Guns N' Roses brings 'Chinese Democracy' to the holiday season

Perhaps the FBI is standing guard.

Word, according to Billboard, is that Guns N' Roses' "Chinese Democracy" will finally see the fluorescent lights of retail outlets on Nov. 23, the Sunday before the big Thanksgiving holiday shopping weekend. Additionally, the album will be a retail exclusive to big box outlet Best Buy.

But those who want to avoid hordes of shoppers clamoring for a Wii Fit need not fear. Certainly the first-week Best Buy price will be cheaper than the major label wholesale cost. The end result, as when the Eagles partnered with a mass merchant, is that other retailers will likely just buy the album from Best Buy and stock it themselves, unless federal agents will be retained to enforce the maximum purchase limit.

The strategically-timed release will undoubtedly pump up first-week sales for the much-ballyhooed record, one that has been so overly hyped and ridiculously guarded that a blogger was actually charged with a felony for leaking many of the songs. It will be interesting to see how fans respond after the initial week of curiosity has passed, and if the story of the album will prove to be more interesting than the actual album, especially after years of on-and-off tours and promises that the record would be coming soon, really!

A recent conversation with a music industry manager had this usually insightful fellow proclaiming that "Chinese Democracy" would sell more than 1 million copies in its first week, but I can't see that happening. Guns N' Roses has hype but hasn't been consistently feeding its fanbase, a la Lil Wanye, and the band did little to show that it didn't have an antagonistic relationship with its fans after "Chinese Democracy" hit the Web this summer.

And that doesn't take into account that Guns N' Roses is essentially a classic rock band these days. Boo and hiss all you want, but the band, after all, is taking a page from Don Henley and Co. to release the album. What's next? A song exclusive "Guitar Hero" or "Rock Band"? Actually, yes, as the album's "Shackler's Revenge" made its debut in "Rock Band 2."

Photo: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Seasn]

"as the album's "Shackler's Revenge" will debut in "Rock Band 2."

Rock Band 2 iwas released on Sept 14, 2008.

[Peter Coffin]

Parody of their new song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3M7CDdhW5Tc

[TIm]

Actually, the song premiered in Rock Band 2 several weeks ago. You should really consider checking your facts before hitting the "publish" button. Also, I'm not sure if you remember but the 2006 World Tour went off without a hitch. It's easy to take cheap shots at GNR, but you left out the facts about how popular those leaks were, how Shackler's Revenge quickly became the story (instead of the RB2 release itself) or that another new song premieres in Body of Lies this Friday. Your lack of attention to detail and your dismissive attitude makes me sad.

[Loki Freeman]

I can't help but question your judgment. Guns N' Roses WILL sell a million copies if not the first week than the second. Why do I say this? Because despite your assertion that they are "Classic Rock", they are one of the greatest rock bands that have ever existed. I had the privilege of seeing Guns N' Roses in 1987 twice, and in 2006. And Axl is still the man. The only thing I missed was Slash. That said, I am looking forward to buying the new CD from Best Buy or whoever. And I will be one of the first million who do so, because I love the lyrics, the guitars, the rhythms. Maybe today's bands should take a page from Guns N' Roses and write some songs that don't suck! The only new band out there worth a crap is Vendetta Valentine, and they are fans of, guess who, G'N'R.

[Tom]

Ummm...this in my opinion is NOT Guns N Roses...this is Axel Rose's band...until you get Slash and Duff back, this is a non story!!

[Soel Rosenburg]

This is going to probably be bigger than the release of Judas Priest Nostradamus. Its about time real music bands are finally getting publicity. The music industry today is in the toliet becuse all these pop bands suck. There music is fake and not original. No one can accomplsh what heavy metal is ! Iron Forever !