The Nuclear Edge--Emergency Update

Okay, so just the other day, I posted (and I'm sure you've seen here or somewhere by now,) that the Guns n' Roses album "Chinese Democracy" will be released November 23rd. Yes, it's been delayed for a baker's dozen years. Yes, we all made the joke about there being a democracy in China before there being a "Chinese Democracy." No, I don't know who could possibly be listed as band members in the liner notes. At this point, there's a slim but fair chance that you and I could be in there.

Anywho, I was jokingly curious where I could get my free Dr. Pepper, as the company had promised a free drink to everyone in the United States except for Slash and Buckethead. This was all provided that the album be released in 2008.

Well, Dr. Pepper's marketing VP, Tony Jacobs, told Billboard.com that they intend to make good on their promise, also admitting that they never thought they would have to.

That said, for the 24 hours that comprise November 23rd (and not a second more,) you can receive a voucher for a free 20 oz. Dr. Pepper through their website. The coupon expires February 28th, 2009.

If I can editorialize for a moment (not that I ever wouldn't,) I can't help but wonder what's going to actually happen with this album. There's no way that it could possibly live up to the hype at this point, right? Unless the case shoots lasers and the album brings planetary unity like the Wyld Stallyns were fated to do in "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure," this album isn't going anywhere. More than likely, I see a dismal redux of "Use Your Illusion I," and then it'll be the answer to a trivia question and that's it.

Moreover, are people even excited by the possibility of "Chinese Democracy" any longer? Or is it more like it'll be when the Cubs finally win a World Series, when for ten minutes, we'll all be happy, and then everyone who isn't a Cubs fan will say "Okay, you won, now sit down and shut up."

I may or may not end up reviewing this album. Either way, I get a foreboding feeling that the legacy of "Chinese Democracy" will be that it momentarily fed my taste for processed, artificial food products.

Also, Dr. Pepper does seem to be sticking to the United States on this one. Good luck, Canada.

-Couple other notes-

-One of my Agents In The Field just got back from a Dimmu Borgir/Danzig show. He said, surprisingly, that Dimmu was remarkably boring.

-Busy week ahead, with concert for Alice Cooper, Green Jelly, Henry Rollins (spoken word,) and maybe The Roots. Stay here for updates.

-Q: What has nine arms and sucks?

-A: Def Leppard

Live Loud.