Rolling Stone reviews Chinese Democracy

[Josh]

Awesome review.  See, this is why I love Mondays now, always something happening.  BTW, anybody know how often RS gives 5/5?

[LunsJail]

Awesome review.  See, this is why I love Mondays now, always something happening.  BTW, anybody know how often RS gives 5/5?

Almost never.

[willow]

Now its about time RollingStone gets it right! This is a great start to what will hopefully be a long list of great reviews!

[GeraldFord]

Very cool review!

I think the RS review may give people a second look at the album who otherwise may have not been interested.

[King Axl]

Awesome review.  See, this is why I love Mondays now, always something happening.  BTW, anybody know how often RS gives 5/5?

Very seldomly does RS hand out a 5 out of 5 rating. Only one I can ever remember was Neil Young's 'Freedom' disc back in 1987. Metallica's 'Death Magnetic' received a 4 out of 5 recently, and that's a pretty damned good record.

David Fricke is also a huge fan of the Eagles, so maybe Irving Azoff's connection with both the Eagles and GN'R could explain why RS got the early review.

Interestingly enough, Fricke does not mention "This I Love", I'd really like to have gotten his opinion of it. That's the one song I'm just desperate to hear.

[GeraldFord]

I think Springsteen and Dylan's recent albums got the 5 star review. But hey, four stars is great. Imagine how bummed out we'd be if it got 2 stars (which I think Erlewine at AMG will give it!)

[ben9785]

I stopped caring about the press a long time ago, but I have to say that was a great review. It didn't drag on about the past or who is missing or why it took so long or the gossip or speculation or anything like that - It just focused on the strengths of the album itself, the lyrics, the themes etc..

Not every review may be as open minded as this one, but at the end of the day the reviews don't matter to us..

[neon2002]

Awesome review. 

I'm glad there are journalists out there who can stick to writing a review about the music itself.

Like it should be.




/jarmo

Well said.
 

[Skunk]

I think Springsteen and Dylan's recent albums got the 5 star review. But hey, four stars is great. Imagine how bummed out we'd be if it got 2 stars (which I think Erlewine at AMG will give it!)

Yes. The most recent 5 stars handed out was Michael Jackson's Thriller 25, which i think is the only one in 08 so far.
Before that, Springsteen, Dylan, Kanye West, Brian Wilson, etc. I saw a list somewhere and they've given about 15 five star reviews this decade, but only gave out 3 in the 90s.

[Ignatius]

First review and it's a posstive and... it's Rolling Stone! Brilliant 

This is the review I was anticipating the most. 4 outta 5 stars is beyond my expectations.

I don't think for one second the album is not going to be good, it'll be fucking outstanding for that matter, but I was afraid the media was not going to focus on the music rather than Axl and the 14 years in the making yada yada crap.

There'll be some nasty reviews I'm sure, but having RS praising the album it'll most likely make most jourlnalists focus solely on Chinese Democracy (the music) 

[neon2002]

They don't give many 5 star reviews - the last rock one I remember getting a 5 star review was REM - Automatic for the People, but I am sure they have given more since then.

RS was also a pretty big GnR supporter, at least when Kurt Loder was involved (not sure if he still is).  

If I remember correctly Appetite for Destruction got 5 Stars.
Use Your Illusion 1 got 4 Stars.
Use Your Illusion 2 got 4.5 Stars.

That's just going from memory though.

[Loaded NightraiN]

Remember  how everyone here said there is no way RS would diss Axl when CD came out? We were right!!! 

[neon2002]

Anyone notice the Posted Date?

"DAVID FRICKE

(Posted: Nov 27, 2008)"

Does that mean it's going to get pulled and reposted later? Or is that the issue of RS that it's going to be in?

[jarmo]

Anyone notice the Posted Date?

"DAVID FRICKE

(Posted: Nov 27, 2008)"

Does that mean it's going to get pulled and reposted later? Or is that the issue of RS that it's going to be in?

Might be in the issue that goes on sale this or next week?




/jarmo

[bazgnr]

It will be from the next issue, I'm sure.

***

How refreshing to see someone - especially someone of Fricke's stature - judge GN'R and Axl by the music, and not by the rumors that have surrounded him for more than a decade now.      Exactly the reason I want to see an interview done by Fricke above anyone else.  An excellent, excellent start to Chinese Democracy getting the respect and accolades it deserves.

[The Catcher]

Awesome review! Axl deserves this!
I still can't believe this is finally happening... my life is nearling completion

excellent!

hopefully all reviewers will be as positive and impartial.

I think that is a little much to hope for, given how Axl is the guy most journalists love to hate, but I do hope a majority at least give him a fair shot before they type up their insignificant little reviews full of judgement and scorn.

[sofine11]

I may be talking out of my ass, but does anyone else sense that an exclusive RS interview with Axl may be on the near horizon? Perhaps in the issue that will be featuring this review.

[Ali]

I hope so.  I have to wonder why RS was given the exclusive other than perhaps some personal preference on Axl/management/the band's part.

Ali

[russtcb]

I may be talking out of my ass, but does anyone else sense that an exclusive RS interview with Axl may be on the near horizon? Perhaps in the issue that will be featuring this review.

Was thinking the same thing and I hope we're both right!! 

[draguns]

I think this was a great review! I am sooooo looking foward to November 23!