I really like Chinese Democracy. Overly glossy for sure but there are some incredibly strong songs on it. I think people are trying too hard to hate this one. I've heard it's on the shelf at some dollar stores. Can't for the life of me understand why fans of the genre would turn their back on it for a buck or two. One man's poison... I guess.
As far as Axl himself? What can be said that hasn't been already? Anyway you slice though he is still the voice of GNR. Just watch the HOF vid. Myles Kennedy sounds great as does the band. But it still sounds like Myles Kennedy doing a guest spot on a GNR tune.
All these bands throwing their bitchy little hissy fits; GNR, Great White, LA Guns, Dokken. It's pathetic. IMHO it's the perfect sequel to the Decline of Western Civilization. I'm just waiting for the day Chickenfoot dumpsters their name and starts booking dates as Van Halen.