Music to Game to - Shine On

If you've ever said to yourself, "Man, I wish I could play that song on Rock Band!" you're in the right place.  This is a regular article dedicated to putting the spotlight on musicians, specific songs, or even genres so far absent from the music game industry (notably Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and their many-numbered sequels.)  I'm absolutely open to suggestions either in comments or messages as well.

You know, I'm surprised that this band is allowed to play at all given the crazy attempts at censorship of other media in Australia.  For a place that spawned AC/DC, I have to wonder if the country's trying to make up for the sheer filth and utterly awesome music they fostered.  …But this isn't about AC/DC, though this week's band is often compared to them.  You probably know them from one or two songs a few years ago that were quite popular, but they've got plenty more that would go well into a music game.  It's Jet!

They've got just two songs in games to date: "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" in Rock Band and "She's a Genius" as DLC.  If you know the band from just one song, it's probably the former, which was used in promos all over the place after it came out.  Of course, it's also one of the most enjoyable songs to play in Rock Band on any part, so there's a good indication of how well Jet could further fit into the game with other songs.  They're a younger and garageier AC/DC for sure, but that's not to say they don't have their own sound.  Their songs are mostly rough, sometimes sweet in both subject matter and tone.

For my picks, it's straight hard rock with punchy and energetic riffs, though.  With these songs you'll be singing about the not-so-glamorous side of a rock band's life, competing with DJs for play time and lamenting that cold shoulder from women.  Guitar and bass (or lead and rhythm) are blasting powerful chords that carry the song through and complement the singer's lyrics.  Drums get quite a few noticeable sections in the spotlight, including cowbell and tambourine featurettes.  What more could you ask for?  It's certainly an ensemble experience at its finest; give Money a listen, and I think you'll see what I mean. (I hope you can sing that high!)

In my dreams: Get Born (2003)

A good start: "Rollover DJ", "Cold Hard Bitch", "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is"

It's a shame that undoubtedly any music game developer would censor "Cold Hard Bitch", but it's still worth suggesting.  Here's "Rip It Up", just in case.

Playing songs in Rock Band or Guitar Hero is one of the most immersive ways to experience music, second to playing it for real, of course.  Let me know if you'd like to see this in a game, too.  Would you pick something else?  I'd like to hear your thoughts.