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    December 2, 2008
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Chinese Democracy [CD] [PA]
Chinese Democracy [CD] [PA]
 
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4 out of 5
4
Belated solid first solo outing for W Axl Rose
on December 2, 2008
Posted by: StructuredChaos
from Bowie, MD
It has been roughly 13 years since recording for this porject began, and Guns 'N Roses ceased to exist shortly thereafter. On this first solo album by W Axl Rose, strangely marked "Guns 'N Roses," a very ambitious array of music is tackled. In much the same way that both "Use Your Illusion" albums showed ambition beyond the amazing accomplishment of their first groundbreaking, and greatest, album, "Chinese Democracy" moves this into the solo realm for Axl. As with most solo projects, this album features an enormous array of players, and the current Axl Rose solo band, still billed as Guns 'N Roses, is up to around 10 or 11 members. This allows expansion into keyboard and guitar layering far greater than was possible, or necessary, in Guns 'N Roses. The songwriting is solid, as one would hope, after having had 13 years to hone this down to the best material. Rose's voice is astoundingly wide-ranged, more than on previous efforts. This helps to beg the question "Is this really what you'll get live?" Or could the most astounding notes have been sung 13 years ago? Or is, perhaps, studio trickery involved? The delivery and power at even higher pitches brings skepticism on my part. It seems contrary to what is physically possible, although he hasn't had to tour much for 13 years, so that could be helpful in voice preservation. The guitar playing throughout is spot on, with moments that have a very bluesy feel (as Slash would have added on a real Guns 'N Roses album) to all out shredding (taking it out of the realm of Slash, who has great chops but is not really a true shredder in the purest sense). The opening track, which is the title song, along with the 2nd track "Shackler's revenge," and the track "Better," are the standout cuts to me (after 2 or 3 listens). Though, once again, the album as a whole is a solid effort. If compared to the work by Guns 'N Roses ("Appetite for Destruction," or "Use Your Illusions I & II") it is definitely a lesser work, but those are high benchmarks. As an album on it's own, it's a worthwhile listen, even if it doesn't spend the lion's share of it's time in your CD player. It is what it is, and it's good. Not great.
Recommendation is truly a "Maybe." Read the specifics to decide if it applies as a Yes or No for YOU.
What's great about it: It was actually released
What's not so great: The fact that Axl's 1st solo album says "Guns 'N Roses" on it
I would recommend this to a friend!
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