This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
At this point, we’ve all just about given up on Axl Rose.
You have to figure we’ll see Chinese Democracy — the long-awaited, constantly delayed, due-to-be-released-this-year-for-sure-no-really-we-mean-it-this-time album from his reconstituted Guns N’ Roses — about the same time we see actual Chinese democracy. Thankfully, you can satisfy your need for the occasional dose of sleazy Sunset Strip rawk with discs like Swag by former Guns rhythm guitarist Gilby Clarke. Like his other discs, this fifth platter has a respectable, solidly built lineup of power-chord glam-rock and boogie-metal, with plenty of air-guitar licks, punky power and strong melodies. In other words, just good ole four-chord rock ’n’ roll with no frills, trendiness, trappings or surprises. See, Axl — it’s not so hard.
