Zerostyle
12-20-2007, 06:30 PM
Kyuss; Unida; Eagles Of Death Metal; Testament; Danzig; Slayer; Foghat; Corrosion Of Conformity; Motorhead; Primus; Alice In Chains; The Cult; Bad Brains; and a variety of CanCon (regional specific content for Canadian fans... woot!) to round out the set. Explanations and videoclips included.
For this list I've tried to take into account rights-acquisition AND playability. Still interested? Read on then...
Kyuss - The Law (Check this dude out) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP3RZcJQXwo)
Ahhh Kyuss. You deserve to have a full album for DLC too, don't ya? Song pack at least? Well, I know everyone (who is familiar with Kyuss) will clamor for 'Blues for the Red Sun' but in my universe, 'Wretch' takes the cake. The Law features numerous tempo changes, some sludgey, awesome bass/guitar and the one and only John Garcia on vox. And clocking in at just under 8 minutes, it'll test your stamina. The only letdown with this track is that Garcia (and subsequently your vocalist) gets very little time to shine...
Unida - Thorn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pMDVK6yLCE)
...so, to appease all those John Garcia fans out there, how about a song that highlights the controlled ferocity that is his style? I like Thorn. May be a little dry for the drummer, but this pick is all about the vocals.
Eagles of Death Metal - Speaking In Tongues (with Josh Homme on skins and Dave Grohl on Gee-tar) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWOh-lBnaGU)
Another desert rock alum, Eagles of Death Metal embody the soul of rock'n'roll. The choice of Speaking In Tongues actually lends itself to the gameplay mechanic utilizing the phoneme detector, see at 1:20 in the video when Boots starts 'speaking in tongues'.
Testament - Sails of Charon (Scorpions Cover) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDNXCIQyd04)
Ok, so the video is the Scorpions version, and yes Klaus Meine can dance, but I have seen this song requested elsewhere and Uli John Roth's riff and solo's are sure to challenge anyone who's looking for a... challenge. I've suggested the Testament version off of the 'Signs of Chaos: Best of' album, as it has a less dated sound quality, a more fleshed-out drum track and as a nod to one of the oft-overlooked thrash metal bands of the late 80's. The vocalist also gets some nice range, with the continual build-up and break-down of the song. Either way, by going this route you can please fans of both the Scorpions AND Testament. Winner.
I Mother Earth - Another Sunday (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuKl4pn3PHM)
Somewhat identifiable Canadian Content (or CanCon) to the American audience. There isn't anything overly technical with this song, but you also can't put every song in the last tier, eh? It is however, a solid song for all four instrument parts, with vocals probably taking the spotlight overall. Note at the 2:55 mark in the video where the band actually has a "band moment" and break into an off-beat jam instead of the traditional solo.
Danzig - Am I Demon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-apRCG2Nffc)
Master only please! That was one sore-spot in my GH2 experience, the Glenn Danzig impersonation was wayyyy off. Great riff, evil sounding song name... sounds like something parents would disapprove of. Perfect. A note to would-be Glenn Danzig crooners, start pumping iron.
Slayer - Seasons In The Abyss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bR56-eDgMw)
Ok, so enough with the easy stuff right? Everyone wants their fingers to bleed? Fine, bring out Slayer. Seasons is one of the more identifiable Slayer songs, also happens to have a little vocal range and back-to-back blistering solos. Picture your mom singing a little Slayer when her turn on the mic comes up... Yeah, priceless.
Foghat - I Just Want To Make Love To You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztM-8S5p-g4)
A karaoke favorite for the shy one who just doesn't know how to get the message across. 70's cover of the blues classic, you know that spells guitar note charts that will haunt you in your dreams. But hey, considering the subject matter at least the vocalist can make an impression. Maybe not one for the family 'quickplay' session, but perfect for the co-ed keg party. DLC is all about choice isn't it?
Corrosion of Conformity - Clean My Wounds (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRf7fzkSIrA)
Another important, but often overlooked band, Corrosion of Conformity push the Grindcore sound on you with intelligent politically-charged lyrics. Yeah, we all know System of a Down and Rage Against the Machine, now you can mention another band in that same breath.
White Cowbell Oklahoma - Monster Railroad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P8x1rR1ZFA)
If ZZ Top and Ministry had a love child, its name would be White Cowbell Oklahoma. Representing the Southern Rock mecca of Toronto, these guys really know how to put on a show;9 guitars; chainsaw; stripper; fat half-naked clown. Its a niche pick I know, Indie CanCon Southern Rock, but judge for yourselves. Note the anti-solo at about the 2:30 mark of the video. Consider your fever prescriptions filled.
Cathedral - Ride (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jxk9zeSaSY)
Ok, put your hands up if you've ever heard of this band before? Anyone? Sure, from straight-outta leftfield I'm throwing UK's Cathedral into the mix to fill the Doom Metal void. The song has an unrelenting rolling rhythm, that just picks you up and drops you off 4.5 minutes later.
Suede Brothers - Lay It Down See Their Myspace Page (http://www.myspace.com/thesuedebrothers)
Representing 'Rust Belt Rock and Roll' from Cleveland, Ohio are the Suede Brothers. Absolutely without a doubt my unquestionable pick for American Indie band. I was fortunate enough to see these guys at NXNE and was blown away. Great bluesy-sabbath inspired riffs, an active bass-line and bombastic drumming really drive their songs forward. I don't even think these guys were born in the 70's, but they nailed that sound to the wall. The rebirth of everything hard-working and honest in rock and roll. Lay It Down is my choice, but frankly it could be any one of their songs. Expect big things from these guys. I hope I didn't jinx anything.
Bad Brains - I Against I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KedxC3mzKPM)
Now I know this track showed up in an EA game already, 'Skate', so should licensing really be a problem? No, the real problem is trying to mimic H.R.'s vocals. And the lightning fast rhythm changes. Very technical punk. Bad Brains were another very important band, whose influence is far-reaching. Is there a pattern developing here?
Econoline Crush - Sparkle And Shine (although I don't know what this video is actually of) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpIEezTaktU)
Econoline Crush are an interesting choice here, another representive of CanCon, they were able to meld heavy industrial riffs with a vocalist that could actually sing! Sparkle and Shine speaks about the dangers of fame, in specific reference to Blind Melon's Shannon Hoon. And since a lot of people are clamoring for Blind Melon in Rock Band, how about this round-a-bout way of fulfilling that request? C'mon, for me?
Alice In Chains - Man In the Box (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFWkPVHKwCY)
Another candidate for MASTER only please. Layne Staley is often imitated, but NEVER duplicated. I suppose this could fall under the identifiable radio-play category, but AIC were one of my all-time faves.
The Cult - Fire Woman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNcpasj__WY)
Yes, The Cult. Fire Woman showcases guitarist Billy Duffy in true 'Sonic Temple' cover pose form. Seriously, if this song doesn't get you moving just a little, see a doctor. And for those of you that are taking the time to sample the videos I've painstakingly scoured the interweb for, note at 4:29 when Ian Astbury shows the stage just how much he loves being up there. THAT'S Rock and Roll.
Danko Jones - Lovercall (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqW_KeE6ZOs)
While this song may not be overly technical either, Danko just brings so much fire to this track. There are some good "band moments", and tell me that bass line doesn't make you feel buh-buh-buh-bad. Danko! Canada! Woo!
Death From Above 1979 - Luno (Bloc Party Cover) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kc_a0RSQPg)
Watch this video, the works already been half done guys.
Motorhead - Walk A Crooked Mile (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiwUYLMHCzo)
I'd be willing to accept a cover version of this, I dunno if the original recording will hold up. But check out the vocal harmony of Lemmy with... Lemmy. Rip it up!
Primus - The Toys Go Winding Down (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ua9-xPkLuU)
So everyone says they like a challenge, at work or at play. Ok, check this out. So if you guys down at Harmonix can go ahead and translate that bass line into a playable note chart with the Fender controller, that'd be grrreat. If this song does get coded, you can all curse me when your steady 'expert' bass player gets nailed with this baby. Failing that, I'd just like to see a Primus song in Rock Band, preferably from 'Frizzle Fry'. Bass players need love too.
OK, thats it, thats all. Hope you enjoyed it, post a reply if anything caught your ear. Discovering new bands is half the fun. Comments welcome. I'll just be sitting here by the phone waiting for Harmonix to call.
For this list I've tried to take into account rights-acquisition AND playability. Still interested? Read on then...
Kyuss - The Law (Check this dude out) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP3RZcJQXwo)
Ahhh Kyuss. You deserve to have a full album for DLC too, don't ya? Song pack at least? Well, I know everyone (who is familiar with Kyuss) will clamor for 'Blues for the Red Sun' but in my universe, 'Wretch' takes the cake. The Law features numerous tempo changes, some sludgey, awesome bass/guitar and the one and only John Garcia on vox. And clocking in at just under 8 minutes, it'll test your stamina. The only letdown with this track is that Garcia (and subsequently your vocalist) gets very little time to shine...
Unida - Thorn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pMDVK6yLCE)
...so, to appease all those John Garcia fans out there, how about a song that highlights the controlled ferocity that is his style? I like Thorn. May be a little dry for the drummer, but this pick is all about the vocals.
Eagles of Death Metal - Speaking In Tongues (with Josh Homme on skins and Dave Grohl on Gee-tar) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWOh-lBnaGU)
Another desert rock alum, Eagles of Death Metal embody the soul of rock'n'roll. The choice of Speaking In Tongues actually lends itself to the gameplay mechanic utilizing the phoneme detector, see at 1:20 in the video when Boots starts 'speaking in tongues'.
Testament - Sails of Charon (Scorpions Cover) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDNXCIQyd04)
Ok, so the video is the Scorpions version, and yes Klaus Meine can dance, but I have seen this song requested elsewhere and Uli John Roth's riff and solo's are sure to challenge anyone who's looking for a... challenge. I've suggested the Testament version off of the 'Signs of Chaos: Best of' album, as it has a less dated sound quality, a more fleshed-out drum track and as a nod to one of the oft-overlooked thrash metal bands of the late 80's. The vocalist also gets some nice range, with the continual build-up and break-down of the song. Either way, by going this route you can please fans of both the Scorpions AND Testament. Winner.
I Mother Earth - Another Sunday (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuKl4pn3PHM)
Somewhat identifiable Canadian Content (or CanCon) to the American audience. There isn't anything overly technical with this song, but you also can't put every song in the last tier, eh? It is however, a solid song for all four instrument parts, with vocals probably taking the spotlight overall. Note at the 2:55 mark in the video where the band actually has a "band moment" and break into an off-beat jam instead of the traditional solo.
Danzig - Am I Demon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-apRCG2Nffc)
Master only please! That was one sore-spot in my GH2 experience, the Glenn Danzig impersonation was wayyyy off. Great riff, evil sounding song name... sounds like something parents would disapprove of. Perfect. A note to would-be Glenn Danzig crooners, start pumping iron.
Slayer - Seasons In The Abyss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bR56-eDgMw)
Ok, so enough with the easy stuff right? Everyone wants their fingers to bleed? Fine, bring out Slayer. Seasons is one of the more identifiable Slayer songs, also happens to have a little vocal range and back-to-back blistering solos. Picture your mom singing a little Slayer when her turn on the mic comes up... Yeah, priceless.
Foghat - I Just Want To Make Love To You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztM-8S5p-g4)
A karaoke favorite for the shy one who just doesn't know how to get the message across. 70's cover of the blues classic, you know that spells guitar note charts that will haunt you in your dreams. But hey, considering the subject matter at least the vocalist can make an impression. Maybe not one for the family 'quickplay' session, but perfect for the co-ed keg party. DLC is all about choice isn't it?
Corrosion of Conformity - Clean My Wounds (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRf7fzkSIrA)
Another important, but often overlooked band, Corrosion of Conformity push the Grindcore sound on you with intelligent politically-charged lyrics. Yeah, we all know System of a Down and Rage Against the Machine, now you can mention another band in that same breath.
White Cowbell Oklahoma - Monster Railroad (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6P8x1rR1ZFA)
If ZZ Top and Ministry had a love child, its name would be White Cowbell Oklahoma. Representing the Southern Rock mecca of Toronto, these guys really know how to put on a show;9 guitars; chainsaw; stripper; fat half-naked clown. Its a niche pick I know, Indie CanCon Southern Rock, but judge for yourselves. Note the anti-solo at about the 2:30 mark of the video. Consider your fever prescriptions filled.
Cathedral - Ride (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jxk9zeSaSY)
Ok, put your hands up if you've ever heard of this band before? Anyone? Sure, from straight-outta leftfield I'm throwing UK's Cathedral into the mix to fill the Doom Metal void. The song has an unrelenting rolling rhythm, that just picks you up and drops you off 4.5 minutes later.
Suede Brothers - Lay It Down See Their Myspace Page (http://www.myspace.com/thesuedebrothers)
Representing 'Rust Belt Rock and Roll' from Cleveland, Ohio are the Suede Brothers. Absolutely without a doubt my unquestionable pick for American Indie band. I was fortunate enough to see these guys at NXNE and was blown away. Great bluesy-sabbath inspired riffs, an active bass-line and bombastic drumming really drive their songs forward. I don't even think these guys were born in the 70's, but they nailed that sound to the wall. The rebirth of everything hard-working and honest in rock and roll. Lay It Down is my choice, but frankly it could be any one of their songs. Expect big things from these guys. I hope I didn't jinx anything.
Bad Brains - I Against I (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KedxC3mzKPM)
Now I know this track showed up in an EA game already, 'Skate', so should licensing really be a problem? No, the real problem is trying to mimic H.R.'s vocals. And the lightning fast rhythm changes. Very technical punk. Bad Brains were another very important band, whose influence is far-reaching. Is there a pattern developing here?
Econoline Crush - Sparkle And Shine (although I don't know what this video is actually of) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpIEezTaktU)
Econoline Crush are an interesting choice here, another representive of CanCon, they were able to meld heavy industrial riffs with a vocalist that could actually sing! Sparkle and Shine speaks about the dangers of fame, in specific reference to Blind Melon's Shannon Hoon. And since a lot of people are clamoring for Blind Melon in Rock Band, how about this round-a-bout way of fulfilling that request? C'mon, for me?
Alice In Chains - Man In the Box (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFWkPVHKwCY)
Another candidate for MASTER only please. Layne Staley is often imitated, but NEVER duplicated. I suppose this could fall under the identifiable radio-play category, but AIC were one of my all-time faves.
The Cult - Fire Woman (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNcpasj__WY)
Yes, The Cult. Fire Woman showcases guitarist Billy Duffy in true 'Sonic Temple' cover pose form. Seriously, if this song doesn't get you moving just a little, see a doctor. And for those of you that are taking the time to sample the videos I've painstakingly scoured the interweb for, note at 4:29 when Ian Astbury shows the stage just how much he loves being up there. THAT'S Rock and Roll.
Danko Jones - Lovercall (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqW_KeE6ZOs)
While this song may not be overly technical either, Danko just brings so much fire to this track. There are some good "band moments", and tell me that bass line doesn't make you feel buh-buh-buh-bad. Danko! Canada! Woo!
Death From Above 1979 - Luno (Bloc Party Cover) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Kc_a0RSQPg)
Watch this video, the works already been half done guys.
Motorhead - Walk A Crooked Mile (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiwUYLMHCzo)
I'd be willing to accept a cover version of this, I dunno if the original recording will hold up. But check out the vocal harmony of Lemmy with... Lemmy. Rip it up!
Primus - The Toys Go Winding Down (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ua9-xPkLuU)
So everyone says they like a challenge, at work or at play. Ok, check this out. So if you guys down at Harmonix can go ahead and translate that bass line into a playable note chart with the Fender controller, that'd be grrreat. If this song does get coded, you can all curse me when your steady 'expert' bass player gets nailed with this baby. Failing that, I'd just like to see a Primus song in Rock Band, preferably from 'Frizzle Fry'. Bass players need love too.
OK, thats it, thats all. Hope you enjoyed it, post a reply if anything caught your ear. Discovering new bands is half the fun. Comments welcome. I'll just be sitting here by the phone waiting for Harmonix to call.
