While 13 isn't exactly regarded as the luckiest of numbers, the thirteenth week of Rock Band DLC is a fortunate one for faux-rockers everywhere – discounted three-song packs have returned. The (Arguably) Punk Pack 02 is an aptly named supplement to the game, featuring the music of Rock Band veterans and punk forefathers The Clash and The Ramones, in addition to a track by maybe-not-so-punk The Police. All three are from their master recordings, meaning there'll be no repeats of the Weird Al-sounding cover of the Buzzcocks' song from the first Punk Pack. The song bundle is available for $5.49 at the PSN Store or 440 Microsoft Points. Truly, we are blessed by the gods of rock.
“Complete Control” by The Clash – $1.99 at the PSN Store or 160 Microsoft Points.
While they were most certainly not the first British punk rock band, The Clash holds the honor of being among the most original and successful. When everyone else in the scene clamored for anarchy in the UK, these leftist rockers protested the monarchy while recognizing the need for a government. They were also notorious for experimenting with a myriad of other genres, often incorporating elements from funk, reggae, and rockabilly in their punk protest pieces. Their experimentation has since paid off, as the fan-dubbed “only band that matters” finally entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.
Legend has it that lead vocalist Joe Strummer and drummer Topper Headon once stole a pillowcase from a Holiday Inn, and were subsequently fined 100 pounds for failing to show up in court. If that doesn't fit your definition of punk rock, then you're due for a serious rock recalibration.
From the band's self-titled debut, “Complete Control” marks The Clash's very public realization that – after signing with record label CBS – they no longer had control over their careers. Featuring very specific lyrical references to actual events where record execs had snatched the reigns from the band, “Complete Control” is a punk protest that stands the test of time; after all, there's nothing more refreshing than finding out that even rock and roll superstars resent their bosses.
The Verdict: Compared to a lot of punk songs already available for Rock Band, “Complete Control” has some fairly interesting guitar. The solo toward the end is especially gnarly without being totally overwhelming. Drummers are in for some fun, decidedly bouncy feeling note placements, none of which should be too challenging for moderately skilled players. Vocalists get the dual pleasure of being able to vent about “The Man” while simultaneously experiencing the irony of singing the phrase,”You're my guitar hero,” in Rock Band. Out of this week's three tracks, this one comes out as the overall best pick.
”Truth Hits Everybody” by The Police – $1.99 at the PSN Store or 160 Microsoft Points.
Combining English and American band members, music that's equal parts reggae and rock, and lyrics that dart from scat-like gibberish to tributes to the theories of psychiatrist Carl Jung, The Police are a classic meeting of contrasting elements – something that likely contributed as much to their success as it did their eventual breakup. Nobody knows for sure what caused the rift between the band's members, but by the recording of their final album, Synchronicity, they were all recording their parts separately in private studios. Tensions got so bad, in fact, that they communicated via primitive video feeds in lieu of meeting in person. You try arguing with a guy who calls himself Sting and see where that gets you.
Wannabe drummers beware: Stewart Copeland, the band's drummer, is known for rocking out hard – so hard, in fact, that he burst his snare drum during their induction performance at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“Truth Hits Everybody” is ripped from The Police's 1978 debut Outlandos d'Amour, and has much more of a punk rock vibe than most of their more jazzy and reggae-influenced tracks. In Rock Band, this translates into a lot of repetitive, chord-heavy guitar. Fortunately for singers, this song is free of the ridiculous Sting-isms that permeate their catalog – just try singing “eyo eyay, eyayo!” with a straight face.
The Verdict: This one is tough to recommend to anyone but fans of The Police, and even then, they already have much stronger songs available for Rock Band. Drummers, however, may wish to check it out just for the challenge – there's a lot of tricky bass drum throughout this track, and it's easy to get overwhelmed.
”Teenage Lobotomy” by The Ramones – $1.99 at the PSN Store or 160 Microsoft Points.
Largely considered the original punk rock band, The Ramones rocked hard, fast, and nasty. Though they never really achieved the commercial success of some of their peers, these New York punk progenitors spread the seed of punk rock everywhere they went; just before their first show in Britain, they're credited with meeting up with and inspiring members of The Clash and The Sex Pistols to kick-start their own careers. Likewise, the California punk scene took off shortly after their first West coast shows, spawning punk icons like The Dead Kennedys and Black Flag.
Though they all took up stage names with the surname Ramone, they weren't even close to being a family. The band is noted for the legendary rivalry between singer Joey and guitar player Johnny. Things often became complicated between the two due to contrasting political views, not to mention Johnny reportedly marrying Joey's one-time girlfriend. The two were not on speaking terms for many years, an issue that remained unresolved up until their deaths shortly after the turn of the century. Oddly enough, though there remained much animosity between the group's founding members, they all died within a few years of one another.
This week's Ramones track “Teenage Lobotomy” hails from their third album, Rockets to Russia. Far more than the prior DLC release “Rockaway Beach”, this song really showcases the Ramones' trademark irreverence. It also does a good job of featuring the “buzzsaw” guitar playing technique pioneered by Johnny Ramone, as well as some seriously zippy drumming on the part of Tommy Ramone.
The Verdict: The guitar on “Teenage Lobotomy” is a bit more fun and complex than your typical Ramones song, but it's still not rocket science. The drums can be a bit tricky, if only because of the song's breakneck pace. Those yearning to sing about their lack of cerebellum should go ahead and sign up.
Videos courtesy of corporalgregg. Apologies for the lack of drums or a video of “Teenage Lobotomy” this week. Write your congressman.
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