Orange Crush - REM confirmed.

[foolosophy]

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/823/823187p1.html

[Xzyliac]

I haven't even seen the vid yet (it's loading) but let me say:

A DAY WITH ANY ROCK BAND NEWS IS A GOOD DAY!!!

[Desensitized]

REM!

Awesome!

[scarecrow521]

This has made my day, nay, my week.

[Xzyliac]

Song is steadily growing on me.

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[foolosophy]

Let's be hopeful for more song announcements, considering IGN usually has an article up to accompany their videos. Especially since they need to formally announce the songs presence in the game

[Xzyliac]

Dude keep us informed.

PLEASE HARMONIX, PLEASE, GIVE US LED ZEPPLIN!!!

[foolosophy]

The Preview is up now, editting the original post.

[travmeatwad]

What's up with the 35 second videos? Can't they show us a whole song?

[foolosophy]

Kick it into OVERDRIVE! I'll be saying that for Star Power now.

[Xzyliac]

What's up with the 35 second videos? Can't they show us a whole song?

Nobody shows whole songs man. Sucks I know.

Well not unless it's like, a bunch of guys playing and their lackey with the video camera is watching, but even then the bastards refuse to show the whole thing for whatever the reasons may be.


The singer can strut his stuff up front with his pretty boy face and attempts at hogging the glory, but we all know where he'd be without the six strings to back him up. It doesn't matter how poorly the show is going. A perfect solo or a killer riff is all you need to save the band and get the crowd back into the groove. It's true in real life and it's true in Rock Band.
What a load of crap.

Oh and the rest of it was pretty so-so as well. It basically repeats what the Game Informer guitar preview said, minus the Guitar Hero III/Rock Band note chart comparison. They did make up for it with a song announcement but damn. Did they really need the filler?

And for an article talking specifically about the guitar I would've expected THE BIG ONE, THE FREEBIRD 2.0, Alex keeps teasing.

Overall not bad. Not great but good enough to chew on for the next week.

[idiotec]

Nice, I love that song. :)

[Magnet]

~30 second clips are usually consistent with fair use. I don't know all the behind-the-scenes stuff, but if direct feeds of whole songs were shown, that might interfere with their licensing agreements to some extent, as then you could just download the videos and have the songs too.

I'm guessing the ~30 second clips we've been seeing for so long have something to do with ensuring that a fair use provision is met.

[Emo_Reaper]

What's up with the 35 second videos? Can't they show us a whole song?

Thats what the tour is for my friend. To play a WHOLE song...by yourself!

[Xzyliac]

Thats what the tour is for my friend. To play a WHOLE song...by yourself!

No...with your friends/the random people you meet who play bass!

[Akaymay]

Not a bad song, I'm still waiting for my AC/DC and Guns N Roses, though.

[Xzyliac]

Not a bad song, I'm still waiting for my AC/DC and Guns N Roses, though.

I don't know man. Chances are looking mighty slim.

[masterx1918]

R.E.M???? Orange Crush???? WTF why? What a terrible song by a terrible band. I hope it's a bonus.

[travmeatwad]

Thats what the tour is for my friend. To play a WHOLE song...by yourself!

Too bad the tour isn't coming anywhere near me.

[jq71586]

R.E.M???? Orange Crush???? WTF why? What a terrible song by a terrible band. I hope it's a bonus.

I think it's ok. But I don't think you stick a song by R.E.M. in the bonus section. It's going to be on the main setlist.

[Xzyliac]

I think it's ok. But I don't think you stick a song by R.E.M. in the bonus section. It's going to be on the main setlist.

Agreed 100%. Not great but not bonus song material either.

[masterx1918]

The song doesn't deserve a spot on the game. I'm disapointed.

[Magnet]

The classic Fender switch is also another novelty that you don't have to use, but you'll want to. With a flick of the switch, you can switch between a variety of effects such as the much beloved wah-wah. These effects don't make themselves known throughout the entire song. Rather, you'll only hear a change in the guitar track during solos or when the overdrive is activated.

Not completely happy about that. I was hoping you could change the sound on the fly anytime during a song. Oh well, maybe it'll make the sound change even more meaningful if you can't perform it all the time. I guess overusing it could definitely drive the rest of your band nuts.

Also, about the song...

I don't care for it much. It's satisfactory, but not really my taste. It's obviously going to be in the main setlist (come on, it's REM), but that's fine. I already really like a bunch of songs on there. One that might grow on me is fine for now. It does sound fun enough for all of the parts, which is definitely a good thing.

[Akaymay]

It's not horrible, not but exactly great either...I would much rather have seen It's the End of the Worlds (As we know it)

[Akaymay]

I don't know man. Chances are looking mighty slim.

And I'm still praying for the oldest saying of them all: Save the best for Last.

I mean, C'mon, we need some more classics!

[Tendoza]

REM, ok, I'll take it... fun to sing I guess...

Like Akaymay said, best for last..........

CMON ZEPPELIN!!!!

[bmore007]

I like it. Good addition, should be fun to sing.

[Keebler]

I'm not much of a REM fan, but surely there are much better songs that could have been chosen. "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)," anyone?

[AVC808]

I'm not much of a REM fan, but surely there are much better songs that could have been chosen. "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)," anyone?

i only can think of two REM songs off the top of my head that i like, and that's one of them. i never heard of orange crush, but judging from the comments, i guess it aint that great.

[Electric_Zen]

Kids, this is why the Harmonix employees get to choose the songs, and you get to sit at your computers and gripe on the forums. You have no taste.

My favorite REM song, a great rock tune with hook, and perfect for this game. A stellar choice.

[Axlitis]

Great ****ing song. I would've went this instead of ''Losing My Religion.''

Awesome choice HMX.

[TheRocker]

Woooo Hooo!
Why does new info come out whenever i am away from my Pc...

[Desensitized]

Orange Crush is a great song. Better this than one of the predictable choices.

[sushi111]

Awesome song.

[Electric_Zen]

Awesome song.

Thank you, sushi. I had just about lost all hope for the under-20 crowd.

[rockst01]

Another easy guitar song? Damn, I hope Harmonix releases some of the guitar face melting tracks soon.

[Akaymay]

Another easy guitar song? Damn, I hope Harmonix releases some of the guitar face melting tracks soon.

Ahem....AC/DC....

[AVC808]

i hate not being able to listen to anything at work. maybe i have heard this song before and just dont remember the name of the track. dammit.

[Oxyplox]

Love REM.
Great choice, should be a blast to sing.

[Apples]

Excellent choice, I had worried they would take "losing my religion" if any REM song.

REM in the setlist gives hope that "End of The World As We Know It" as an "Epic Downloadable Vocalist Challenge" is a possibility.


And "overdrive" as the new name for "star power" is a much better fit than some of the other speculated names.

It's a great day. :)

[AdamBomb629]

Great song choice. Very happy.

[gregoaaa]

I had to message various non-obsessive friends when i heard the news.
I agree Its The End Of The World would be good, but hopefully there may be some DLC of other great REM tracks like:
- Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight
- The Great Beyond
- Whats The Frequency, Kenneth?
and so on

Can't believe so many people dont like this song, it will be a blast to try and mimic Stipes voice, can't wait...although i have to being Australian.

[Quastor]

Excellent choice, I had worried they would take "losing my religion" if any REM song.


Not sure how they'd handle that song thought. I'd think it would be a bit strange playing the mandolin part on the guitar.

[ThePaska]

Cool video, I admittedly have never heard this song before, although I do like a few REM songs. It sounds pretty good, its not going to be one of my favorites, but the article was pretty fun and interesting to read as well. Hopefully we'll get some more songs to go along with this one being announced.

[the_spike]

I've never heard this song before. Ever, not even in a movie or heard people talking about it.

[steelcurtain187]

Great news! I love that tune :D

[Redebo]

Regarding an announcement of the Zep: If HMX did this, it would lose half of the hard core peeps on these forums to instant brain hemorrages. The last thing they want to do is kill you dudes off b4 you convince all of your friends to buy RB!!!

[Tendoza]

Regarding an announcement of the Zep: If HMX did this, it would lose half of the hard core peeps on these forums to instant brain hemorrages. The last thing they want to do is kill you dudes off b4 you convince all of your friends to buy RB!!!
I would rather have Zep in, have a stroke because of it, go through a year and a half of rehab, with no movement in the left side of my body, and watch someone play it rather then Zep not being it in at all.

[Brock_Landers]

Oh and the rest of it was pretty so-so as well. It basically repeats what the Game Informer guitar preview said, minus the Guitar Hero III/Rock Band note chart comparison. They did make up for it with a song announcement but damn. Did they really need the filler?

Welcome to IGN. Enjoy your stay.

As for the song.. well, I can't say R.E.M is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of rocking out with my cock out, but it sounds good enough.

Not really last 10 (or 12?) songs to be announced material though.

[Kang_Zircon]

This cartainly wouldn't have been my first guess for an REM pick.

Any one have any idea not sure what the motivation would be for picking this song over It's the End of the World As We Know It, What's The Frequency Kenneth, Losing My Religion, Man on The Moon, Stand, Shiny Happy People, I am Superman, The Great Beyond, etc ?

[SmokaCola]

Never heard the song until now, and I like it :P

[skyehill]

i only can think of two REM songs off the top of my head that i like, and that's one of them. i never heard of orange crush, but judging from the comments, i guess it aint that great.

You guess wrong. It's one of the few REM songs that actually feels like Rock instead of "college" rock. Great choice, but I don't see my wife doing a good job singing to this one. Going to be really fun on the drums.

[PsycoCheerio]

Not too bad, sounds fun to play at least...

[Pandacon]

Haven't heard this REM song before, but I like it and should be fun to play.

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[Eman311]

Good choice, fits well into the game.

[battle_axe_of_doom]

good song but whats with the random crotch shot @ 0:48 into the video :\

[Weeksy]

Yeah, I'm not the biggest R.E.M. fan around - "Automatic For The People" was a fantastic album, but they've kind of lost me in their later stuff. That being said, I would much rather have seen "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?" than "Orange Crush".

Even still, for every average song in there, there's still a bunch of great ones to look forward to.

[Redebo]

I would rather have Zep in, have a stroke because of it, go through a year and a half of rehab, with no movement in the left side of my body, and watch someone play it rather then Zep not being it in at all.

See!!!! Case in point!

[idiotec]

Kids, this is why the Harmonix employees get to choose the songs, and you get to sit at your computers and gripe on the forums. You have no taste.

My favorite REM song, a great rock tune with hook, and perfect for this game. A stellar choice.
Worth repeating :D

[Weeksy]

Kids, this is why the Harmonix employees get to choose the songs, and you get to sit at your computers and gripe on the forums. You have no taste.

My favorite REM song, a great rock tune with hook, and perfect for this game. A stellar choice.

And not at all condescending, which I find fantastic :)
It's a good thing the guys & gals at Harmonix didn't ask the tasteless masses to suggest songs..... oh...... wait......

[espher]

Name didn't ring a bell.

Recognized it in three notes.

Pretty happy with that choice, although I would have preferred the vocalist feast that is ITEOTWAWKI (AIFF). :p

[Terranova]

Orange crush seems a good track choice.. i'm not a REM fan but it seems that it could be fun to play.

[Xzyliac]

I would rather have Zep in, have a stroke because of it, go through a year and a half of rehab, with no movement in the left side of my body, and watch someone play it rather then Zep not being it in at all.

AaAaAaAmen!

[JimNasium]

Awesome :D I hope some REM albums end up as DLC

[tucsonovernite]

You guess wrong. It's one of the few REM songs that actually feels like Rock instead of "college" rock. Great choice, but I don't see my wife doing a good job singing to this one. Going to be really fun on the drums.

yeah one of the few REM tracks i like along with Whats the Frequency Kenneth....has kind of a sinister vibe to it....nice pick

[stiper327b]

R.E.M???? Orange Crush???? WTF why? What a terrible song by a terrible band. I hope it's a bonus.

It's not their best song, or even the most appropriate for Rock Band (End of the World, anybody), but REM is far from a terrible band. Bands don't stick around for 20+ years, get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and influence an entire generation of musicians if they're terrible. May not be your type of music, I can cotton to that, but it sure as sh!t ain't terrible.

And yes, I'm biased as REM is my hands down favorite band, but I can still be objective enough to say that they're far from terrible.

As for the song, motherf*cking hells bells am I happy to hear this. I would have liked to see some others (What's the Frequency Kenneth, It's the End of the World as We Know It, Second Guessing, Just a Touch, Don't Go Back to Rockville, and Radio Free Europe among others) but still, this is a great, well known song and will be crazy fun to play.

Let's just hope that this paves the way for some more REM tracks when the DLC train really takes off.

[kaiserkreb]

This cartainly wouldn't have been my first guess for an REM pick.

Any one have any idea not sure what the motivation would be for picking this song over It's the End of the World As We Know It, What's The Frequency Kenneth, Losing My Religion, Man on The Moon, Stand, Shiny Happy People, I am Superman, The Great Beyond, etc ?

I would say that the reason is that it's better than all of those songs, save for Losing My Religion. ;)

[TheTogfather]

As expected, this should be fun to play. I do worry a bit that we're getting a bit heavy on the non-classics, but I expect they're saving most of these, since they would be the 'OMG Awesomesauce!' songs, for last. And, as mentioned above...any day w/ Rock Band news is a good day! Woo!

c'mon release date!

[kaiserkreb]

Quite frankly I'm surprised no one has even suggested "Stand" as an alternate song, or even Pop Song 89 was good times.

[Tyrsis]

Kids, this is why the Harmonix employees get to choose the songs, and you get to sit at your computers and gripe on the forums. You have no taste.

My favorite REM song, a great rock tune with hook, and perfect for this game. A stellar choice.

QFT. All these people want is Metal and 70's rock. Don't get me wrong, I want those.
But shut up about bands you know jack-**** about.

[Xzyliac]

QFT. All these people want is Metal and 70's rock. Don't get me wrong, I want those.
But shut up about bands you know jack-**** about.

Prejudice, much?

[Tyrsis]

Prejudice, much?

How is this predjudice? They see a REM song announced and people cry and complain. I see the same garbage on the GH forums.

"i want iron maidens!!111"
"were is dragonforce??///"
"can i has moar metal pls"

Yeah, sorry that Harmonix just put a band from the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame in Rock Band.

[sporkBrigade]

Not completely happy about that. I was hoping you could change the sound on the fly anytime during a song. Oh well, maybe it'll make the sound change even more meaningful if you can't perform it all the time. I guess overusing it could definitely drive the rest of your band nuts.

I was surprised by this part of the article too, but the more I think about it, the more I like it. Rock Band isn't about changing the songs completely. It's about performing the songs as is, but then getting little opportunities to put your own twist on it. If you had effects going the whole song, then simple chord progressions suddenly become a mess. This way, the majority of the song is maintained, but then solo time is your chance to mess with things the way you like it.

[Chthonic]

I know it's pedantic, but is it really so hard to write the band name before the name of the song?

[Quastor]

Yeah, sorry that Harmonix just put a band from the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame in Rock Band.

The game is called Rock Band, not Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame Band. That's the first expansion.

As for Stand vs Orange Crush, I think in the end Orange Crush has a bit better drums, which is why I think HMX picked this one.

[Bakkster]

The game is called Rock Band, not Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame Band. That's the first expansion.

I think the point was that it's generally accepted that REM does not "suck" nor are they a "sh###y band". Not my favorite band, but from what I heard it will work well in the game.

[BiffMan]

As for Stand vs Orange Crush, I think in the end Orange Crush has a bit better drums, which is why I think HMX picked this one.

Waaaay better drums and yes, I'd also assume that's the reason it was chosen.

-BiffMan

[KingofQUEEN48]

should be fun!

[KingofQUEEN48]

R.E.M???? Orange Crush???? WTF why? What a terrible song by a terrible band. I hope it's a bonus.

then who do u want in the game?

[stiper327b]

Exactly, there's a difference between stating that you don't care for a band's music and saying they suck. You just don't get to a point where R.E.M.'s at without making quality music. Sure, most people are just aware of their mid to late 90's output which, while far from bad, was nowhere near the level of music they produced in their earlier years. They made more accessible albums later on and as such became more mainstream, but their early albums are about as obstinate as you can get when it comes to accessibility.

[HMXQualityControl]

The drums ARE really fun.

[battle_axe_of_doom]

REM ****ing RULEZ, ****ing DUMBASSES

[Supergeek]

I like "It's the End of the World..." better, but yeah that would be impossible to sing.

"What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" is a great song, and I like that more than Orange Crush as well.

Stand and Losing My Religion; both way overplayed on the radio when they were popular, but still excellent songs for all that, and would have made excellent choices for RB.

As has been stated before, we have no idea what happens behind the scenes. It's possible Orange Crush was the ONLY song REM would license of the ones HMX wanted, or the others wouldn't work for one reason or another, structurally.

I'm still looking forward to this song, and I like how the list is shaping up. To me, it looks better than any of the GH games, actually.

[ThePaska]

Singing the lyrics to It's The End of the World would be so much fun, Hopefully thats DLC, it would be such a crazy song to do vocals wise, totally last teir. And plus it would be tons of fun to do with a lot of friends over, everyone loves trying to sing all the lyrics to that song.