So what was I expecting? Well, after hearing countless leaked tracks over the last ten years I just hoped the production had improved and the majority of the dross I had heard hadn't made the final cut. I was relieved to both counts.

Not sure why I was suprised really, after all Axl Rose has always had a good turn of lyric and a great ear for melody which has been at the surface of all the previous GNR albums.

It’s all too easy to say "It's not Guns N' Roses." Or, "Slash would’ve played that better". Well he may well have played it better but he didn’t and isn’t likely too so move past it.

When all is said and done the album is finally out there and people can now stop talking about it in a mythical way.

As I said earlier, its b no means a classic but it is a strong rock album and believe you me there are many a young rock band out there that would love to have released this album and quite possibly if they had it would be hailed as a modern classic given how fickle and brown nosed as the majority of the current music press is.

Not surprisingly rumours are already doing the round that Axl was more or less forced to finally release it ahead of schedule l (if you can believe it) so as to clear the way for the full on GNR reunion next year. Watch this space as they say because in the world of Guns n Roses and particular the walking time bomb that is Axl Rose it may just happen. Alternatively check back in 2028 for my review of the new Guns N Roses album.

You can buy Chinese Democracy right here

Whitney Hoston has had more than her fair share of issues over the last few years and last time out looked ravagged by drink and drugs. Now, if she has managed to do a full 360 and come out fighting looking like she does on the cover of her new album, then fair play to the woman.

Raysgigs.com reports that at a sw**ky event at Claridges last night Rod revealed the information, saying that the band will be meeting up as soon as next week to start preparing.

According to Raysgigs.com “This Monday Rod is meeting up with Ronnie Wood and the others in the studio for their first rehearsal. Just to check if they can remember the songs. They will use Rod's current tour bass player as Ronnie Lane has sadly passed away.”

The much touted reunion has been fuelling the rumour mill for several years, and this year both Ronnie Wood and Ian McClagan have spoken about the likelihood that the band would reunite at some point in 2009.

Providing the rehearsals go as planned, a world tour in 2009 is likely – and will be sure to generate a huge amount of interest, with many fans feeling that The Faces ended prematurely in 1975 when Ronnie Wood joined the Stones.

Hendrix's drummer Mitchell dies: ::: Mitch Mitchell, the British drummer in the seminal 1960s band the Jimi Hendrix Experience, has been found dead in his US hotel room, authorities say.

Mitchell drummed for Hendrix at his legendary Woodstock performance
He performed on Hendrix classics such as Are You Experienced? Electric Ladyland and Axis: Bold As Love.
The top session drummer also played with the likes of Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Keith Richards and Muddy Waters. A musical pioneer, he is credited with helping to develop a "fusion" drumming style that combined rock with jazz.

After he had collected the award for Cream’s Classic Album Classic Rock Magazine’s Dave Ling caught up with the legendary bassist for a quick interview.

After being asked about any more Cream reunions here’s what happened:

Dave Ling: It’s good news that there might be more from Cream.

DL: That’s a bold opinion.

DL: To be fair, they’re different kinds of player, aren’t they?

For The Full Interview Click here.