It's funny, the word "prostitute" was indecipherable in the first demo that leaked. That's why so many folks - myself included - thought of it as "Message for You."

Once the album came out, it was startling to realize that in this case, "prostitute" is being used as a verb!

I usually resequence the album to play "Madagascar" last. It has a finality to it, and the music comes to a resolution that "Prostitute"'s fade doesn't deliver. That said, it is a powerhouse on so many levels.

I think the "breakages" clause is what led to the appearance of "cut-outs" up through the late 1980s: Albums with a drill hole or notch cut into the corner. You'd see albums, tapes, and CDs like this in the bargain bins at record stores, usually selling for half of regular price, or less.

I found both the censored and uncensored LPs of Appetite like that, each for $3.99!

I was thrilled to actually hold the CD and vinyl in my hand. I woke up early on the release day, thinking there'd be a line of fans wanting to buy Chinese Democracy, and went to the nearest Best Buy store only to find out it wouldn't open until 11 a.m. No damned way I was waiting any longer than I had to, so I drove to another Best Buy that opened at 10. I got there right around 10:02 and thought, "Damn! All of the fans must already be inside!"

I parked, ran inside, and ... I was the only shopper.

I walked over to a big display, picked off the first CD and LP copies, and went to the cashier in a daze, both because Chinese Democracy actually existed and nobody seemed to care.

It was like looking at a U.F.O. that everyone else ignored.