"So bittersweet this tragedy won't ask for absolution, this melody inside of me still searches for a solution, a twist of faith a change of heart kills my infatuation, a broken heart provides the spark for my determination," Rose sings.
The lyrics come off as juvenile, but the important part is that Rose sounds as though he's enjoying himself. The harmony is classic and may perhaps be the best song of the record. Fortus provides an edgy yet pliable guitar riff that probably cost a mortgage payment. Guns N' Roses have proved they can make a decent slow jam with "Patience." The formulaic rock ballad has been stapled to the rest of the paperwork with "This I Love." Pianist Dizzy Reed tries his best to salvage the muddled idea.
"My affections are misunderstood and you decide I'm up to no good, don't ask me to enjoy them for you, ask yourself: What I would do to prostitute myself, to live with fortune and shame," Rose reflects.
Wish I could relate, bud.
For the most part, the problem is that the album doesn't sound fresh. All this funding that doesn't translate to a timeless record further proves that limitations are able to really challenge your creativity. When one uses what one has to make something remarkable, it disproves every major record label out there.
Sebastian Bach, Rose's partner in crime, said in a recent interview that "Chinese Democracy" will be the first installment in a trilogy of albums -- but no member of GNR has confirmed this. Maybe they'll start using taxpayer's money to fund the next two, or maybe it will bring democracy? Fat chance.
I believe A.V. Club guest reviewer Chuck Klosterman put it best.
"Reviewing 'Chinese Democracy' is not like reviewing music. It's most analogous to reviewing a unicorn. Should I primarily be blown away that it exists at all? Am I supposed to compare it to conventional horses? To a rhinoceros? Does its preexisting mythology impact its actual value, or must it be examined inside a cultural vacuum, as if this creature is no more (or less) special than the remainder of the animal kingdom?"
I whole-heartedly agree. You can't fail the student who's invested all their time into a science fair baking soda volcano.
Continue Reading: « Previous12
Leave a comment 1 Comment Write a letter to the editor
All letters to the editor must include a name, e-mail, daytime phone number and affiliation to Virginia Tech. Affiliation includes: year and major for students; position and department for faculty and staff; current city for alumni and parents.
Forget all the wait and expectations. Is it a good record? Yes. I actually did buy the vinyl and CD. I like every song, more and more every time I listen to it. The point is that no hard rock band has been able to achieve what Guns N' Roses has achieved since the old Guns N' Roses. There are no new hard rock bands that can generate that much excitement. I don't think we should hold Axl's new band to that standard either. This is better than anything I've heard in a long time. If you don't like it go buy The Killers or some rap.
Reply to this Top