GNR Chinese Democracy Released

Lots of people have already heard Chinese Democracy, as it's been all over the Internet. The first studio release from the band in 15 years has been heralded with fanfare, grabbing favorable reviews from Rolling Stone, Spin, and MTV. Many in the media have mocked the time and money put into the album, and others have wondered what is so new about an album where half the tracks have been Internet bootlegs for over a year. Not to mention, Slash isn't on the album.

Aside from the polar responses from long time GNR fans, the Chinese government has a review, too. The Associated Press reported that the Chinese Communist Party sees the album title as an attack, and the album is not available in China. The album has not been banned by the Chinese Cultural Ministry yet, although some of the lyrics in the title track are inflammatory to a nation that holds strict censorship controls.

Meanwhile, retail giant Best Buy has exclusive distribution rights. Standing in any Best Buy in Manhattan, you wouldn't know it. Rollingstone.com reports that while Best Buy said the album was "the most anticipated album of all time" in the pre-release buzz, there have been no long lines or even huge displays. In fact, in the four Manhattan stores they visited, the album wasn't even being played.

While opening day sales may look disheartening, with the holiday rush starting Friday, the album is projected to do extremely well. The entire album can be heard at Guns N' Roses' MySpace page.