Sorry if this has been discussed in another thread, but has there been any speculatation as to how many tracks CD will include? Did I read somewhere that it is likely to be 15 or do we still go on what Axl said in early 2006 as to there being 13?

For obvious reasons, I really hope 15.  We've likely heard at least 10 that will be included, so I could be pretty excited by 5 brand spanking new ones. Hopefully "big guns" at that. But only 3, well I'll still be beside myself (proper mastered/mixed and completed), but a little less so.

But in saying that, I'm looking forward to several aspects:

- the cover art and sleeve
- liner notes
- credits
- being able to listen to the album in sequence as was intended or as a whole. This is a biggie - as I guess you'd say this falls into the category of 'concept' album, it's quite possible that listening to individual tracks in isolation detract from the potency of the whole.
- post- release interviews with Axl (if they occur)
- reviews and general reception by the public
- sharing views with the community

It's going to be a momentus occasion for sure and I'm finally allowing myself to get excited again!

For the hell of it, i'll rate the 10 tracks likely to be on CD from best to worst (IMO) that we've heard.

1. Song #2, Prostitute - this song is epic and a completed version has me salivating in anticipation. This is the only song so far, that comes close to the dizzying epics of the UYI era.
2. Better - quite simply the best rocker we've heard from this new band/project. Strip away a little of the dated sounding techno flourishes and you have an assured hit - my wife even likes this one.
3. The Blues - Still holding out hope that this will emerge fully realised and as huge and grand as it ought to be. Bring back the original intro please.
4. Chinese Democracy - Good solid opener, and those newer rhythym tracks do the trick nicely
5. There was a time - A good song- potentially great, but not the soaring brilliance some GN'R fans are proposing it is. The solo is very good indeed, but it doesn't resonate as emotionally as Slash's playing for me. Sorry to compare, but I can't help but think what he could have done with a track like this (and others)
6. Rhiad and the bedouins - was afraid it was 'filler-ish', but it's grown on me and a  beefier mix (the rhythym section and guitars could be grunted up I reckon) should do the trick.
7. Shacklers revenge - not a bad song, but overall, pretty forgettable. I'm happy with it - I think it's one of those songs that out of context in terms of the rest of the album, seems a bit confused. BBF plays great here.
8. If the world - thought it was a turd at first, but it's ok now. A bit unfocused sounding to me. Certainly offers (further) diversity.
9. IRS - A weak rocker I feel - I'd be happy if it were left off. Reeks of B-side material.
10.  Madagascar - anyone that i've chatted with/debated over the years knows my thoughts on this one. I still feel it's a turkey. Plodding, dated, over-earnest sub-UYI pap.

Anyway, Novemeber 25th can't come quick enough for me I can tell you.