A few months ago, I learned that knowing how to play guitar is as helpful in the worlds of Guitar Hero and Rock Band as knowing how to aim a rifle is in the world of Duck Hunt. My cousin informed me that he’d stopped taking guitar lessons, challenged me to a "Bulls on Parade" Guitar Hero showdown, then proceeded to humiliate me in front of my extended family.
"You pick the next one," he said. No thanks.
Yet I found myself plugged in for an hour of The Beatles: Rock Band last night, and think the game deserves most of the glowing, Shea Stadium levels of praise it received upon release. (Can’t give a full verdict; we didn’t have the drum set [I know, right?!] or a mic for a singer.)
The game left me with a greater appreciation for the song "Hey Bulldog," sure—but also a bit of respect for the videogame programmers that picked every scrap of meter clean. At its core, Rock Band needs a rhythmically complex song to challenge a person, which (to some degree) works on fine motor skills the way a guitar might. (Look, I said to some degree.)
Which gets me thinking: For reasons rhythmic or otherwise, what local bands would make for the best Rock Band acts? Make your case below, gunslingers.
Intro sequence for The Beatles: Rock Band. Wait for the giant blue elephant…goo goo ga joob.
