Never let it be said that I’m above appreciating a good stunt, especially one that involves the release of Chinese Democracy–an album that is on the verge of reaching the “20 years in the making” mark sooner than you might think: “In an unprecedented show of solidarity with Axl, everyone in America, except estranged GNR guitarists Slash and Buckethead, will receive a free can of Dr Pepper if [Chinese Democracy] ships sometime — anytime! — in 2008.” Knowing Axl, though, he’ll probably throw a bitchfit and demand that the promotion be reworked with free bottles of Vitamin Water before he puts any more notes to tape. [Chinese Democracy When?]