This is no news. Everybody knows about it by now. Last week, Guns n’ Roses’ record company announced that “Chinese Democracy” will be released on November 23rd. The first single was just released, and ask anybody, anywhere, if they’ve heard and they’ll likely nod yes. After all, views of the hundreds of youtube clips already posted count in seven digit numbers. And those who haven’t heard the song have probably at least read the review of the single (which might be more in line with their warp consumption) – which is featured absolutely everywhere.

Two striking observations. One, reviews are rather lukewarm – suggesting that “Chinese Democracy” was indeed the ultimate nextopia album, perfect before it was released. Two, for a song that received such low ratings, the number of listeners is remarkable. Good or bad reviews, they are nothing compared to expectations.

But remember that the album is still not out. Dr. Pepper, most likely certain it would never happen, promised free sodas to all Americans if the album were released this year. Do you think it will actually be Dr. Pepper time on November 23rd?

Here’s another one: True to the nextopia business model, Axl recently suggested that the album slotted for release on November 23rd will be the first in a trilogy. When do you think albums II and III will be out?

In case you only read the reviews: