makes the band. If buckethead was the main guitarist, and putting forth 100% writing, it would sound like buckethead with axl moaning on top of the cd.
Its like van-halen/van-hagar. When david lee roth released his solo cd with steve vai, the music was in similar style to old van halen, just with more cheesy lounge cover songs, and it sounded like it, especially with vai intricate guitar playing. Van hagar, on the other hand didn't sound like van halen at all, it sounded like montrose with eddie playing guitar... oh i'm sorry keyboards too
the thing i'm getting at was that, that era of van halen sucked compared to original van halen, and new van halen (with gary cherone not the van halens and dlr) sucked even more... thus new gnr sucks, old gnr rules
Re: Chinese Democracy
Not really, no. I do like them, but I've always considered Metallica somewhat overrated.
If you love everyone BUT Axl, then there's no reason to complain, because you've already got all the key components in Velvet Revolver. However, with the exception of a couple of songs, I've found their albums have been tedious affairs that I never bother to revisit.
Damn straight he does. For me, he has the perfect rock voice. But that's because he's got so many tricks up his sleeve - his delivery is never the same twice. Compare the deep richness of "So Fine" with old man blues of "Madagascar", or the unstoppable half-spoken chugging train on "It's So Easy" with the crazy ass wailing all over the solos in "Paradise City" or "There Was a Time". And he's got shit loads of charisma and star quality. Axl Rose is the definitive rock n' roll frontman.
I doubt it. Buckethead is a versatile enough songwriter to know how to adapt.
Even though I'm too young to have truly experienced them at their height, I like both the David Lee Roth and the Hagar eras. I listen to all genres of music, and I prefer bands that take on challenges and embrace diversity.
With the exception of a couple of the big hits, the stuff Steve Vai did with David Lee Roth was some of the worst stuff he's ever recorded.
Not really, no. I do like them, but I've always considered Metallica somewhat overrated.
If you love everyone BUT Axl, then there's no reason to complain, because you've already got all the key components in Velvet Revolver. However, with the exception of a couple of songs, I've found their albums have been tedious affairs that I never bother to revisit.
Damn straight he does. For me, he has the perfect rock voice. But that's because he's got so many tricks up his sleeve - his delivery is never the same twice. Compare the deep richness of "So Fine" with old man blues of "Madagascar", or the unstoppable half-spoken chugging train on "It's So Easy" with the crazy ass wailing all over the solos in "Paradise City" or "There Was a Time". And he's got shit loads of charisma and star quality. Axl Rose is the definitive rock n' roll frontman.
I doubt it. Buckethead is a versatile enough songwriter to know how to adapt.
Even though I'm too young to have truly experienced them at their height, I like both the David Lee Roth and the Hagar eras. I listen to all genres of music, and I prefer bands that take on challenges and embrace diversity.
With the exception of a couple of the big hits, the stuff Steve Vai did with David Lee Roth was some of the worst stuff he's ever recorded.
Re: Chinese Democracy
It's a good album. Hey, it ain't no Appetite for Destruction, but then not much is. Too many ballads, and it lacks that bad attitude that made GN'R stand out from the league of hair bands that overruled the metal scene back in the day. But, there are a couple of really good songs. A solid, effort, i would say.
And since someone mentioned the new Metallica, it is a great album. Their best in ages, a nice return to thrash metal.
It's a good album. Hey, it ain't no Appetite for Destruction, but then not much is. Too many ballads, and it lacks that bad attitude that made GN'R stand out from the league of hair bands that overruled the metal scene back in the day. But, there are a couple of really good songs. A solid, effort, i would say.
And since someone mentioned the new Metallica, it is a great album. Their best in ages, a nice return to thrash metal.
ChefChiTown
The secret ingredient? MY BALLS
Re: Chinese Democracy
Here is the flaw in your argument that Axl Rose was just an "identifiable voice" and didn't help make Guns N Roses the band that they were...
Axl Rose wrote a lot of the music that Guns N Roses played. He wrote most of the lyrics himself and helped orchestrate all of the instruments that were involved in each song. He also played the piano, which was a very important instrument in the sound that Guns N Roses played. He also had a very distinct voice, which helped make Guns N Roses a band that stood out from all of the others.
Now, you then go on to talk about when David Lee Roth left Van Halen and started his solo project. You also say that when Van Halen had Sammy Hagar as a lead singer that they didn't sound like Van Halen, even though their style of music hadn't changed. But wait, wouldn't that contradict your argument that Axl Rose didn't make Guns N Roses because he was only an "identifiable voice"...???
Van Halen + Van Halen music + David Lee Roth (the voice) = Van Halen
Van Halen + Van Halen music + Sammy Hagar (the voice) = NOT Van Halen?
The only difference is the voice, so...
:dunno:
Oh, and listen to Van Halen's album III, when they had Gary Cherone as their lead singer. It fucking SUCKS. Not because the music is all that terrible, but because of the lead singer. It sounded nothing like Van Halen because their lead singer didn't have a "Van Halen voice". Since there was no "identifiable voice" on that album, it has been regarded as a joke and not a true "Van Halen" record.
Axl Rose wasn't everything that Guns N Roses had, but he was an important piece. In order to become a band, you need all of the pieces to work. Guns N Roses wouldn't be Guns N Roses without Slash. Guns N Roses wouldn't be Guns N Roses without Duff. Guns N Roses wouldn't be Guns N Roses without Dizzy, etc, etc...
Here is the flaw in your argument that Axl Rose was just an "identifiable voice" and didn't help make Guns N Roses the band that they were...
Axl Rose wrote a lot of the music that Guns N Roses played. He wrote most of the lyrics himself and helped orchestrate all of the instruments that were involved in each song. He also played the piano, which was a very important instrument in the sound that Guns N Roses played. He also had a very distinct voice, which helped make Guns N Roses a band that stood out from all of the others.
Now, you then go on to talk about when David Lee Roth left Van Halen and started his solo project. You also say that when Van Halen had Sammy Hagar as a lead singer that they didn't sound like Van Halen, even though their style of music hadn't changed. But wait, wouldn't that contradict your argument that Axl Rose didn't make Guns N Roses because he was only an "identifiable voice"...???
Van Halen + Van Halen music + David Lee Roth (the voice) = Van Halen
Van Halen + Van Halen music + Sammy Hagar (the voice) = NOT Van Halen?
The only difference is the voice, so...
:dunno:
Oh, and listen to Van Halen's album III, when they had Gary Cherone as their lead singer. It fucking SUCKS. Not because the music is all that terrible, but because of the lead singer. It sounded nothing like Van Halen because their lead singer didn't have a "Van Halen voice". Since there was no "identifiable voice" on that album, it has been regarded as a joke and not a true "Van Halen" record.
Axl Rose wasn't everything that Guns N Roses had, but he was an important piece. In order to become a band, you need all of the pieces to work. Guns N Roses wouldn't be Guns N Roses without Slash. Guns N Roses wouldn't be Guns N Roses without Duff. Guns N Roses wouldn't be Guns N Roses without Dizzy, etc, etc...
Re: Chinese Democracy
Has anybody thought it's Slash and Duff who cant coexist with a lead singer? Didnt Velvet Revolvers singer just quit? Actually Im kidding Axl is an asshole, and a guy pushing 50 can at least let bygones be bygones and have one of the greatest bands ever reunite. I see lots of people saying that GNR isnt GNR without Slash, ima disagree guitarists can be replaced even if it does take 7 to take the place of 2. The lead singer can be close to impossible to replace, the successful ones that come to mind are AC/DC, Iron Maiden and there might be others. Axl especially would be hard, you dont get a frontman like him very often, too bad the reclusive prick thinks everyones out ta get him.
Has anybody thought it's Slash and Duff who cant coexist with a lead singer? Didnt Velvet Revolvers singer just quit? Actually Im kidding Axl is an asshole, and a guy pushing 50 can at least let bygones be bygones and have one of the greatest bands ever reunite. I see lots of people saying that GNR isnt GNR without Slash, ima disagree guitarists can be replaced even if it does take 7 to take the place of 2. The lead singer can be close to impossible to replace, the successful ones that come to mind are AC/DC, Iron Maiden and there might be others. Axl especially would be hard, you dont get a frontman like him very often, too bad the reclusive prick thinks everyones out ta get him.
PlasmaTwa2
The Second-Hottest Man in my Mother's Basement
Re: Chinese Democracy
I like Chinese Democracy. There, I said it.
When you listen to this album, you have to get it in your head that this is not GNR. It is like listening to Velvet Revolver, like drinking a Pepsi when you want a Coke. It's good when you can enjoy it for what it is. There are a few good songs on there, including Better, which sounds like classic GNR. There is also some bad ones. There are songs that sound like the classics, songs that occasionally have a guitar riff or lyric that takes you back, and songs that sound nothing like GNR. That's to be expected, I think.
I'm not a fan of Axl continuing to use the name Guns N' Roses, when truely the only thing that sounds like them is his voice. However, when you get past the fact Slash is not included, that Duff is not on the album, or anyone else, and that it is an entirely new band mixing some old with some new, it's not all that bad...
:frenchman:
I like Chinese Democracy. There, I said it.
When you listen to this album, you have to get it in your head that this is not GNR. It is like listening to Velvet Revolver, like drinking a Pepsi when you want a Coke. It's good when you can enjoy it for what it is. There are a few good songs on there, including Better, which sounds like classic GNR. There is also some bad ones. There are songs that sound like the classics, songs that occasionally have a guitar riff or lyric that takes you back, and songs that sound nothing like GNR. That's to be expected, I think.
I'm not a fan of Axl continuing to use the name Guns N' Roses, when truely the only thing that sounds like them is his voice. However, when you get past the fact Slash is not included, that Duff is not on the album, or anyone else, and that it is an entirely new band mixing some old with some new, it's not all that bad...
:frenchman:
Re: Chinese Democracy
I think it is great that the record came out. The fact that Axl has recorded the record about three or four different times at such a ridiculous cost is so excellent. Dropped by two record companies(Geffen and Interscope), which by last accounting had spent over $13 million to pay Brian May, Roy Thomas Baker, Buckethead, Sean Beavan, all the techs and other musicians, etc. And that the end result is such a colossal piece of crap which sounds like a second rate version of NIN and Marilyn Manson (wow big surpeise with the producer of both bands and Robin Fincke on guitar) is absolutely hysterical. Since Gn'R disbanded, Duff McKagan and Slash have both cheated death and released two albums with Velvet Revolver. The really sad part is no one wants to admit that Axl, who in my estimation was a really great rock frontman circa 1989-92, does not have his voice any more. He has lost an octave of his upper register, and no amount of ProTools and Auto-Tune will ever make up for this deficit. Hopefully all works out for this tragic figure, but Axl never really recovered from Kurt Cobain and the Montreal riot. I am sure the cd will be available at Best Buy for cheap within a few months.
I think it is great that the record came out. The fact that Axl has recorded the record about three or four different times at such a ridiculous cost is so excellent. Dropped by two record companies(Geffen and Interscope), which by last accounting had spent over $13 million to pay Brian May, Roy Thomas Baker, Buckethead, Sean Beavan, all the techs and other musicians, etc. And that the end result is such a colossal piece of crap which sounds like a second rate version of NIN and Marilyn Manson (wow big surpeise with the producer of both bands and Robin Fincke on guitar) is absolutely hysterical. Since Gn'R disbanded, Duff McKagan and Slash have both cheated death and released two albums with Velvet Revolver. The really sad part is no one wants to admit that Axl, who in my estimation was a really great rock frontman circa 1989-92, does not have his voice any more. He has lost an octave of his upper register, and no amount of ProTools and Auto-Tune will ever make up for this deficit. Hopefully all works out for this tragic figure, but Axl never really recovered from Kurt Cobain and the Montreal riot. I am sure the cd will be available at Best Buy for cheap within a few months.
Re: Chinese Democracy
David lee roths solo material, has amazing guitar work, not good songs, but the guitar/bass lines are sick
thank god you dont' like metallica. but also, i don't like velvet revolver.
the main thing is, is that thier 1988 'appetite for destruction' band memeber era, was solid, definitive and thier best ever. and when your iconic guitarist leaves the band, that pretty much gave gnr that sound, you shouldn't be releasing material 17 years fucking later under the same god damned name. ITs stupid and retarded. Like i've said before, when sting left police, his solo project was entitled sting, not the police. thus when its just the singer, and you have a bunch of no name musicians, just suck it up, and call your band Axl. Its been 17 years anyways. maybe if he just killed himself, he could have gone out.... sorta on top? at least now, its like you were the frontman of the BIGGEST rock band in the 90s, then you fucked up, became a recluse and didn't release a cd under the same band name for 17 years. and it sucks, your the only member left. just go kill yourself axl. People may worship you like heath ledger.
David lee roths solo material, has amazing guitar work, not good songs, but the guitar/bass lines are sick
thank god you dont' like metallica. but also, i don't like velvet revolver.
the main thing is, is that thier 1988 'appetite for destruction' band memeber era, was solid, definitive and thier best ever. and when your iconic guitarist leaves the band, that pretty much gave gnr that sound, you shouldn't be releasing material 17 years fucking later under the same god damned name. ITs stupid and retarded. Like i've said before, when sting left police, his solo project was entitled sting, not the police. thus when its just the singer, and you have a bunch of no name musicians, just suck it up, and call your band Axl. Its been 17 years anyways. maybe if he just killed himself, he could have gone out.... sorta on top? at least now, its like you were the frontman of the BIGGEST rock band in the 90s, then you fucked up, became a recluse and didn't release a cd under the same band name for 17 years. and it sucks, your the only member left. just go kill yourself axl. People may worship you like heath ledger.
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