All I want for Christmas is some DLC (Rock Band and GH style)

If you’re a fan of music, and a fan of video games, you are almost definitely a fan of either Rock Band or Guitar Hero. We’ve all “rocked out” on our plastic Stratocasters, and smashed the drums like Animal; but like every other facet of music, everyone has their own opinion on which songs they’d like to wail to. Both Harmonix and Activision have done a great job of presenting a variety of tracks that span multiple decades and genres; but I can’t help but feel they could use a little guidance in choosing future tracks to be released as downloadable content. I’ll present a list of songs that I believe would be perfect for both games, but this isn’t just a list of songs I like: these are songs that have a rightful place in both of these games.

First and foremost, I have to let you guys know I selected these songs based on a specific criteria; they aren’t simply the top 20 songs on my iPod (although some are). The best songs for Rock Band and Guitar Hero are those that are fun to play as a band, challenging to all band members, catchy on the first listen, and at least known by some demographic of the music-listening population. Some of these choices are obvious, and some are more obscure, but they all have their purpose, whether it’s for historical accomplishments, or for a band’s current breakthrough status.

Five to One – The Doors – Of all of the songs people may know by The Doors, this would be the one that would play best in RB or GH. Although it’s “light,” its a tune that keeps on building up to the end, each instrument receives its own specific focus, what’s not to love about that?

I’m Designer – Queens of the Stone Age – These guys already have four songs available in RB, and rightfully so. Their riff rock style translates nicely from the wooden fretboard to the plastic. This song capitalizes in catchiness and is a blast to sing, throw in some erratic solos and you have a party favorite track.

Who Did You Think I Was? - John Mayer – For those of you raising your eyebrow to question my masculinity, I suggest you listen to Mayer’s live album TRY! This is a track that would make Stevie Ray Vaughn proud; groovy verse sections lead to Hendrix-style solos. Tack on the technicality of Pino Palladino on bass and you’ve got a challenge for guitarists and bassist alike.

Pawn Shop – Sublime – Thankfully these guys finally got a track on GH: World Tour with Santeria, but this is a song of equal awesomeness. Santeria favors the pop side of Sublime where this track is straight riffs and solos. They also offer a nice hybrid sound of rock and reggae, something both these games have been missing.

Black Math – The White Stripes – As difficult as it was for me to not select better known songs like Seven Nation Army, Icky Thump, or Fell in Love with a Girl, it was a choice that I made for a good reason. Black Math keeps the intensity surging from start to finish and features one of Jack White’s most aggressive recorded solos; sign me up for this one.

Band on the Run –Paul McCartney – A song that everyone knows, and if they don’t, they should. Band on the Run is your quintessential McCartney track, full of complex arrangements and multiple changes. This song features Paul’s unique bass playing style along with chordy acoustic parts and short guitar riffs. It’s one that players of any age would enjoy, to both play and sing.

Breed – Nirvana – Yes, I know, it’s not Smells like Teen Spirit, but Breed is undeniably a great choice for both RB and GH. Equally powerful guitar, bass and drum parts make this song one that every member of your band would enjoy. Make sure you have a good drummer because Dave Grohl starts fast and doesn’t stop on this one.

A-Punk – Vampire Weekend – This is a happy-go-lucky tune from one of the hottest bands of 2008. It features Paul Simon-like sounds accompanied by a highly melodic guitar riff. Although this doesn’t seem like the normal type of RB or GH song, it would provide a lot of fans the opportunity to hear a great new band.

Shoot The Runner – Kasabian – This is a song strictly requested for RB. GH released this as part of their DLC for GH 3 and it plays like a charm. Hard syncopation mixed with heavy bass and adrenaline-pumping guitar riffs fuel this rocker all the way to the end. Get this on your set list, Harmonix!

Money – Pink Floyd – Another band that could feature a few songs in these games; Money is one the bassists will love for its menacingly gloomy style of play, and the whole band will love its unique sound and structure. I believe Money is the best choice for Pink Floyd, but it really doesn’t matter, just get these guys in the game.

King of the Rodeo – Kings of Leon – This is an irrefutably catchy song. Simple and quick guitar riffs dominate most of the track with the bass dancing about for a wonderful two minutes and thirteen seconds. Kings of Leon have a slew of great songs that would be very fitting for these games, this being the leader of the pack. Good thing the lyrics scroll across the top, because I have no idea what the hell Caleb is singing.

Men’s Needs –The Cribs – Although these guys aren’t popular here in the States, they are pretty well known in England. Another song that will be stuck in your head for days, this tune makes its mark with galloping guitar parts and a sneering vocal. The drummer rides the Hi-hat cymbal a lot in this one, which would be a nice touch for the new GH drum kit.

Chelsea Dagger – The Fratellis – A song that has been used in about four different movie soundtracks, Chelsea Dagger needs to find a home in RB or GH. Drums and bass lead into rhythmic guitar parts and the ever present vocal arrangement of “Do do do do do do”. Doesn’t sound fun to you? Give it a listen on YouTube and tell me what you think.

Runnin’ Down a Dream – Tom Petty – How Tom Petty has been overlooked by both Activision and Harmonix is beyond me. Petty, a staple of American Rock n’ Roll, has countless songs that would be known by many in the RB and GH community. Runnin’ Down a Dream starts with a riff that begs to be placed in a game, and features one of Petty’s best guitar solos. This one would definitely be a favorite by all who return late from the bars only to play the songs they love completely wasted.

So there you have it, a few tracks I believe would be a nice addition to either GH or RB. In the end, my opinion doesn’t really stand for anything more than the voice of the millions that wish they could choose the set list for these games. But let your voice be known, leave a comment and tell us which tracks you want to see featured in the game. Check back next week as well, I saved my best choices for a full-length albums and song packs wish list.