yeah i've listened to all of them a ton, but i'm trying really hard not to listen to them much before the release (or at least a full leak).

wow better sounds awesome!

here's an update on the billboard chart...chinese democracy has moved up to #5 on the mainstream rock chart.  top 5 single!

it does raise an interesting question though about whether these are in fact final versions.  i personally think they are, but it seems possible that they aren't.  baz's comments create a lingering doubt.

i am the last person that's gonna bash VR.  i like both of their records.  But I do think that it is evident by listening to them that the old GNR members in that band wanted to stick to a particular sound that was more basic (and i mean that in the best possible way).  it has been no secret that axl had other expectations for the band and that's clear when listening to the new tracks.  there is an effort to be grand.  whether these songs reflect that effort and reach those expectations is another topic for debate.  i think both of these types of musical expressions have their place, but obviously that place wasn't in the same band.