Chinese Democracy

[Sandman]

It's out today. Best Buy and iTunes are your only options. I just bought it off iTunes and started it up. We'll see how it goes....


Don't forget your free Dr. Pepper.

[DarkDay]

I read a review up here in the Canada's, he wanted so badly to hate on it, but in the end other than a few mediocre tracks he said it was one of the better Rock albums of the year.

He even said, gasp, you will wonder if Slash ever mattered on a few tracks.
Plz don't kill messenger.

Im very curious though. After this long it better be fairly epic.

[muddi900]

He even said, gasp, you will wonder if Slash ever mattered on a few tracks.
Plz don't kill messenger.


That is what my friend and I were thinking after listening to the leaks. Compared to the crap that velvet revolver put out, Slash doesn't really matter.

[Sandman]

So far I'm loving this album....up to track #4. Street of Dreams is great.

[DarkDay]

That is what my friend and I were thinking after listening to the leaks. Compared to the crap that velvet revolver put out, Slash doesn't really matter.


Crazy to hear that, but im pretty much sold on buying it. Worst case scenario is im out 20 bones with an above average album, but from what I keep hearing I don't think that will be the case.

[DarkDay]

So far I'm loving this album....up to track #4. Street of Dreams is great.


The reviewer talked about street of dreams, said it was one hell of a song.

Shit, I don't believe in dling, but perhaps I can sample it considering im going to buy it anyways. Almost feel dirty just saying that, like im trying to justify it as I type.

[Sandman]

There Was a Time solo = Slash who?

[DarkDay]

Aight. that does it. Dl a sample tonight, buy tomorrow.

[Jeffool]

There Was a Time solo = Slash who?I'm just going to assume Buckethead does it. Y'know, just because. That dude is a machine anyway, just going by the sheer pace of his output.

[Sandman]

I'm just going to assume Buckethead does it. Y'know, just because. That dude is a machine anyway, just going by the sheer pace of his output.

Buckethead does all the solos on the album I think....just looking at the digital booklet iTunes gives.

[Sandman]

After further listens this album has landed in my top 3 of the year bumping Ghosts I-IV...other two are Death Magnetic and The Slip...there is no way in hell I could order those 3.

[CES]

Buckethead apparently played most of the leads/solos on this album.

2 songs in and I have to say, this isnt anything like the old GnR.

[Sandman]

Buckethead apparently played most of the leads/solos on this album.

2 songs in and I have to say, this isnt anything like the old GnR.

It is and it isn't...which is actually a good thing. GnR still kicks ass and that's all that matters.

[Shadowstorm]

Sandman, you do know that there is music out there other than Metallica, My Chemical Romance, Guns and Roses, and AC/DC, right?

It's fine if you enjoy it. I don't care. I don't even bother with these bands of old who release stuff after so many years of not. Just how like I don't even bother with listening to top 40 radio. It all sounds the same. I'm numb to it.

I don't mean to offend you. I don't really care. I guess what I am trying to say is that there are a hell of a lot more bands that you could be giving your attention to rather than bands like this.

Anything that has to do with art is a touchy subject to a lot of people. Music is art, ergo, subjective. There's bound to be some anger or whatever over this post by not only you but by other people. And again, I don't mean to offend you. I don't know. Guns and Roses just does not strike me as a relevant band anymore. They need to die. This band along with Metallica. They need to stop trying to be relevant because no matter how hard they try, they aren't anymore.

There just seems like a whole host of more worthwhile bands persons such as yourself could be listening to but aren't for a variety of reasons. They simply don't care or are unaware are the two biggest categories.

I had some more to say, but whatever. Just throwing it out there.

[Nameless]

I will never get this album, mainly because of the incredibly shitty song they put in Rock Band 2. It really soured me on the whole album. God Shackler's Revenge sucks.

[Sandman]

Sandman, you do know that there is music out there other than Metallica, My Chemical Romance, Guns and Roses, and AC/DC, right?

It's fine if you enjoy it. I don't care. I don't even bother with these bands of old who release stuff after so many years of not. Just how like I don't even bother with listening to top 40 radio. It all sounds the same. I'm numb to it.

I don't mean to offend you. I don't really care. I guess what I am trying to say is that there are a hell of a lot more bands that you could be giving your attention to rather than bands like this.

Anything that has to do with art is a touchy subject to a lot of people. Music is art, ergo, subjective. There's bound to be some anger or whatever over this post by not only you but by other people. And again, I don't mean to offend you. I don't know. Guns and Roses just does not strike me as a relevant band anymore. They need to die. This band along with Metallica. They need to stop trying to be relevant because no matter how hard they try, they aren't anymore.

There just seems like a whole host of more worthwhile bands persons such as yourself could be listening to but aren't for a variety of reasons. They simply don't care or are unaware are the two biggest categories.

I had some more to say, but whatever. Just throwing it out there.

I just like good music. They could be a top 40 band, underground, only have a myspace page for their music or whatever. I like all genres too. So what if this happens to be a year where groups that haven't been making albums constantly come back for one more? If they still kick ass they still kick ass.

[Sandman]

I will never get this album, mainly because of the incredibly shitty song they put in Rock Band 2. It really soured me on the whole album. God Shackler's Revenge sucks.

It's really the only bad song on the album....and yeah it does kind of sound like Axl was trying to be Korn there for a minute but it's the only song on the album like it.

[Blue]

Sandman, you do know that there is music out there other than Metallica, My Chemical Romance, Guns and Roses, and AC/DC, right?

It's fine if you enjoy it. I don't care. I don't even bother with these bands of old who release stuff after so many years of not. Just how like I don't even bother with listening to top 40 radio. It all sounds the same. I'm numb to it.

I don't mean to offend you. I don't really care. I guess what I am trying to say is that there are a hell of a lot more bands that you could be giving your attention to rather than bands like this.

Anything that has to do with art is a touchy subject to a lot of people. Music is art, ergo, subjective. There's bound to be some anger or whatever over this post by not only you but by other people. And again, I don't mean to offend you. I don't know. Guns and Roses just does not strike me as a relevant band anymore. They need to die. This band along with Metallica. They need to stop trying to be relevant because no matter how hard they try, they aren't anymore.

There just seems like a whole host of more worthwhile bands persons such as yourself could be listening to but aren't for a variety of reasons. They simply don't care or are unaware are the two biggest categories.

I had some more to say, but whatever. Just throwing it out there.

But like you said, it's subjective. Who determines whether or not a band is relevant? Do bands constantly have to bring something completely new and different to the table to be considered so? Does every band have to evolve the genre in order to be so?

I mean, I guess I don't understand the relevant argument. While I dislike MCR quite a bit, they did help usher in a music style that's pretty popular at the moment. So are they relevant?

I understand that you want people to listen to bands that aren't on the radio, but it's a very thin argument when you begin discussing relevancy and bands that need to die out.

[Shadowstorm]

But like you said, it's subjective. Who determines whether or not a band is relevant? Do bands constantly have to bring something completely new and different to the table to be considered so? Does every band have to evolve the genre in order to be so?

I mean, I guess I don't understand the relevant argument. While I dislike MCR quite a bit, they did help usher in a music style that's pretty popular at the moment. So are they relevant?

I understand that you want people to listen to bands that aren't on the radio, but it's a very thin argument when you begin discussing relevancy and bands that need to die out.

My initial post was intended to be less of an argument and more of a ... polite statement. I don't want my original post's main idea to be misconstrued.

I believe it can be safely said that no one person determines the relevancy of a particular band. No, bands do not have to constantly bring something new and different to be considered relevant; quite the opposite in fact. Furthermore, I do not believe that every band has the imaginative capacity to evolve their respective genres. That much is quite obvious.

Declaring a band irrelevant is a dangerous line to walk. Not even Nickelback is irrelevant in our society, but they sure are shitty.

/shrugs

[pomeroy]

Some terribly pretentious writing about music

LOL. Good troll. +1.

[muddi900]

Sandman, you do know that there is music out there other than Metallica, My Chemical Romance, Guns and Roses, and AC/DC, right?

It's fine if you enjoy it. I don't care. I don't even bother with these bands of old who release stuff after so many years of not. Just how like I don't even bother with listening to top 40 radio. It all sounds the same. I'm numb to it.

I don't mean to offend you. I don't really care. I guess what I am trying to say is that there are a hell of a lot more bands that you could be giving your attention to rather than bands like this.

Anything that has to do with art is a touchy subject to a lot of people. Music is art, ergo, subjective. There's bound to be some anger or whatever over this post by not only you but by other people. And again, I don't mean to offend you. I don't know. Guns and Roses just does not strike me as a relevant band anymore. They need to die. This band along with Metallica. They need to stop trying to be relevant because no matter how hard they try, they aren't anymore.

There just seems like a whole host of more worthwhile bands persons such as yourself could be listening to but aren't for a variety of reasons. They simply don't care or are unaware are the two biggest categories.

I had some more to say, but whatever. Just throwing it out there.

This is the age of the internet. Cultural relevance is irrelevant. Ask Led Zeppelin. I bet most of the bands you'll name are unknown, obscure indie bands that are so "original", except they are not. Most indie bands anyone can throw at me either sound like Radiohead or are obscure for a reason. Similar thing goes for most obscure metal bands.

I just hate this pretentious attitude a lot of people seem to have about listening to less popular stuff. Its Rock n' Roll people, shut your trap!

[Shadowstorm]

This is the age of the internet. Cultural relevance is irrelevant. Ask Led Zeppelin. I bet most of the bands you'll name are unknown, obscure indie bands that are so "original", except they are not. Most indie bands anyone can throw at me either sound like Radiohead or are obscure for a reason. Similar thing goes for most obscure metal bands.

Check my last.fm in the sig before you say something like that. I don't really listen to "indie" music.

You are right about one thing though, many bands are obscure for a reason. Two reasons: either they 1) suck, or 2) lack of promotion.

I'm not trolling, pomeroy.

[pomeroy]

Shadowstorm's music policy:

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w53/pomeroy_bucket/elitismdiagram600.gif

I kid, Shadow. Sort of. :)

[Shadowstorm]

elitismdiagram.jpg?

Oh come now, I'm not an elitist.

[pomeroy]

elitismdiagram.jpg?

Oh come now, I'm not an elitist.

Dude, you just told Sandman he shouldn't like the music he likes because it's not relevant (whatever the fuck relevancy means anymore).

That's a little elitist.

[muddi900]

elitismdiagram.jpg?

Oh come now, I'm not an elitist.

You listen Blink-182, and made a huge post about cultural relevance. People don't teach guitar down here to people if you admit to like Blink-182.:p

Now, your post sounds weird. Were you calling Sandman stupid that doesn't know who Depeche Mode, Aphex Twin and NIN are? or Just because GNR's music(hard rock) doesn't align with your tastes(electronic/industrial/synth-pop) makes them irrelevant?

PS: Blink-182 aren't as bad as people say.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Shadow, you are cool because you like post rock, but your first post in this thread is the biggest pile of wank I've seen in a long time.

[CES]

Sandman, you do know that there is music out there other than Metallica, My Chemical Romance, Guns and Roses, and AC/DC, right?

It's fine if you enjoy it. I don't care. I don't even bother with these bands of old who release stuff after so many years of not. Just how like I don't even bother with listening to top 40 radio. It all sounds the same. I'm numb to it.

I don't mean to offend you. I don't really care. I guess what I am trying to say is that there are a hell of a lot more bands that you could be giving your attention to rather than bands like this.

Anything that has to do with art is a touchy subject to a lot of people. Music is art, ergo, subjective. There's bound to be some anger or whatever over this post by not only you but by other people. And again, I don't mean to offend you. I don't know. Guns and Roses just does not strike me as a relevant band anymore. They need to die. This band along with Metallica. They need to stop trying to be relevant because no matter how hard they try, they aren't anymore.

There just seems like a whole host of more worthwhile bands persons such as yourself could be listening to but aren't for a variety of reasons. They simply don't care or are unaware are the two biggest categories.

I had some more to say, but whatever. Just throwing it out there.

Elitism really isnt needed in music fans. It's half the problem with them.

Oh, and for the record, i've got tickets to see Priest, Megadeth and Testament all at the one show. Are they relevant today? No. is it going to be probably the best concert i've ever seen? Hell yes.

Edit: Oh and you are being Elitist. Hideously so.

[Disgustipated]

I just woke up and farted. I believe it [the fart] was less shitty than Shadowstorm's music-nerding in here.

[Mr. Murphy]

I have the most bizarre, varied and obscure musical taste of anyone I know personally, and I still loved The Slip and Chinese Democracy. Haven't tried Death Magnetic yet but I'm sure I'll get around to it.

Liking pop music is fine. Being afraid of admitting what you like, because you're worried what people will think of you - now THAT's pathetic.

By the way I like Blink 182's self titled album, and I (used to) teach guitar. Does that make me cooler or less cool than the elitist assholes who think someones' musical taste should bar them from learning a skill?

[muddi900]

How the fuck would I know???

the reason most people(not including yours truly) hate Blink-182 is because they took any dignity punk had, and flushed it down the toilet. I say, punk hadn't any dignity to begin with fuckers. Let me enjoy my fucking music!!

[Mason]

Completely and totally ignore the cultural status of a piece of music. It's just entertainment, and a comparatively simple form of entertainment at that.

This discussion started out great, as people were talking about their subjective experiences with the music. It went downhill as soon as the topic shifted to whether or not we're allowed to enjoy songs from a washed-up, indulgent 90s rock band. This is a topic that cannot be meaningfully discussed, as there doesn't exist a simple, static cultural context for anything. How do you accurately summarize the product of a million minds?

[Esquilax1138]

Oh, and for the record, i've got tickets to see Priest, Megadeth and Testament all at the one show. Are they relevant today? No. is it going to be probably the best concert i've ever seen? Hell yes.



Holy shit that is a lot of kick ass metal for one night, sounds like an awesome show.

[Sandman]

Oh, and for the record, i've got tickets to see Priest, Megadeth and Testament all at the one show. Are they relevant today? No. is it going to be probably the best concert i've ever seen? Hell yes.

I hate you, I wish they would bring that package to the states.

[Talanvor]

I will never get this album, mainly because of the incredibly shitty song they put in Rock Band 2. It really soured me on the whole album. God Shackler's Revenge sucks.

QFT. Seriously. I don't mind difficult songs, but they need to be decent to listen to!

[CES]

I hate you, I wish they would bring that package to the states.

They probably will in the second half of 2009. This will be the first time since 2005 Priest (a UK band no less) will actually tour in the UK.

Oh, and back on-topic. Chinese Democracy is now possibly in my top 5 albums for this year. Buckethead's guitar work seems to be the core reason why it's so good.

[Spectre-7]

How does one judge whether a band is relevant without first listening to their release? That just doesn't make any sense to me. I could see calling GnR irrelevant during the past 17 years in which they failed to produce any new albums, but judging an actual new release sight unseen isn't just elitist; it's flat-out dumb.

If you give it a listen and decide that it's irrelevant, that's your honest opinion and you're free to it, but until you've heard it, it's your opinion that's irrelevant.

Cheers...

[digitalErich]

Shadowstorm, I think you generally have good taste in music, but you are being kind of a dick. While big name popular, top-40 bands can be crap they can also make great music, too.

While Axl is a dick and I don't really like the guy from what I know of him, I'll also admit he was part of a band that put out of the best post Zeplin in the last two and half decades. At the very least you have to give it a listen before you pass judgment.

As much as part of me wanted to see him crash and burn with all the crap he's been spewing for the past 7+ years, I'd much rather have a great rock album. Smug satisfaction is fleeting...a great album lasts a long time.

[divinechaos]

Heard it and LOVED it. Nothing like old GnR but still freaking amazing. Now we just need Duke Nukem to come out with free Dr. Pepper.

[Blue]

Not even Nickelback is irrelevant in our society, but they sure are shitty.

/shrugs

This is quite true.

[Shadowstorm]

It is not my intention to come across as a dick, believe me. Nor is it my intention to come across as an elitist. I can assure you that I am not. I'm not quite sure if I can in any way salvage what I've already said, so I'll just leave it be.

[Virtual Machine]

You should all listen to sHEAVY (http://www.sheavy.com/albums.html).

That is awesome stuff right there.

Feel free to ask if you need to know more.

And on topic - so as not to be a complete shill.

Chinese Democracy has it's moments, but overall i was left feeling a tad foul towards it. Better, Chinese Democracy, Madagascar, and There Was a Time were pretty good to great, Most of the rest was kind of average, and Shackler's Revenge and Riad N The Bedouins sucked. bad.

[Rune_74]

This I love is an awesome song...I don't know why but it just gets to me...I'm humming the damn thing now.

Cool album, really enjoying it. Love the hate on for it from some people, but who cares. Only thing that matters to me is I like it.

[Mr. Murphy]

It is not my intention to come across as a dick, believe me. Nor is it my intention to come across as an elitist. I can assure you that I am not. I'm not quite sure if I can in any way salvage what I've already said, so I'll just leave it be.

I felt bad for commenting on your post last night while I was in bed. Other people had already made the point and you didn't need every single one of us to belabor it. You're obviously not an elitist, you just genuinely love music.

An interesting challenge I was also thinking on last night in bed, is when someone I know likes an album that I think is pretty bad, I often try to figure out what kind of music I do like that they would also like, based on that album. It's not a perfect science, and I've noticed that people seem less likely to enjoy something if you preface it with "I think you'll like this". I think it puts some sort of unspoken pressure on them or something. It could also be the fact that I do know quite a few music elitists, some of my friends can be pretty silly about music.

[violent]

This one gets the ol' pass-o-roni.

[TheFlyingOrc]

I will never get this album, mainly because of the incredibly shitty song they put in Rock Band 2. It really soured me on the whole album. God Shackler's Revenge sucks.

Really? I thought that song was a lot of fun.

[Rune_74]

Heh as a further note driving home tonight with the album blaring....it sounds so good loud:)

[JayK47]

I'd have this CD by now if I could get it at Amazon. I haven't been to Best Buy in a while. I won't go for just a CD. But it does sound interesting. I guess 2008 is the year of the golden oldy bands;)

[biosc1]

I'd have this CD by now if I could get it at Amazon. I haven't been to Best Buy in a while. I won't go for just a CD. But it does sound interesting. I guess 2008 is the year of the golden oldy bands;)

You know what's odd...thinking that I'll be driving my kids (none yet, but eventually) to school and playing the "oldies" station...but my "oldies" station will play AC/DC, Soundgarden, G N R, etc...

[Rune_74]

Heh, I do this now with my 3 kids. My kids are so 80's though so everything is good.

[Sandman]

You know what's odd...thinking that I'll be driving my kids (none yet, but eventually) to school and playing the "oldies" station...but my "oldies" station will play AC/DC, Soundgarden, G N R, etc...

My "classic rock" station already plays them.

[Disgustipated]

I genuinely hate Guns 'n Roses, mostly due to Axl's awful voice and the terrible dynamics of their music. I just don't have the love for shitty 80's rock in my heart.

[Sandman]

I genuinely hate Guns 'n Roses, mostly due to Axl's awful voice and the terrible dynamics of their music. I just don't have the love for shitty 80's rock in my heart.

Even though they formed in the 80's I think GnR is more identified as a 90's band.

[torrefaction]

The album was pretty decent. Way too overproduced, way too many layers, way too much time in the studio, way too pretentious.

This is what Duke Nukem coming out will feel like. It'll be fun, it won't be complete shit... but you'll wonder why they bothered for that long.

On the stupid subjects that are extraneous to any healthy musical conversation, Disgustipated is an idiot for calling GnR 80's rock. Shadowstorm is elitist. EOM.

[Shadowstorm]

EOM.

Hrmm?

10char.

[CES]

This is what Duke Nukem coming out will feel like. It'll be fun, it won't be complete shit... but you'll wonder why they bothered for that long.


I think it's more of a "This is pretty neat, but how did they sink 15 years into it?" really. Still, it's not a groundbreaking album but it's solid enough.

[Rune_74]

I think the more I listen to it the more I like...just listen to this I love up loud....his voice never sounded better....disgustipated how can you bash this mans voice...I know he doesn't sound like the new kids but you gotta give them up....

[mister slim]

Chinese Democracy is essentially GNR's A Momentary Lapse of Reason . It's just not GNR anymore. Though to be fair some of the tracks on Use Your Illusion weren't really GNR either.

[Karak]

Chinese Democracy is essentially GNR's A Momentary Lapse of Reason . It's just not GNR anymore. Though to be fair some of the tracks on Use Your Illusion weren't really GNR either.

Exactly.
I am not a fan of GNR but I am a fan of music that is fun to listen to.
I trully enjoy this album. Hate him or love him the dude can pipe some wicked sounds. What I used to hate about him I love now(people change), just like his face.