The Rock Band / Guitar Hero DLC I want to see

The recent release of Band Hero has seen the developers target a younger audience compared to other titles in the Guitar Hero franchise. I have to say that the track list struck me as being incredibly dull. However, I appreciate that I’m not exactly part of the target audience for the title.

But thinking about the track list a bit more I realised that there are a similar percentage of tracks that interest me on Band Hero when compared to other Guitar Hero titles. As much as I enjoy the games, I find after my initial play through of the game, there’s little to draw me back other than to play the tracks that I like or the particularly challenging ones.

The developers of Guitar Hero and their competitors Rock Band frequently release additional songs and band packs for players to download at a cost. I check the releases most weeks for stuff that interests me but am frequently disappointed. So, I thought I’d compile a list of my top ten most wanted DLC packs for Rock Band / Guitar Hero. To the best of my knowledge, none of these are available at present and are probably unlikely to be at any point.

10.  …and you will know us by the trail of the dead

There was a story earlier this year about ‘and you will know us by the trail of the dead’s guitarist, Kevin Allen, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage whilst playing Guitar Hero at a bar in Austin Texas. Apparently, he was trying to prove he could complete Dragon Force 100% on expert but messed up the solo at the end, which lead to him hitting a TV continuously with the guitar until it fell from the wall and throwing the console at a passing car. I’ve had moments of rage playing video games before, but nothing that quite matches this. The band’soutput has been a little varied over the years but they’re a fantastic live band and their second and third albums (Madonna & Source tags and codes)are great.

Another morning stoner

A perfect teenhood

Relative ways

Mistakes and regrets

How near how far

9. Sleater Kinney

Formed in ’94, by Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein, as a side project from Heaven to Betsy and Excuse 17, Sleater Kinney eventually became their main focus following the break up of their previous bands. They released a string of critically acclaimed albums (most notably Call the Doctor, Dig Me Out and their last album The Woods) before they went on an ‘indefinite hiatus’ in 2006.

You’re no rock n roll fun is currently available on Rock Band but more Sleater Kinney titles would be lovely.

Jumpers

One Beat

Dig me out

The Remainder

Off with your head

8. The Replacements

I got into The Replacements a few years ago following a recommendation from a friend. Since that recommendation there aren’t many albums I’ve listened to more than Let it Be or Tim. Formed in the late 70s, The Replacements released seven albums between 1981 and 1990. Alex Chilton and kid’s don’t follow are currently available but, as with Sleater Kinney, an extensive list of songs would be appreciated.

Left of the dial

Seen your video

I will dare

Shiftless when idle

We’re coming out

7. Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse formed in 1993 and released their debut album (This is a long drive for someone with nothing to think about )in 1996. Float On, which is the bands biggest commercial hit to date, was on Guitar Hero World Tour. But Modest Mouse are a band with a back catalogue full of songs that would transfer well to Rock Band or Guitar Hero and, in my opinion, deserve to have a few more tracks available.

White Lies, Yellow Teeth

Never ending math equation

Doin’ the cockroach

Tiny cities made of ashes

Dancehall

6. Pavement

Pavement are arguably one of the most influential lo-fi alternative bands of the ’90’s. They released five albums between 1992 and their split in1999 to critical acclaim but modest commercial success. The influence of both The Falland The Replacements are obvious. The Fall’sFront man Mark E Smith has angrily spoken out against Pavement over the years, still this hasn’t stopped The Fall being confirmed to play an ATP festival curated by Pavement next year. Pavement have announced a reunion next year and will play the ATP festival that they’re curating as well as a number of other dates. I’m very much looking forward to seeing them live at the Brixton Academy.

Stereo

Major Leagues

Hit the plane down

Frontwards

Rattled by the rush

5. Les Savy Fav

I’m generally not the type of person that enjoys wacky nonsense, like, say, multiple costume changes and a front man getting a hair cut on stage before a set, when seeing a band live, but can’t help to be won over when Les Sevy Favpartake in such antics. These antics are mainly the doing of front man Tim Harrington who is one of the most engaging front men you’re likely to come across. Fans of Fugazi, The Pixies and Bloc Party (who have acknowledged the influence Les Savy Fav on their band) will be on safe ground here. Singles collection Inches is a great introduction to the band, but their entire output is solid. You can download The Equestrian, as well as a number of other ace tracks, as part of a free Adult Swim compilation here.

Reformat

We’ll make a lover of you

Equestrian

The sweat descends

Meet me in the dollar bin

4. Flaming Lips

Speaking of wacky nonsense: here’s another band that indulges in such activities and are regarded as one of the best live bands around. Animal costumes, elaborate lighting and plenty of balloons and confetti are all commonplace at live shows as is front man, Wayne Coyne, travelling on top of the audience in a glorified hamster ball. They released a number of EP’s and albums in the late 80s and early 90s but started to taste success when they signed to Warner Bros. The nine albums they have released have included their biggest hits both critically and commercially. I’d encourage everyone to check out their documentary Fearless Freaks which is, in my opinion, one of the best music documentaries available.

She don’t use Jelly

Fight Test

Race for the Prize

This here Giraffe

Do you realize

3. McLusky

This welsh three piece are among my favorite bands. For those unfamiliar with Mclusky I’d encourage you to seek out any of their three studio albums or the compilation Mcluskyism (preferably the three disc, A-sides, B-sides and C-sides version). Rather disappointingly I only managed to catch them live once before their split, but have caught front man Andy Falkous and drummer Jack Egglestone’s latest band, Future of the Left(lineup completed by former Jarcrew front man, Kelson Mathias on bass) on a number of occasions.

When they come tell them no

The world loves us and is our bitch

Gareth Brown Says

That man will not hang

She will only bring you happiness

2. Mogwai

I’m convinced Mogwai are partly to blame for my hearing not being as good as it should be. When I’ve seen them live they have been ridiculously loud, particularly the last time I saw them, which was at All Tomorrows Parties a few years ago when it felt as though I was being stabbed in the ears. Aside from the pain experienced, Mogwai are one of the best live bands I have seen. Singers among you would be left with little to do as Mogwai are mainly an instrumental band, but the guitarists and drummers would be in for a treat.

Glasgow mega snake

Batcat

Hunted by a freak

Christmas steps

Yes! I am a long way from home

1. Fugazi

Formed in the late 80s by Ian Mackaye, Guy Picciotto, Joe Lally and Brendan Canty Fugazi are an extremely influential band. I use ‘are’ as they haven’t officially split up, but they have been on hiatus since 2002. Their output has been consistently excellent over the years but the focus tends to be on the fact that they charge a maximum of $10 for a CD and $5 for a live show. The fact that they won’t allow their CDs to be sold in mainstream outlets and they won’t play a festival unless it’s free for audience members to attend, make the likelihood of them allowing their songs to appear on games like Guitar Hero or Rock Band extremely slim. Still, doesn’t stop them topping my list.

Waiting Room

Nightshop

Birthday Pony

Repeater

Smallpox champion

So there’s my top ten most wanted. What would be your picks?