In a word - yes.

All right, I'm not going to lie, I listened to the whole album and I really, really liked ALL of it, even Catcher. Apologies to Fincke for my insults. No, he's nowhere near as good as May, but it's still good. Thank God.

This I Love and Sorry (which is really like Floyd/Sabbath... it wasn't exaggerated [thank you God, once again]!) are two of the best songs... amazing. I am so happy all three songs I've never heard are great. Two amazing and one really good. I will take it.

I love the album flow, there are a few songs that don't really fit in the place they are, but they're still great on there. I think there should be a song or two out of place on an album like this. If it completely flowed as almost a single, extended effort, it'd leave out those little things one reflects on throughout day to day life, like the politically themes found in a couple songs. And, it's nice to see Axl throw out the "still kick your ass" line. In a Rolling Stone reviews of UYI, they hate on him for saying "suck my fucking dick" and "she's just a cunt now", but it's those sort of lyrics that make me really like Axl. His music is epic, rocking and meaningful, but he throws a few lines in that are just aggressive and true to real life where the emotion gets the best of you and you just go balls out. I think because UYI was so beautiful, critics forgot the rawness Axl and the boys still possessed. How beauty and destruction so often mix. No, Axl wasn't overly blunt in Appetite compared to those lines, but he did fuck a girl on a song (but he did get blunt on Lies... haha) which has to count for something.

In my mind, the new "trilogy" is Sorry/I.R.S./Madagascar. One song without the other doesn't work as well. Together it's pure brilliance. Critics bashed the quotes in Maddy, but I finally understand their place now. It may add way more importance to the matter than is necessary with MLK, but I understand the meaning behind it. And, I definitely think MLK quotes are there because of One in a Million, so even that balances out.

And as much as people say this isn't a "band" (I won't argue that), but it's apparent that in Axl's mind, he at least wanted it to be somewhat of a group effort and he gives them props with their pics all over the liner notes. I dunno why the fuck there are so many errors in the notes, though. Jesus.

4.5/5

I could see him spiting the label, too. Of all the bullshit I've read on here of reunions, rumors, etc..., your two line post gave me more clarity about the situation than I've ever had before and it was the simplest idea no one ever picked up on. I think we're worse right now in terms of new material than in 2000.

I don't think he's being forced into a reunion, but the album was forced (my personal guess is because he didn't have a proper band to tour it/create further material, but also, if he's forced into releasing an album, he'd probably rather die than reunite with old members). I think what's happening now may be comparable to his feuds with Slash of the past, except he has backed himself so far into a corner now that he has nowhere to go, and perhaps he's finally realizing it. Get rid of the old band? I can start anew! When it took 12 years to start anew, how much of a problem was Slash in the grand scheme of things? And where do you go after 12 years? Sure, lots of people would love to work with Axl Rose, but his mystique is losing steam day in and day out. How bad is it if a guy who wears a bucket on his head can't handle one's craziness?

I'm not saying he's reuniting, but maybe he's realizing that at this point he has nowhere to go. He needs some people in his band, the album was forced, he's showing his attitude, which is good if used productively, but in the process sabotages his own new album. He's fucked any way he turns unless he can put together a good band again and start over. Maybe this is why the songs never leaked - whereas before Axl must have been passing them around to an extent, this time he had no need to because he's pissed they were coming out in the first place.

Thing's aren't looking good barring some act of God. Rolling Stone cover, AMA appearance, etc...

I don't think Axl should have to do press - but I think he should give some interviews specifically detailing the music (I'm sure any magazine or online news site would more than willing to ask anything Axl is willing to answer). Chinese Democracy is going to sell enough to warrant the people who bought it to get an insight onto the meanings or certain things of certain songs, what inspired him, etc...

If he's pissed off at Geffen, that's fine. But the people who buy the album are real fans who deserve a couple interviews.

Axl has a way easier chance at conquering the world because if he stuck to UYI stuff, it appeals to a huge demographic. Together, GNR could rule the world no problem, if it was like the old days where the different feels of all the members pulled everything into sonic bliss. Separated, the efforts of Axl are too muddled and overdone and VR doesn't have strong lyrics nor an evolved music style. I still like VR and new GNR, but combined all the members compromising really made everything right. Slash kept Axl in check, Axl kept Slash in check.