This week brings us three songs by three very different bands, all of which are master tracks. Many groups of Rock Band DLC follow a certain pattern or genre, but these tracks are three of the most divergent songs you could ask for. New wave, rap metal, and arena rock await – read up, rock on, and don't forget your jukebox money.
“Roam” by the B-52's – $1.99 at the PSN Store or 160 Microsoft Points
With a sound as distinct as they come, the B-52's owe much of their unique style to the interplay between vocalists Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, and Fred Schneider – known for his mostly spoken-word vocals, as well as singing about the giant monster in his pants. Even though they'd been playing music since the late 1970's, the B-52's never really achieved mainstream success until Cosmic Thing was released in 1989, bringing with it hits like “Love Shack” and “Roam”. Members of the group have since gone on to collaborate with everyone from R.E.M. to Iggy Pop, and have returned to the studio to record Funplex, an album set for a 2008 release.
Fact: the B-52's cover of “(Meet) The Flintstones” from the Flintstones movie soundtrack ranked number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, higher than any other B-52's single prior to “Love Shack”.
From their most successful album to date, Cosmic Thing, comes “Roam”, one of the B-52's most popular songs. Second only to “Love Shack” in notoriety, “Roam” features a shocking lack of Fred Schneider – a missed opportunity for vocalists for sure. Still, the guitar parts are catchy enough to bore deep into your mind for a week or two, and the group's two female singers have solid pipes even without Fred around to talk over them.
The Verdict: This one largely depends on your personal taste in music. Guitarists and drummers alike will find it a fairly fun but simple distraction, but without any prior interest in the B-52's, it's hard to see it as a must have. Give it a listen first, then decide what to do with your two dollars.
“We Care A Lot” by Faith No More – $1.99 at the PSN Store or 160 Microsoft Points
Faith No More, in a roundabout way, has the honor of being responsible for modern rap metal bands like Limp Bizkit. Back in the 80's, they were really the first band that successfully pulled off a fusion of hip hop and metal, and many would argue that they're still the best at it. With heavy influences from funk rock, hip hop, heavy-metal, and even jazz, Faith No More could turn genres on a dime.
They were also a band that you might have trouble recognizing over the years due to all the turbulent lineup changes. Starting off as Faith No Man, the band quickly changed names in 1988 after ditching former leader Mike “The Man” Morris. They had a brief stint with much reviled Courtney Love as their lead singer, who was then replaced by Chuck Mosely for their first two albums. Chuck Mosely was fired – speculation points to copious amounts of violence between band members at the time – and soon after, Mike Patton of Mr. Bungle joined as their permanent vocalist. The band made it ten more years before imploding in 1998, with bassist Bill Gould announcing,”After 15 long and fruitful years, Faith No More have decided to put an end to speculation regarding their imminent break up... by breaking up. The decision among the members is mutual, and there will be no pointing of fingers, no naming of names, other than stating, for the record, that 'Puffy started it'.”
“We Care A Lot” is from the Chuck Mosely era of Faith No More, and is the title track from their first album. Its lyrics a sarcasm-laden satire, this song lampooned the sudden outbreak of charity among rock and roll – things like “We Are the World” and Live Aid. What sort of things do Faith No More care about? Transformers, for one, because they're more than meets the eye. “We Care A Lot” is also noteworthy for introducing the band's unique sound – a sound that tragically suburban kids would emulate for decades to come.
The Verdict: Much like the B-52's track this week, your mileage will vary with this Faith No More song. The drums consist mainly of bass and snare drum typical of 1980's hip hop, which proves to be very simplistic. If you're not looking for a huge challenge, though, drumming to this song can be a blast. Guitar and bass – much like “Epic” – can be a little too slow paced for their own good, but the song really picks up once in a while. Snag this one for sure if you liked “Epic” or if you're a fan of the band – everyone else should at least give it a look, too.
“Calling Dr. Love” by Kiss – $1.99 at the PSN Store or 160 Microsoft Points
Renowned as much for their face paint and explosive live shows as their actual music, Kiss – along with fellow theatrics enthusiast Alice Cooper – helped turn 1970's rock and roll into a controversial spectacle. Serving as the antithesis to the peace, love, and harmony of the psychedelic 1960's, rock music in the 70's was a god-fearing, middle-American family's worst nightmare. Terrified parents claimed that the name Kiss was in fact an acronym for “Knights in Satan's Service” – this same mentality lead to the outrageous assertions in the 1980's that playing certain records backwards would reveal hidden, demonic messages. Even though they took the brunt of the criticisms, it did little to sway Kiss – the band continues vomiting blood, breathing fire, and rocking out to this day.
From the 1976 album Rock and Roll Over, this week's Kiss DLC should ring a bell for anyone who's listened to a little classic rock now and then. Written and sung by notorious man-whore and bassist Gene Simmons, “Calling Dr. Love” is a song about exactly what you think it is. Aside from alluding to Gene's personal life, “Calling Dr. Love” also features some great guitar and drum playing that translates very well to Rock Band, with a lot of chord transitions and fast hits between the snare and hi-hat. Also, one should never, ever underestimate the power of the cowbell.
The Verdict:: This song makes for excellent karaoke fodder, due to the winning combination of the ridiculous lyrical content and Gene Simmons' rather unremarkable singing voice. Add to that the accessible yet challenging guitar and drum parts, and you've got this week's must buy DLC.
As always, videos courtesy of corporalgregg. What a guy.
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