Rock Band Pre-Blog

[Frehley]

Hello all! Howdy, yo, hey, hi, whatever. :cool:

You all are probably wondering why I made a new thread. Well, for a long time I have not been a fan of these music simulation games until I played them with my friend K-Dawg. I realized that if you don't treat the game like an actual instrument and spend more time on a real instrument, then it can be a fun, social experiance. Sort of a new, interactive way to listen to music. And also my wife is interested. :cool:

So I came to these boards and will stay here until late Wednesday Pacific Time (I'll take a lot of breaks, I'm a busy man :cool:) to learn about this community and get pre-Rock Band advice before I make the purchase.

Lastly, I would like to say that I am sorry for judging Rock Band before I played it. I had only seen it before I knew what it could be. :cool:


Also, there is a thread saying I am Rivers Cuomo? What's up with that? :cool:

[dady5000]

Hello all! Howdy, yo, hey, hi, whatever. :cool:

You all are probably wondering why I made a new thread. Well, for a long time I have not been a fan of these music simulation games until I played them with my friend K-Dawg. I realized that if you don't treat the game like an actual instrument and spend more time on a real instrument, then it can be a fun, social experiance. Sort of a new, interactive way to listen to music. And also my wife is interested. :cool:

So I came to these boards and will stay here until late Wednesday Pacific Time (I'll take a lot of breaks, I'm a busy man :cool:) to learn about this community and get pre-Rock Band advice before I make the purchase.

Lastly, I would like to say that I am sorry for judging Rock Band before I played it. I had only seen it before I knew what it could be. :cool:


Also, there is a thread saying I am Rivers Cuomo? What's up with that? :cool:

Maybe you are Rivers Cuomo? :rolleyes:

(Rock Band is very fun though, and I concur with the "Interactive way to listen to music" I've learned about a few new artists and their songs I may have never heard before I played RB)

Maybe you aren't Rivers Cuomo? :rolleyes:

We may never know...


Hi, Rivers!

[C-Weiner]

Lol he's already off-line. Meleeman will be sad :rolleyes:

[Apples]

Take the whole is-or-is-not Rivers Cuomo nonsense out of the mix, it is cool to see more people coming around to this type of game.

Its not about replacing real instruments, more like a fun social experience which happens to have awesome music as a centerpiece.

[C-Weiner]

He added an avatar *gasp*

[brobot]

Meleeman where are you?

If this is Rivers thanks for Red album.

Also the game is a good way to escape the real world. I play guitar and the game but one doesn't take away from one another. The skill on either is almost exclusive to each.

[Die-Guitar-Hero]

Well, I would recommend waiting for Rock Band 2's release to make the purchase. The updated, more accurate instrument controllers, slicker menu system, and a brand new soundtrack are all reasons. I'm a musician myself and there is still something I really love about playing Rock Band with friends, especially when the people that I play with are good enough at the game and secure enough in their egos to let go and really get into it. There is also something else that is really cool about the game that perhaps having an online music collection lends itself to as well. I just love being able to scroll through and look at all the album covers and listen to all of this wonderful, iconic, eclectic collection of music. It's Rock Band's wonderful variety that increases it's longevity. Your songs make great additions, too. The Red Album is fantastic, extra-especially "The Angel and the One" and "Dreamin'"

[MeleeMan]

HOLY S***!!!! RIVERS IS ON AGAIN?!?!?!!?!?!? F*** YES HE'S BAACK!!!!!!!!!


Rivers, man, what's up?:D:D:D

[Frehley]

Well, I would recommend waiting for Rock Band 2's release to make the purchase. The updated, more accurate instrument controllers, slicker menu system, and a brand new soundtrack are all reasons. I'm a musician myself and there is still something I really love about playing Rock Band with friends, especially when the people that I play with are good enough at the game and secure enough in their egos to let go and really get into it. There is also something else that is really cool about the game that perhaps having an online music collection lends itself to as well. I just love being able to scroll through and look at all the album covers and listen to all of this wonderful, iconic, eclectic collection of music. It's Rock Band's wonderful variety that increases it's longevity. Your songs make great additions, too. The Red Album is fantastic, extra-especially "The Angel and the One" and "Dreamin'"

Thanks a lot. So Rock Band is going to have a sequel? That's a lot of music games.

[C-Weiner]

Yah but don't worry if you buy the xbox version of it and buy Weezer, Kiss and Pixies songs, you can still play them on Rock Band 2

[Bang Camaro]

That is some serious overuse of :cool:. Use some different smilies...:p;):D:o:):(:confused::mad::rolleyes:

[m00p]

What C-Wiener means is:

You can transfer all of the songs from RB1, to RB2 through Xbox Live. You have to pay a fee though.

[brobot]

Thanks a lot. So Rock Band is going to have a sequel? That's a lot of music games.

Everything with the first game is in the second and so much more. All songs can be played on the second game that you can play on the first. You can even bring over the Rock Band 1 songs if you have the first disc.

Just remember that all downloads work for both games and so do the instruments.

[Die-Guitar-Hero]

Yes, the sequel comes out September 14th. Mr. Cuomo, please use appropriate Wikipedia pages! We'll be happy to help you with anything not detailed there.

[kiggidykev]

Hi, potentially Rivers. :)

I'm with the others on this topic; Rock Band's a great medium for getting to know new genres and artists, and has really allowed me to enjoy songs by immersing myself in them.

Also, thanks for "Greatest Man That Ever Lived". My friends love to sing that one :)

[Frehley]

So, what is the difference between Rock Band and Guitar Hero?

[Die-Guitar-Hero]

So, what is the difference between Rock Band and Guitar Hero?

You know how companies some times buy names or "intellectual properties" and then continue to use them even after the original creators have since moved on? It happens in movies all the time. People often wonder why sequels to movies are so terrible and it is often because the name stays but the people involved do not. Guitar Hero was originally developed by the people who made Rock Band (Harmonix). After the success of Guitar Hero 2, Harmonix was purchased by the newly founded MTV Games, but Harmonix couldn't bring the name "Guitar Hero" with them. That name stayed with their original publisher, Activision, and be damned if Activision wasn't going to continue to profit off of this now fairly well-known name. They conscripted one of their in-house developers to make a sequel and the Guitar Hero franchise has continued on since then. Harmonix continues to innovate and expand the music game genre and must struggle to compete with the franchise they made popular.

[kiggidykev]

So, what is the difference between Rock Band and Guitar Hero?

I'll try my best to answer, from my opinion :)

For me, Rock Band is more about the group experience and enjoying the music. It's really cool to get through a difficult song with your friends backing you up! The game is also about the diversity that is provided through the weekly downloads, so the song selection is constantly fresh.

Guitar Hero has become more of a competitive game: who can get the highest score, beat another person, etc. They do have some amazing songs in there, but the focus is more on making the game difficult than anything else. Of course, that might all change with the World Tour version coming out in the fall, which seems to be copying the Rock Band formula.

Again, that's just my opinion :)

[war_lord]

In terms of gameplay, it used to be that Guitar Hero is a 2-player guitar-only game and RockBand was the 4-player game that would allow you to sing or drum. That is changing in the near future with the release of Guitar Hero: World Tour.

The graphics are also considerably different. GH tends to be more cartoonish, even those rockers based on real people such as Aerosmith. RB rockers look more realistic, even though they are still animated.

There's also different music tracks on each game, and (as of now) only Guitar Hero 3 and RockBand allow for Downloadable Content (DLC). GH usually sells only 3-packs of tracks, and they are offered rather sparsely... whereas RockBand updates weekly with packs ranging in size from a bunch of singles to a whopping 12-pack for the Who. RB is also the only one to offer albums at the moment.

[Frehley]

I'll try my best to answer, from my opinion :)

For me, Rock Band is more about the group experience and enjoying the music. It's really cool to get through a difficult song with your friends backing you up! The game is also about the diversity that is provided through the weekly downloads, so the song selection is constantly fresh.

Guitar Hero has become more of a competitive game: who can get the highest score, beat another person, etc. They do have some amazing songs in there, but the focus is more on making the game difficult than anything else. Of course, that might all change with the World Tour version coming out in the fall, which seems to be copying the Rock Band formula.

Again, that's just my opinion :)

So Guitar Hero is more like a video game than a music simulator?

[Die-Guitar-Hero]

So, I guess the difference as far as games go is about preference, really. The two games are fundamentally the same because they were envisioned by the same creator, but Rock Band is certainly more innovative. Now Activision is trying to change that. The next iteration of Guitar Hero is playing catch up and trying to include the whole band experience, but it seems like an after thought. The other big difference, I think, is that Harmonix really tries to build their soundtracks eclectically and often shies away from the biggest hits to make their games as fun as possible.

[lawandorder_29]

So Guitar Hero is more like a video game than a music simulator?

Yea, I believe that is a fair comparison. Rock Band is the more innovative title IMHO. (I believe Harmonix says they "innovate, then perfect.")

[Frehley]

I believe Harmonix says they "innovate, then perfect.")

Just like me.:cool:

I like this forum a lot. The peope here are knowledgable about music and are really cool at giving advice.

[brobot]

Just like me.:cool:

I like this forum a lot. The peope here are knowledgable about music and are really cool at giving advice.

You will find that to be true for about 85% of us. We are pretty relaxed and love the music. Also, the general area is more of laxed place to find info and talk compared to the other sub forums.

[Die-Guitar-Hero]

Just like me.:cool:

I like this forum a lot. The peope here are knowledgable about music and are really cool at giving advice.

A lot of us can get really rowdy from time to time though when Harmonix doesn't release the songs of our choice. I think we are all sitting really happily right now because tomorrow all of Rush's Moving Pictures album comes out for Rock Band. Ultimately though, regardless of what songs they decide to include, I think we all really believe in the product and are really open to people curious about trying it out. Much like your own music, there is a universality to this game that we will all testify to.

[Frehley]

My friend K-Dawg tolf me that Weezer will be a full-album download long after the Weezer 3-pack that users insist is fake will become availiable. Is this fake, too?

[Die-Guitar-Hero]

Especially when it seems like someone is already open to appreciating it for its intricacies and not just for its "fun to play at parties when drunk" appeal.

[kiggidykev]

My friend K-Dawg tolf me that Weezer will be a full-album download long after the Weezer 3-pack that users insist is fake will become availiable. Is this fake, too?

I do believe that's the sound of a hint being dropped ;)

[Frehley]

I do believe that's the sound of a hint being dropped ;)

I'm not going to get sued for telling you that, am I? :eek:

Haha joking.:cool:

[brobot]

Now the three pack K-Dawg mentioned does sound hella fun.

Also did he say what album. =D

[Die-Guitar-Hero]

If you're really Rivers I would like to ask you your stance on something that has plagued me for quite some time.

When I have something to say I say it. To sit down and write a song about it after wards seems redundant. Does the world need to sing along? Do people need my thoughts? I'll never be able to think for them. I love music, though. So maybe I'll write music with nothing to say. Or am I wrong? Are we only as good as our best stories?
At what point in life does it become necessary to record your reflections? and why does it become necessary? is it simply necessary because so few do reflect? I watch and I learn and I feed and I do and I grow. is the record the culmination? Do people record simply to share? Even those who record to "escape" really escaped with the thought and the act of recording was applied after wards. When ever I record and I reread, I find flaws. I find that what I had said was rarely what I was trying to say. it felt like it was at the time because when I was saying it I was thinking so many more things, but upon reflection it is a broken carcass. But I am impressed to think that if I never record my thoughts are lost. What is your insight?

[kiggidykev]

I'm not going to get sued for telling you that, am I? :eek:

Haha joking.:cool:

Ha, you card. Now I don't know what to believe :rolleyes:

[Frehley]

If you're really Rivers I would like to ask you your stance on something that has plagued me for quite some time.

When I have something to say I say it. To sit down and write a song about it after wards seems redundant. Does the world need to sing along? Do people need my thoughts? I'll never be able to think for them. I love music, though. So maybe I'll write music with nothing to say. Or am I wrong? Are we only as good as our best stories?
At what point in life does it become necessary to record your reflections? and why does it become necessary? is it simply necessary because so few do reflect? I watch and I learn and I feed and I do and I grow. is the record the culmination? Do people record simply to share? Even those who record to "escape" really escaped with the thought and the act of recording was applied after wards. When ever I record and I reread, I find flaws. I find that what I had said was rarely what I was trying to say. it felt like it was at the time because when I was saying it I was thinking so many more things, but upon reflection it is a broken carcass. But I am impressed to think that if I never record my thoughts are lost. What is your insight?

That is an extremely interesting topic. I myself am a musician and I have a lot of unreleased demos in my house that have yet to be heard by the public. Now, a lot of the thoughts you are asking me about apply directly to my position with the many demos in my hose.

But my insight into your thoughts is that I record music that really means something to me that can also sound enjoyable at the same time. You may write a song about being a social outcast and not caring what anyone thinks about you as long as you have that special person who loves you. And that is the case for a lot of people and when they hear music they like with the situation they are in, it really speaks to them and lets them know that others are feeling it, too. I feel like I become a part of a community then I write a song I feel strongly about.


Hope that helped! :cool:

[brobot]

That is an extremely interesting topic. I myself am a musician and I have a lot of unreleased demos in my house that have yet to be heard by the public. Now, a lot of the thoughts you are asking me about apply directly to my position with the many demos in my hose.

But my insight into your thoughts is that I record music that really means something to me that can also sound enjoyable at the same time. You may write a song about being a social outcast and not caring what anyone thinks about you as long as you have that special person who loves you. And that is the case for a lot of people and when they hear music they like with the situation they are in, it really speaks to them and lets them know that others are feeling it, too. I feel like I become a part of a community then I write a song I feel strongly about.


Hope that helped! :cool:

Rivers or not that is a great response.

[HMXDave]

Anti-negative

Does this mean you are pro-irony?

[lawandorder_29]

Just like me.:cool:

I like this forum a lot. The peope here are knowledgable about music and are really cool at giving advice.

You will find that here especially in the general forum. It is alot more relaxed and laid-back. Usually lots of jokes and good times.

I really hope your friend is right about the weezer album and 3-pack. Seriously if there is a Rush (we get that tomorrow) and a Weezer album, I don't know if I will be able to play anything else. :D

Also, as a college student (and transit bus driver) this game helps me unwind after a long day in class and behind the wheel. Might even be helpful for a musician like you. :D

[Skr33]

In other news, I figured out that Frehley is trying to make people think the is Rivers Cuomo, when he is actually..... FAKE STEPHEN TYLER.

/discussion.

[brobot]

In other news, I figured out that Frehley is trying to make people think the is Rivers Cuomo, when he is actually..... FAKE STEPHEN TYLER.

/discussion.

Can we please stop the fake Stephen Tyler stuff Please

[Bang Camaro]

Can we please stop the fake Stephen Tyler stuff Please

I second this. It was never funny.

[lawandorder_29]

I second this. It was never funny.

Thirded (Not a word but it makes my point.)

It got really old, really fast.

[instantdeath999]

Like you mentioned (and like I mentioned in another thread), I consider Rock Band (and guitar hero) a fun new way to listen, and even interact, with music.

Have you ever tapped your foot, headbanged, etc. to a song? It's basically a much more fun (and difficult) version of that.

And while it may sound pathetic, the game actually inspired me to learn more about music. In about a year and a half, I went from not knowing a single rock band to owning thousands of songs by hundreds of artists, and now have the ability to give a basic outline of rock history. Rock Band did not teach me that, but it made me want to learn.

It also made me get more serious about real instruments. I now play guitar decently well, and on-and-off drums.

To sum up what I just said... a very fun way to listen to music :D I really hope major bands continue to support it. You never know how big it can get. I mean, Metallica is releasing it's next album through a video game. Maybe that will become the norm?

[Frehley]

So, I'm on my laptop with 3 of my best friends on these forums again and all of my friends are really interested in the game and we are going to buy 5 Rock Band 2 Bundles. I am going to buy one for me and my wife, one for the band practice space, and my friends will buy the others for their family. We probably won't play much, but we had fun playing again at K-Dawg's. :cool:

[lawandorder_29]

So, I'm on my laptop with 3 of my best friends on these forums again and all of my friends are really interested in the game and we are going to buy 5 Rock Band 2 Bundles. I am going to buy one for me and my wife, one for the band practice space, and my friends will buy the others for their family. We probably won't play much, but we had fun playing again at K-Dawg's. :cool:

Did he tell you which album he thought might be coming to Rock Band? I'd be happy with any of them, honestly. Just curious. :D

Have you found a favorite song you like to play yet? I think mine is the Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Date With the Night.

Five bundles? That's intense. I think the bundles don't come out for a while after the game is released and from what I hear they haven't even confirmed their existence. They have said the instruments will be available at launch though.

Maybe you could get HMX to send you a few bundles if your band agreed to put a few songs on Rock Band. I mean, if you guys are popular and all. :)

[Mex]

Can we please stop the fake Stephen Tyler stuff Please

I agree Fake Stephen Tyler was never that funny. Fake Steven Tyler on the other hand is awesome. ;)

[Frehley]

Did he tell you which album he thought might be coming to Rock Band? I'd be happy with any of them, honestly. Just curious. :D

Have you found a favorite song you like to play yet? I think mine is the Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Date With the Night.

Five bundles? That's intense. I think the bundles don't come out for a while after the game is released and from what I hear they haven't even confirmed their existence. They have said the instruments will be available at launch though.

Maybe you could get HMX to send you a few bundles if your band agreed to put a few songs on Rock Band. I mean, if you guys are popular and all. :)

The Album is Weezer so that is either The Blue, Green, or Red Album.

[lawandorder_29]

The Album is Weezer so that is either The Blue, Green, or Red Album.

Sweet. I'm guessing Green since we don't have any songs from that one yet.

[instantdeath999]

The Album is Weezer so that is either The Blue, Green, or Red Album.

We've already had three from red, and two from Blue. So I guess Green makes the most sense.

[Rockbandfan23467]

We've already had three from red, and two from Blue. So I guess Green makes the most sense.

What about Maladrot and Make Believe?

I doubt they'd use MB (Weezer's St. Anger) but hey!

[fireshoes]

My friend K-Dawg tolf me that Weezer will be a full-album download long after the Weezer 3-pack that users insist is fake will become availiable. Is this fake, too?

Just to clarify, is "long after" the 3-pack or did you forget a "not" in there?