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10 Songs For ROCKBAND
I promise, no RickRolls.
by Mikey Hamz
Since opening the big box o' fun that is Rockband, I have had just about zero complaints about the game. Being a former professional musician, I instantly saw how well it emulates the actual feeling of playing music in front of a crowd. Layer on top of that one of the most engaging and fun cooperative multiplayer experiences you'll find anywhere, and you've got one hell of a game. However, since no game is perfect, there are a few problems I personally have with it, though they aren't really issues stemming from things like faulty programming, poor game design, or lack or replayability. No. My problem is with the fact that some great music was missed out on!
My personal picks for songs I'd love to see range from the obvious, to songs I just think would be a ton of fun to play in Rockband. Keep in mind, I'm picking songs that I think would be enjoyable for the whole group, not guitars, drums, or vocals specifically.
Here we go:
10. The Decline - NOFX
You either love NOFX, hate NOFX, or are asking "Who the hell are NOFX?" I'm not picking this song because of NOFX's extreme technique and musicianship, because there isn't much there. This song is just pure fun. Lyrically and musically, it is the band at their peak. Oh, yeah, and it's 18:21 length makes it all that more difficult to play through!
The Decline Video
9. Two Princes - The Spin Doctors
I can't think back on the early 90's without this song popping into my head. This being such a solid pop-rock song is what smacks it into my list. I can definitely see the drum track on Expert being quite the challenge, as drummer Aaron Comess has some crazy chops.
8. New Noise - Refused
CAN I SCREAM?! This energetic anthem is the perfect blend of thrashy hardcore and bratty punk rock. This is a pure shot of adrenaline. I cannot see anyone playing this song on the Vocal, Bass, Guitar, or Drum tour and NOT kicking in their TV and/or blowing up their house, which, maybe is the reason it's not there in the first place?
7. Eruption - Van Halen
There is no excuse for not having this song included in anything involving guitars. To quote Nerf Herder "Two hand tapping guitar technique really got me off." Of course, nothing really here in the way of the drums or vocals, but we'd just have to fix that by putting in more Van Halen.
6. The Widow - The Mars Volta
A haunting bluesy ballad from the kings of technical noisemaking, this song is a really wonderful piece of music. Clav and Trumpet solos aside, this song is definitely one of the few TMV songs that is even playable on the current Rockband hardware. It is also one of my favorite songs, ever.
5. Runnin' Down A Dream - Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers
This is probably my favorite song from one of my favorite rock musicians. The catchy leads, vocals, and upbeat tune make this song absolutely perfect for a good time in Rock Band.
4. Led Zeppelin
No, I didn't forget to type the title of the song. Anything by Led Zeppelin would do, really. I'd really just love to see my friends' best attempts at trying to sing like Robert Plant.
3. Hotel California - The Eagles
Come on!!! Why is this NOT in Rock Band?!?! This ridiculously amazing piece of rock and roll music is a perfect encore song, and should definitely just be in the game.
2. Layla - Eric Clapton / Derek and the Dominoes
If I even hear the word guitar, I think of Eric Clapton. Harmonix, you dropped the ball on this one. This is one song that should ALWAYS be included with ANYTHING having to do with rock music. ALWAYS!!! With one of the greatest guitar leads EVER WRITTEN, and an awesome upbeat drum track, I can definitely picture myself actually smashing the plastic guitar into my TV after playing this.
1. Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd
Quite possibly my MOST FAVORITEST SONG EVER. This amazing tune is, in my opinion, the best of what Pink Floyd has to offer. It is a pretty simple song, but includes one of the sweetest and relaxing guitar solos I have ever heard. As with Led Zeppelin, I'd LOVE to have ANY Floyd thrown into Rock Band, but as this song is nearing the 200 plays mark on my iPod, I decided to go with it.
Before I get massive amount of comments telling me I'm an idiot and there are much better songs that should be in the game, let me say that these are my personal picks. I am, however, interested to hear what other people would want.
So, tell me. What songs would YOU love to see in upcoming Rock Band DLCs?
Comments
Right as I clicked to read this, my iTunes put on Refused. Coincidence much? I think not. It knew.
Also, I really enjoy your picks. The only one that gets me a little is Spin Doctors. But seeing as they are one of those bands we'll all remember from the 90's... it's definitely appropriate.
Picks 1-5: HELL FUCKING YEAH. So obvious we were raised in the same house. I've been asking for Hotel California, Led Zepp, and Pink Floyd since the first Guitar Hero. Get to work, Harmonix!
yeah my friend jon and I were playing last night and mentioned how new noise would be awesome for rockband. I had my dream list posted somewhere but I can't find it. I want the smiths baddddddd and the replacements.
I don't know that if I lived for another 350 years I would ever request the Spin Doctors...
Spin Doctors? Where's Hootie and the Blowfish?
No, seriously, where are they?
I miss Darius Rucker and his band's clever, yet poignant song stylings.
And Blues Traveler. Rock Band 2: Harmonica Edition. Giddy-up.
I don't need excuses. And I don't know why. I fucking love the Spin Doctors.
I think Chicken and Ham by Terrance and Philip would be the only song anyone would ever need.
i dig 1-5 and number 10.
Not sure how good Comfortably Numb would be in Rock Band. The vocals would be good, but everything else is too simple.
Just sayin'.
Everything else seems alright, though. Love NOFX.
NickDynmo -
You make a good point, and one that has been brought to my attention by others.
I feel like I may have just picked that song because of my ridiculous love for it.
My new number one pick : An entire DLC dedicated to Pink Floyd.