GUNS N’ ROSES
Chinese Democracy
(Black Frog/Geffen)
Available on CD, 180-gram LP with download code, and iTunes

It’s probably safe to say that for the past several years, W. Axl Rose has been operating on a principle not dissimilar to that of the Fall’s Mark E. Smith, who said in one famous instance regarding the high turnover in band members over the past thirty years, “If it’s me and your granny on bongos, then it’s a Fall gig.” While financially the album’s long-awaited release surely had to be a disaster for Geffen Records, artistically Chinese Democracy proves two thngs: 1) Axl was and is definitely the main creative force behind GnR, and 2) the album was worth the wait (and is worth seeking out in the vinyl format). Axl is still in fine voice, the songs are solidly written, and the various musicians employed throughout the lengthy recording process fill out the shoes of the classic lineup quite nicely. If that’s not all the assurance you need to check out this album, I don’t know what else to say to change your mind. 

ONGAKU GATAS
1st  Goodsal
(Zetima)
Availablility: CD, iTunes Japan and US

Ongaku Gatas’ 1st album (and apparently their only full-length album, given the impending graduation of most of the senior members as well as Hitomi and Rika’s current involvement in Hangry&Angry) was an easily overlooked affair by some fans. This was definitely an unfair assessment of the CD, as the efforts of “Soccer Musume” on the long-player recalled everything from “Love Machine”-era MoMusu (”Dakishimete… Namida” and first single “Narihajimeta Koi no Bell”) to Evanescence (”Koi Uranai Douri niwa Naranai wa”). With the Elder Club graduation concerts happening at the beginning of 2009, plus Erina Mano’s solo career and the impending US live debut of Hangry&Angry, now is the best time for listeners to give a second chance to 1st Goodsal. The album simply seems to get better with every listen.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’”

That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Apparently, Buono! learned how to play instruments for the beginning of a live concert earlier this year. Too bad they didn’t take it any farther than the opening gimmick and do “Nakimushi Shonen” (probably my favorite album track on Cafe Buono!) – a bit of practice, a cram session with some Stooges tunes, and, along with a fourth H!Per, they could play Micro4 in the movie version of Here Is The Wonderland!