The Real "Chinese Democracy" May Have Leaked

As the inexorable march towards Chinese Democracy stomps along, the dangling carrots of periodic leaks and hints have made the decade-plus dry spell all the more tantalizing. But today's latest batch of tunes — which are purported to be, finally, the real thing — really may signal the end of the wait. [UPDATE: Not shockingly, the site may already be down]. With all the curious "free Dr. Pepper" talk a few months back reeking sweetly of a publicity stunt to come, the timing doesn't feel all that off for tunes to really start making it through the cracks.

Today's leak features nine tracks, and besides the six which have already made the rounds (including a stunning version of "Madagascar," complete with a chorus of Axls singing on top of each other), a trio of thus far unheard and unnamed songs offer further suggestions as to what may be around the corner. Axl's howl is unmistakable, and one track features a porno-guitar wah-wah, hard-edged synths, flamenco guitar and delicate piano for what's perhaps the most unique mish-mash of sounds in a GNR tune to date.

If it's just another batch of demos, then they're perhaps the most well-produced and complete demos in the history of the industry. And damn, they're really pretty good.

Related Stories:
• Is "Chinese Democracy" Close? Axl Rose Gets Top Management Team

• Axl Rose Thanks Dr. Pepper For Supporting "Chinese Democracy"

• Guns n' Roses in Rolling Stone: The Cover Stories

• 
  MUSIC The Top 25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments
• 
  MOVIES & TV 'Game of Thrones': The Show Vs. the Books
• 
  POLITICS Matt Taibbi: Facebook IPO vs. Shareholders
• 
  VIDEOS Exclusive: Garbage Rip Through 'I Think I'm Paranoid'

Song Stories

“Weird”

Hanson | 1997

Accomplished tunesmith Desmond Child co-wrote "Weird" with the three brothers that make up Hanson. Credited for dozens of cuts, including songs by Kiss, Cher, Bon Jovi and Aerosmith, Child told Rolling Stone that "Weird" holds a special place in his heart, "because it's about being different--and I grew up poor, I grew up being Latin, I grew up being gay, and now I'm fat!" The song was included on Hanson's 1997 album Middle of Nowhere, which sold more than ten million units.

More Song Stories entries »

Twitter