Idolator

In what may be the biggest sign of blogging hubris I've seen in a long time, the guys who run Antiquiet are claiming to have nine tracks from Guns N' Roses' eternally delayed Chinese Democracy, and they're so sure of the songs' legitimacy that they've decided to stream the whole shebang. (10 p.m. ET update: The songs are all gone, and most of the post—except the part where they say "if you ask me, Guns N' Roses are fucking back, and they'll be just fine"—has been struck out.) Six of the tracks are newer versions of songs that first surfaced back in 2007 (including "Better," "Madagascar," and the title track); they're accompanied by three untitled tracks (including one that is, according to a friend, actually called "Rihad and the Bedouins") that definitely have Axl on vocals, and also sound of a piece with the album's other alleged material. While I puzzle over just how close to being really finished these tracks are, I implore you to check them out (while you still can, anyway), if only so you can come back and take part in our exciting "Is this really it for real this time, or is the Internet just being strung along again?" poll! More »

With everybody talking about what will become of the band Guns N' Roses, it's no surprise Axl would like people to start talking about the name Guns N' Roses again, preferably in a less carbonated context. Word is that he's been playing six (six!) songs for "music industry honchos, tastemakers and so forth," and at least one anonymous music executive is pleased with what he's heard. More »

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?]