[Atruejedi]

Jenny Owen Youngs

 

Background: I saw this chick open for… man, I’m old. I can’t remember. Larry & His Flask, maybe? With Frank Turner? Either way, after her performance she gave out books of matches with her name on it, and I still have that neat little souvenir. She made a fan that evening, perched on a stool, center stage, just a girl and her guitar.

 

The Obvious Choice:
Born To Lose
Album: An Unwavering Band of Light (2012)

Somewhere in the night, a man is standing by
With a deal you won’t be able to refuse

 

It ain’t the Social Distortion song, that’s for sure. More great lyrics from Ms. Youngs.

 

Vocals: Rapid fire vocals.
Guitar: It’s a part of the cacophony of sound.
Bass: I can dig it.
Drums: Intense.
Keys: Maybe a little bit? Lots of stuff is happening, but I think I hear horns, too.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Clean Break
Album: Transmitter Failure (2009)

Don’t need for anesthetic
Oh, and no more last regrets
Just sterilize the scalpel
And let’s get this over with

 

Well, that’s one way to end a relationship. Hump ’em and dump ’em, eh, Jenny?

 

Vocals: Haunting melody with a bit of backing vocals near the end.
Guitar: Creepy guitar intro and creepy guitar solo.
Bass: Simple but charming.
Drums: Keepin’ the beat.
Keys: No, but… do I hear a really subtle xylophone midway through? I do!
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Coyote
Album: Batten the Hatches (2005)

1, 2, 3, I hate me
There’s no one else who I know how to be
4, 5, 6, oh, your body makes me sick
Don’t take it away from me just yet

 

A song about loathing oneself and others with some love thrown into the mix. Relationships are complicated.

 

Vocals: With great lyrics and a chipper melody, the vocals are the star of the show here.
Guitar: Forgettable chords.
Bass: Nothing to write home about.
Drums: Probably pretty simple.
Keys: Simple but charming and important piano part. The featured instrument.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

[Atruejedi]

Joel Plaskett Emergency

 

Background: Joel’s catalogue of records is extensive and sonically varied, so I’m going to do the man justice by selecting four songs from a number of albums which I think would be his best fits in Rock Band while planting links to other gems throughout the post. I’ve been well-behaved lately so I deserve an indulgence. And, technically, I chose three songs by his band and one song from his solo career, so ha! Two different artists… I could have selected six songs and you’d have no right to complain! But why would you? Canadians don’t complain, so neither should you.

 

The Obvious Choice:
Extraordinary

Available now! Download here

Album: Truthfully Truthfully (2003)

I was at the post office buying a stamp
Thinking that the girl behind the counter was fine
I said, “You think this’ll get there by Friday, ma’am?”
She says, “I get off work at quarter past nine”

 

Well, your first question should be Why are Canadian post offices open so late at night? Your second question should be How is this song so charming and catchy? Affable Canadians, that’s how.

 

Vocals: I presume a decent amount of this could be talkies. Great backing vocals, too.
Guitar: Great guitar in so many ways. Bad-ass riffs, bad-ass solos. Just bad-ass.
Bass: It does the job.
Drums: It has a few interesting and unexpected parts.
Keys: Random bursts of awesome piano.
Miscellaneous: Abrupt ending.

 

Runner-up:
Fashionable People

Available now! Download here

Album: Ashtray Rock (2007)

The dancers need a dance floor
The swingers gotta swing
Fashionable people doing questionable things

 

I waffled back and forth between this song and Drunk Teenagers, which was a very strong contender but life is full of hard choices. I’m not sure if this song is particularly deep with its criticism of the shallow, but it’s catchy as all get-out. And, musically, it feels like it’s all over the place.

 

Vocals: Stupidly fun falsetto.
Guitar: The primary instrument.
Bass: Nothing special.
Drums: They’re present. They sound weird at times.
Keys: Some bizarre, adorable, random parts. And xylophone…?
Miscellaneous: Very abrupt ending.

Runner-up:
Work Out Fine
Album: Truthfully Truthfully (2003)

The cops showed up, the cops showed up
I never thought that they’d catch me
The cops showed up, what the fuck?
They tried to turn me into a patsy

 

I find so many of this man’s songs impressive, particularly from this album, hence the double-dip. If you don’t like him by this point, you just… won’t. Alas.

 

Vocals: So charming. Ugh. Stupidly fun backing vocals, too. Let’s get wasted and queue this one up.
Guitar: Doesn’t come in for a solid minute, but it’s pretty bad-ass if not simple after that. Weird solo, too.
Bass: The early star of the show.
Drums: Hit things slowly, then hit things rapidly.
Keys: I feel like I’m at a baseball game. So, yes.
Miscellaneous: Bonus points if you turn that into a Big Rock Ending, even though it’s pretty capital-of-Arkansas.

 

Runner-up:
Alright / OK
Album: The Park Avenue Sobriety Test (2015)

My sneakers wore out, my guitar broke
Sometimes life puts a stick in your spokes
Everybody thinks that I’m making a joke
But I’m telling it like it is

 

While the title track was a strong contender for inclusion here and Hard Times is one of my folky favorites, I decided to go with Alright / OK just because it’s so damn fun.

 

Vocals: Does Joel have a future career in hip-hop? Oh, and backing vocals are present.
Guitar: An electric guitar solo… followed immediately by a little acoustic guitar solo. Sweet!
Bass: Yup.
Drums: There are drums, yes.
Keys: Synth, of course.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

[Atruejedi]

White Denim

 

Background: Yes, At Night In Dreams is on the Rock Band 4 disc… don’t remind me! Good for the band, and good for you! I’m a Wii user… Cut me a break and pretend that song never existed… it’s great, but since I’ll never get to enjoy it and can’t request it, I won’t, and you shouldn’t be able to enjoy it either. Ahem… what was I saying? Oh, yes. I can’t remember how I discovered these guys, but it was sometime in 2014 after the release of fourth album Corsicana Lemonade. According to last.fm, I’ve scrobbled that album 305 times, which, for me, is pretty darned impressive. These guys have a ton of material, but I’m going to focus on the feel-good rock which made me love them. [hipster glasses/mustache/flannel on] *ahem* Oh, and I knew about these guys before they were featured in multiple ad campaigns by a prominent video game console company. [terminate] White Denim do what Nintentell them to do to make that money. Oh, and brace yourself for irony…

 

The Obvious Choice:
Let’s Switch It Up
Album: [single] (2017)

Look around, what do you see?
Another golden opportunity
I am over your R-E-S-P-S-P-E-C-T
What you got is what I need

 

To be honest, I’m not sure this song should absolutely be the Obvious Choice, but they’re all such strong contenders and this one is a bit… unique. You might have already unwittingly heard this tune. Nintendo commissioned White Denim to pen an original song for their Switch marketing campaign. My brain has difficulty processing that sentence, but the result is undeniably fantastic. The song, like most White Denim offerings, is infectious fun. I’d be surprised if you aren’t jamming and smiling within the first fifty seconds at the latest. Plus, it’s a song made for a video game that I’m now suggesting we put into a video game about about playing songs. Yo dawg I heard you like— alright, alright.

 

Vocals: Fun but simple backing vocals to go with the melody during the refrain. A blast for parties, just like the Switch. Genius, Nintendo.
Guitar: Really rockin’ guitar part. Fun little solo, too.
Bass: Putting the fun in funky.
Drums: My ignorant brain says fun.
Keys: Lots of synth. Saxophone, too.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Ha Ha Ha Ha (Yeah)
Album: Stiff (2016)

I want you like the desert wants a drink
I want you and the whole kitchen sink

 

Would you believe that Let’s Switch It Up wasn’t actually used by Nintendo during their reveal campaign? Instead, they simply used a different White Denim song from their latest album. When I first watched the ad, I immediately thought, “Huh… This sounds a lot like White Denim!” And sure enough, to my surprise, it was them in slightly edited and truncated form. When did Nintendo get so hip?

 

Vocals: Family friendly and clever lyrics. A rare combination. Simple and fun backing vocals.
Guitar: The main riff is a bit repetitive, but there’s another guitar fiddling around in there as well for variety. A bit of the solo at the very end.
Bass: Not my favorite bass part, but it’ll do.
Drums: Cool.
Keys: Nope.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Let It Feel Good (My Eagles)
Album: Corsicana Lemonade (2013)

It’s hard to be a duo

It’s hard to be a trio

It’s even harder to be a quartet.
I’m told that going alone is just about as hard as it gets

My personal favorite. It builds and builds and builds but, somehow, leaves you wanting more at the end. I was devastated when they didn’t play it at their concert. It would have been the perfect song to end the encore and evening! Bastards. But I bought a t-shirt with Texas on it anyway. Texas. That’s how much I enjoy them.

 

Vocals: Group melody during the chorus at the end, which would be a blast for parties. No proper harmonies, though.
Guitar: Electric and acoustic available. It would be neat to see both.
Bass: Subtle but interesting and varied.
Drums: They really kick into gear after the two minute mark!
Keys: None, but one of the guitars could go here.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

[Atruejedi]

Sam Roberts Band

 

Background: As of this moment, Sam Roberts Band is the most scrobbled band of all time on my last.fm profile , cashing in with 4,221 scrobbles. It is a profound understatement to say I love this band. They’ve surpassed and supplanted other scrobbled heavy-weights such as The Killers, R.E.M., Kaiser Chiefs, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guster, the Gaslight Anthem, Bad Religion, and Band of Skulls in the past seven years. They have not produced a single album, let alone a single song, that I have not enjoyed. I consider 2011’s Collider my favorite album of all time, even though 2014’s Lo-Fantasy is what began my obsession. Many moons ago, I sent MrPrezident a list of potential Sam Roberts songs to consider for his Canada 150 Project, and while he shirked my suggestions and went with Don’t Walk Away Eileen, that didn’t bother me one bit; as I said, I’m a fan of any song by the band and I was simply overjoyed to have them in my library. That being said, I love carrying the fake grudge and didn’t want to “waste” my write-up to him so I thought they would make a very worthy addition in my thread even though, yes, they now have one song in the database (which you should all download and enjoy ” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_smile.gif” />) and now another thanks to the fantastic 2017 C3thon charity event. There is no shortage of songs for me to include in this thread, and it’s torture having to limit myself, but I shall do so, and with great mental gymnastics to somewhat follow my rules… as the original post states, I’ll try to include songs from different albums. And since Sam Roberts has six albums and MrPrezident released a track from their debut, We Were Born In a Flame, I will be covering the other five here with one song from each and many breadcrumbs included as tasty treats for your ears! P.S. This ties my record for cheating with my Gin Blossoms post… whoops. P.P.S. Saw these guys play a live free show at an arts festival here a couple of years ago and it was so amazing. I was buzzed off of G&Ts made in my friend’s purse. When the encore began, we moved to the front row and were blown away, literally and figuratively. If you ever get to see them perform live, seize the opportunity.

 

The Obvious Choice:
Shapeshifters
Album: Lo-Fantasy (2014)

There goes my alter-ego
You know everyone that I know

 

If MrPrezident is reading this, he might notice that my suggestion given to him from this album was not this song but Metal Skin. I don’t regret making that choice because this album is full of great singles, but I thought perhaps Shapeshifters (or the anthemic We’re All In This Together) might snag people’s attention a bit more easily.

 

Vocals: Great harmonies and backing vocals.
Guitar: Lots to choose from.
Bass: Funky, fun bass.
Drums: Probably nothing special.
Keys: Subtle synth throughout.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Streets of Heaven (Promises, Promises)

Available now! Download here

Album: Collider (2011)

You’re just a drop in the ocean
So don’t rock the boat ’cause heads will roll

 

As I said, Collider is my absolute favorite album of all time (of all time!), so choosing one song from it was extremely difficult. My selfish brain wanted to go with Without a Map (my favorite song from my favorite album and therefore my favorite song of all time, I guess?) or Graveyard Shift (my second favorite from the album), but I went with Streets of Heaven because I thought it would translate wonderfully into the game. I’m so selfless.

 

Vocals: Some great harmonies to go with the great melody.
Guitar: Pickin’ strings and strummin’ chords.
Bass: Unique.
Drums: I hope they’re fun and interesting.
Keys: Horns a’plenty could go here.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending. And did I mention how I’m so selfless I chose this song over my favorites? Oh, I did? Good.

 

Runner-up:
Fixed to Ruin
Album: Love at the End of the World (2008)

She can dance like she got no bones
I forget I’m all alone

 

A track from a very solid album with no real stand-out singles, this song didn’t pop into my mind at first because none of them did, but as soon as I listened to it I thought it would be a great choice. It really kicks into gear about 45 seconds in, so bide your time. (Note: This song [and album] is not available on Spotify)

 

Vocals: Melody and harmony.
Guitar: Chords abound.
Bass: Rumbling and steady.
Drums: Busy! And the bridge is bongos!
Keys: Yup! Even a solo of sorts at the end.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

Runner-up:
If You Want It
Album: TerraForm (2016)

I remember love in the stars above
When push comes to shove, they run for cover

 

TerraForm is an album that “suffers” from the same problem as Love at the End of the World: every song is at least good but none of them particularly shine as a single. This song probably burns the brightest when separated from the rest, so I hope you dig it as much as I do.

 

Vocals: A vocal style similar to what began on Lo-Fantasy, this is a sonic, layered mess, in a good way.
Guitar: Taking a backseat to the other instruments.
Bass: The very interesting backbone of the song.
Drums: Steady as she goes.
Keys: A great piano opening, more piano throughout, and creepy (but pretty buried) piano during the bridge
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Mystified, Heavy
Album: Chemical City (2006)

And landfall surprised us all
And she broke on the rocks like a china doll
You can hear the siren call
For the last dance at Poseidon’s Ball

 

I was tempted to go with The Gate or Bridge to Nowhere or even An American Draft Dodger in Thunder Bay, but this one seemed a bit different from my other choices and I thought it would be a nice opportunity to highlight something more mellow.

 

Vocals: Something about these vocals feels a bit pained, which I find interesting.
Guitar: Lots of chords to strum and choose from.
Bass: Subtle but interesting.
Drums: I feel like they’re somewhat slow but still very enjoyable.
Keys: Synthesizer present.
Miscellaneous: Fades out.

[murlatok]

Send me this Reaper file and I will have it back to you with vocals and harmonies ASAP. How exciting! (P.S. I will count this in my thread win column ” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_cheeky.001.gif” />)

 

All i can say it’s in FoF/Phase Shift format (ogg + mid), so it has to be converted to RB. And i never dealt with Reaper myself. So if we get some conversion-expert here we can make great collateral effort here.

 

I saw you replied on my crappy request-thread. Who knows maybe at some moment you will check-out my list of lesser known bands and find some gems for your own good there ” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_smile.gif” />

[murlatok]

Noah and the Whale – 5 Years Time is available here

http://customscreators.com/index.php?/topic/9921-ed-tanguys-customs-happy-love-day/

[Atruejedi]

The Zutons

 

Background: Sure, the Zutons’ Valarie (covered famously by Amy Winehouse) was included in Lego Rock Band, but I’ve never played it because I’m a Wii user and I see little point in buying a game that I cannot import into my Rock Band 3 library… This only makes me more bitter, because I adore the Zutons and that song in particular. The band called it quits after their third album, which is a shame, because they had such a great sound and I never got to see them perform live… They played a few benefit gigs last year, but… alas. Perhaps someday they’ll get back together permanently… until then, maybe there’s a shot to get some tunes into my library. In fact, somebody’s already laid the ground work…

 

The Obvious Choice:
Pressure Point
Album: Who Killed The Zutons? (2004)

Doctor, oh doctor, I’m begging you, please
To rid me of madness and cure this disease

 

It’s a great tune from their debut album and already a drums-only chart in the database, so why not make it The Obvious Choice? Oh, and apparently people know this because it came pre-loaded on the PSP handhand console. (Note: This song [and album] is not available on Spotify)

 

Vocals: Nice harmonies, and alternating gentle and intense lead vocals.
Guitar: To my ear, it can be fairly buried at times, but there are chords and picking and a sort-of fairly long solo midway through.
Bass: Pretty standard stuff.
Drums: Pretty nuts, based on the preview.
Keys: How about saxophone instead?
Miscellaneous: Cowbell for the drummer. Abrupt ending.

 

Runner-up:
You’ve Got a Friend in Me

Album: Tired of Hanging Around (2006)

And even if I stop to say hello
There’s so many things you don’t know
I’ve got a perfect picture of you this way
And if I got to know you it could all change

 

A cute little song about stalking the woman you love and fearing that all that affection and attraction would disappear if you actually spoke to each other. It was a tough pick because this album is their best by far, but I wanted to pick something that sounded a bit different from the other selections. (Note: This song [and album] is not available on Spotify)

 

Vocals: His and hers vocals, lovely harmonies.
Guitar: Cute pickin’ and acoustic chords. Cute lil’ solo.
Bass: Funky.
Drums: No opinion.
Keys: None, but saxophone, of course.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
What’s Your Problem?
Album: You Can Do Anything (2008)

You need it, you want it
You know just how to get it and you will
Oh, yes you will

 

A selection from, arguably, their weakest album, but that album ain’t bad by any means, and I wanted to put my money where my mouth was by including a track from it.

 

Vocals: Good melody, fun backing vocals.
Guitar: Lots of guitar. Nice solo.
Bass: Groovy.
Drums: Lots of hitting things.
Keys: Horns as usual, but there’s a lil’ piano solo of sorts after a guitar solo.
Miscellaneous: Abrupt ending.

[Atruejedi]

The Trews

 

Background: These guys recently received representation in the database courtesy of the Canada 150 Project, and that’s great, but I already had four suggestions curated for MrPrezident and I didn’t want to waste them. Plus, the available Trews songs on the Rock Band Network are simply… not that great, to be polite. And that’s fine, because I can’t download them on my Wii anyway! My suggestions are way better, and I’ll prove it! Important note: the Trews’ live acoustic album Friends & Total Strangers is incredible and I listen to it very frequently. I mention that because I’ve highlighted the original album/studio/electric versions of these songs but I’d honestly prefer the live acoustic versions from 2009 make their way into Rock Band. I’ve included each version on the Spotify playlist and a link to the live acoustic below each embedded video in this post. It’s your call, authors, but treat yourself to the live acoustic renditions. Wow.

 

The Obvious Choice:

So She’s Leaving
Album: Den of Thieves (2005)

Live Acoustic is better
Oh my girl, please don’t give in
Don’t listen to your stupid friends
I hear them going off again

 

If we’re being honest, Trews albums are generally pretty forgettable, but Den of Thieves has all the awesome hits on it (which, cough, are better live and acoustic). Of the three (sorry?) selections I’ve included from that album, this one is my least favorite, but probably would fit best in Rock Band.

 

Vocals: Good melody, nice backing vocals.
Guitar: Bad-ass guitar. Bad. Ass. And that solo! Yowza.
Bass: Standard hard rock bass part, it sounds like.
Drums: Rock ‘n’ roll drums.
Keys: Nope.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Poor Ol’ Broken Hearted Me
Album: Den of Thieves (2005)

Live Acoustic is better
Her lies, they won me over quick
She ruled my mind, my heart, my dick
I took the line, the hook, the bait
And now I’m sick from what I ate

 

A great, great song, and the opening of their live album.

 

Vocals: Awesome opening with only vocals. A great moment of only vocals with clapping.
Guitar: Awesome riff. Insane solo.
Bass: More hard rock bass.
Drums: That cowbell!
Keys: Maybe? I can’t tell!
Miscellaneous: Fades out. Acoustic version has great harmonies and bongos and a big rock ending.

 

Runner-up:
Tired of Waiting

Available now! Download here

Album: House of Ill Fame (2003)

Live Acoustic is better
Altered expectations
Long anticipation
Everything is changing
I’m the same and aging

 

A very simple song, which isn’t my usual bag, but something about the live acoustic version is so compelling… probably the crowd participation aspect turns me on to it. Still, the studio version ain’t bad… just inferior.

 

Vocals: Great group vocals.
Guitar: More of what you’ve come to expect from the Trews. That is to say, hard-hitting, memorable, simple riffs.
Bass: Good stuff, especially the opening of the song.
Drums: Rock ‘n’ roll drums.
Keys: Nope.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending. That long vocal sustain during the live acoustic version… awesome. More bongos.

 

The Personal Favorite:
Ishmael & Maggie (live)

Available now! Download here

Album: Den of Thieves (2005)

A king upon my barstool throne
I vow to never drink alone
I only drink with friends or total strangers

 

A great Nova Scotian drinking song, and my favorite song by the band. The live acoustic album I gushed about above derives its title from the lyrics of this gem. I saw these guys at the local Hard Rock Cafe a while ago and it was really sad… like 25 people showed up, total, and I felt awful for the band. However, I got to sit in a comfortable chair literally 15 feet from the band and drink and rock the hell out. When they asked for requests, I shouted “ISHMAEL AND MAGGIE!” They couldn’t believe I requested that song, but they were happy to oblige. My night was made! ” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_biggrin.gif” />

 

Vocals: Good, somber, sobering lyrics for the drunkard.
Guitar: Solid guitar part.
Bass: Standard.
Drums: Standard.
Keys: No.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

[Atruejedi]

Matt Mays & El Torpedo

 

Background: This man has a ton of material and there’s no possible way I could include selections from all of his albums, so even though I’ve included four of his songs, I still feel a bit bad about my choices when so much has been ignored. I wanted to give him some strong and compelling candidates for inclusion in Rock Band. Long-time fans will not be pleased, but perhaps those unaware of him will discover a new artist they enjoy. Sorry, Matt… you’re welcome, newbies!

 

The Obvious Choice:
Tall Trees
Album: Terminal Romance (2008)

“Who’s gonna love you when I’m gone?”
Said the leaves to the limb
“I’ll get over you in a while
And find somebody new in the spring”

 

The album Terminal Romance is so good that, yes, I chose two songs from it , but even then it was a hard decision. I could easily have put Building a Boat here, but I find this song a tiny bit more charming.

 

Vocals: Clever lyrics, lovely melody and harmonies.
Guitar: Really awesome guitar riff throughout the song.
Bass: Standard stuff.
Drums: Ditto.
Keys: Nope.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Indio
Album: Coyote (2012)

I was born on the day that music died
Now the sun’s bustin’ open like
Some powder ship collide

 

Not sure what it is about this song, but I really, really dig it. Something about it is so loving and bad-ass simultaneously. It’s what I desire to be, personified. And technically this is a solo effort, so I didn’t break any rules… ” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_wink.gif” />

 

Vocals: Melody alternates between gentle and intense, with backing vocals and harmonies, too.
Guitar: Sounds bad-ass, and there’s a great solo midway through the song.
Bass: Not bad… even great at times.
Drums: They sound so cool.
Keys: Yessir! Nice piano part after the guitar solo.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Cocaine Cowgirl
Album: Matt Mays & El Torpedo (2005)

Move into the night far from the lights
On an asphalt path drifting over the white line

 

Drugs might not be cool, but songs about drugs definitely are.

 

Vocals: He sounds pretty tortured.
Guitar: Haunting and beautiful guitar riff. Pretty crazy solo.
Bass: Standard.
Drums: I doubt they’re anything special.
Keys: None.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Laser-Guided Love
Album: Terminal Romance (2008)

So pull your pin and throw yourself at me
We can explode simultaneously

 

My second pick from this album, but choosing only two still didn’t leave me entirely satisfied. Damn you, Matt, for making such a solid album.

 

Vocals: Clever lyrics, a fun melody, nice backing vocals and harmonies.
Guitar: The guitar shares the spotlight with the synthesizer for this track.
Bass: Nothing to write home about, but not bad.
Drums: Could be neat.
Keys: A’plenty.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

[Atruejedi]

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

 

Background: Grace was recommended to me long ago by a friend, but for a while I forgot about her. Then she popped up on my Discovery Weekly recently and my interest was rekindled. There’s definitely a Bonnie Tyler quality to her singing, but she might be even more bad-ass. Evidence to follow.

 

The Obvious Choice:
Paris (Ooh La La)
Album: Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

If I was a man I’d make my move
If I was a blade I’d shave you smooth

 

Everything about this song is bad-ass. Press play and be blown away by the cool.

 

Vocals: Intense female vocals.
Guitar: The star. Bad-ass. Multiple parts. A great solo.
Bass: Definitely has its moments!
Drums: Standard.
Keys: No.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Ah Mary
Album: This Is Somewhere (2007)

She’s the beat of my heart
She’s the shot of a gun
She’ll be the end of me
And maybe everyone

 

Hey, wait! This song isn’t about a woman…. it’s about America! A great example of how George W. Bush was a great president… in that he stimulated the creation of great music as social commentary, critique, and protest.

 

Vocals: Great lyrics alternating between gentle and intense singing.
Guitar: Guitar shares the stage with piano for this number.
Bass: Not bad.
Drums: Standard.
Keys: Great piano part.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Turntable
Album: The Lion The Beast The Beat (2012)

‘Cause I will be your record
And you will be my turntable
I’m your amplifier
And you’re my RCA cable

 

Sexual imagery using analogue technology? I’m sold.

 

Vocals: Harmonies buried in there, but Grace’s melody is the star.
Guitar: More awesome guitar.
Bass: Takes a back seat to the guitar, but it’s solid.
Drums: See above.
Keys: Nope.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending. Actually, crispy.

[Atruejedi]

Bell X1

 

Background: I can’t say I know all of the material by Bell X1 (because there’s a lot of it!), but this Irish band has some great stylistic range to them. Plus, they’re named after a rocket powered airplane. Each of the three selections below sounds so different to me, unified only by their singer and the always-compelling lyrics. That being said, there is no real Obvious Choice, so try them all out if you find something you don’t dig… the other songs will sound completely different. And I apologize to the fans who are more knowledgeable than me, for I did double-dip pretty lazily based on personal tastes.

 

The Obvious Choice:
Flame
Album: Flock (2008)

I wanna be near you
And blink in your light
And toast marshmallows
On a cold dark night

 

Spooky! Passionate! Catchy! A very obvious Obvious Choice for Rock Band, except for the fact that the other choices are so wildly different.

 

Vocals: Neat lyrics and creepy vocals, especially with those backup singers.
Guitar: Not overtly bad-ass, but bad-ass nonetheless. The featured instrument, definitely. And a solo.
Bass: Not bad.
Drums: Pretty cool.
Keys: Something could probably go here.
Miscellaneous: A cool key change. Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
The Great Defector
Album: Blue Lights on the Runway (2009)

You’re the chocolate at the end of my Cornetto
I love the way your underwire bra
Always sets off that X-ray machine

 

I think I might enjoy this song so much because it feels like a Talking Heads tune for today. And it makes an Of Mice and Men reference.

 

Vocals: Interesting lyrics, a nice melody with backing vocals and harmonies.
Guitar: Chords and picking. Pretty cool.
Bass: Neat bass part. And a solo? Go for it!
Drums: Could be fun, or at least fine.
Keys: I think that’s a snythesizer of sorts in the background…
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Rocky Took a Lover
Album: Flock (2008)

She said, “I don’t believe in any old Jesus
As if there was a God, then why is my arse the perfect height for kicking?”

 

I won’t pretend to know what this song is actually about, but it’s got some great lyrics and a great feel to it. Musically, it’s got so much is going on that I’m confused at times, but I think it’s got all the legacy instruments…

 

Vocals: Gentle lead vocals.
Guitar: Acoustic chords.
Bass: Yes.
Drums: Yes.
Keys: A harp? A xylophone?
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

[Atruejedi]

Cold War Kids

 

Background: I can’t believe these fellas are six albums deep now. They have many, many songs worthy of inclusion in Rock Band (except from their terrible sophomore album, which I pretend doesn’t exist). In fact, Harmonix released First (a great song, but it wouldn’t have been my first choice) as DLC for Rock Band 4 (so, as a Wii user, I cannot play it) and there’s a conversion of Hang Me Up to Dry from Guitar Hero (which I cannot play because of the multi-tracks and lack of conversion or single-tracked version). So since Harmonix and the community has forsake this Wii user, I’m compiling a list of four awesome Cold War Kids songs I’d love to see in Rock Band. This is a selfish post. *hmph*

 

The Obvious Choice:
Love is Mystical
Album: LA Divine (2017)

Love is mystical
Love will break the chains
You might feel invincible
And you might be afraid

 

What a freaking jam. The kids might call this one a banger. I was worried their latest album wouldn’t be any good, but this opening track blew my mind and I don’t know why I ever really doubted them. I’m ashamed.

 

Vocals: An intense, challenging melody, with fun hoo-hoos in the background.
Guitar: Pretty buried at times, but it’s there and cool.
Bass: A simple but prominent bass part.
Drums: I’m betting on awesome.
Keys: That opening piano should grab your attention and keep it.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

The Crowd Favorite:
Hospital Beds
Album: Robbers & Cowards (2006)

Bring the buckets by the dozens
Bring your nieces and your cousins
Come put out the fire on us

 

I was so, so tempted to choose Saint John or We Used to Vacation from their debut album, but, based on seeing them live and the reaction from the crowd, I just had to go with Hospital Beds. It’s almost a religious experience when you’re in the pit during a live show. It’ll take a bit of time to hook you, but once that piano starts 90 seconds in, you should be adequately compelled.

 

Vocals: A magnificent refrain for parties, for boys and girls alike!
Guitar: Sharing the stage with the piano, this guitar part definitely has its moments.
Bass: Taking a back seat.
Drums: Sharing that back seat.
Keys: A joy to hear.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:
Miracle Mile
Album: Dear Miss Lonelyhearts (2013)

I was supposed to do great things
I know the road was long
But I wasn’t raised to shoot for fame
I had the safety on

 

I think the message is supposed to be the future is open if you’re hopeful, but I have no idea. I just know it sounds really nice. ” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_smile.gif” /> Their lead singer (far right of the image above) is so thick and athletic looking that if I saw him on the street I’d think he was some bonehead jock, yet he has one of the best voices I’ve heard. Don’t judge a book by its cover, I suppose.

 

Vocals: Challenging lead vocals, equally challenging but sporadic backing vocals.
Guitar: A joyful chordfest.
Bass: Nothing special.
Drums: Pretty darn cool!
Keys: Lots of tapping that piano. Fun!
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

The Personal Favorite:
Bulldozer
Album: Mine Is Yours (2011)

Run right over us
Feel the snap and crush of furniture
Clear a space for us
Let’s rebuild this love on what we were

 

To be honest, this album is so solid that I selfishly picked my favorite track. Such great imagery. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

 

Vocals: Those lyrics, that melody, that emotion Gimme.
Guitar: Pretty.
Bass: Brooding and intensifying.
Drums: Pretty intense for such a relatively mellow-sounding song.
Keys: Of course, sharing stage with the guitar.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

[Atruejedi]

Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman

 

Background: We all know Tom Morello from his work with Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave, but the guy is also a hardcore left-wing radical who writes and covers folk music with an acoustic guitar and a mediocre but heartfelt singing voice. I wasn’t surprised to find he has none of his own songs in the database, but I think he deserves some credit. While discussing with Samyaza his upcoming project I name-dropped Morello and reminded myself I already had his three selections picked out but hadn’t posted them because of their absence on Spotify. Well, YouTube will suffice.

The Obvious Choice:

The Road I Must Travel

Album: One Man Revolution (2007)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JF-GBd0Y68

I called up my state senator
They said he wasn’t there
The secretary took my name
And, man, she sounded scared

 

This song gives me a goosebumps. You’ll be rooting for the protagonist as he burns the place down. (Note: This song [and album] is not available on Spotify)

 

Vocals: Fun na-nas for the whole soviet. Lots of talkies because it’s Tom.
Guitar: Acoustic strumming and some picking. Designed for voxtaring, of course.
Bass: Nothing complex.
Drums: Nothing winding.
Keys: Bagpipes? Sure!
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:

The Iron Wheel (feat. Shooter Jennings)

Album: The Fabled City (2008)

You can push and pull against it
But you’ll ride it ’til it’s through
And those who spin the wheel
Well, those fuckers ride it, too

 

Shooter Jennings has popped up again. He and Tom Morello are both friends with my man Ike Reilly whom I suggested a few posts back. This song seems to be about knowing when to fight and when to deal with it, knowing that, in the end, we’re all dirt. (Note: This song [and album] is not available on Spotify)

 

Vocals: Shooter’s the real melody here, but Tom does his best. The harmonies are nice during the chorus.
Guitar: Lots of acoustic strumming but there’s some pedal guitar, too, I believe.
Bass: Fairly simple but it sounds really fun.
Drums: Standard stuff.
Keys: Nothin’ doin’, but there are so many guitars that one might fit here.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

 

Runner-up:

Save the Hammer for the Man (feat. Ben Harper)

Album: World Wide Rebel Songs (2011)

I leaned against a hot murder wind beneath a hateful rain
Politics, apocalypse… start to look the same
The price of my redemption will mean the end of many things
The ransom for my soul? The blood of generals and kings

 

A song about mistakes, redemption, hope, solidarity, change, and vengeance. There’s a lot going on here, lyrically, but it should make you feel togetherness and comfort. Oh, and Ben Harper actually has official Harmonix DLC and it’s really good!

 

Vocals: Tom’s voice juxtaposed with Ben Harper’s gorgeous vocals is really interesting. What a pleasure. Great backing vocals, too.
Guitar: Beautiful. Crazy. Expect nothing less.
Bass: A nice accompaniment to the vocals.
Drums: Pretty slow paced. Sing those na-nas!
Keys: Pipe organ. We’re goin’ ta church.
Miscellaneous: Crisp ending.

[murlatok]

Speaking of Nightwatcman Fabled City is one of my favorite records of all time.

The Fabled City

Whatever It Takes

The King of Hell

Midnight in the City of Destruction

Lazarus On Down

Saint Isabelle

 

All are great songs

[Atruejedi]

Spoon

 

Background: I first heard Spoon while sitting with friends at a Red Robin waiting for our burgers to arrive. A song came on over the in-house radio and I remember being intrigued. I broke out my phone and tapped on the Soundhound app and discovered this post’s Obvious Choice and then the fantastic album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga and other solid Spoon tunes. Spoon does indeed have official DLC from Harmonix and even a custom in the database courtesy of TomGuy, but there are a few issues to discuss… first, let’s tackle the official tunes. Don’t You Evah is indeed a genuinely cool song and a pleasure to play, so I’m glad it’s in my library, but while I Turn My Camera On is also awesome to hear, it’s a snoozefest to play so I declined to purchase it. Trouble Comes Running and Got Nuffin aren’t awful songs, just not my favorites by a long-shot, and they’re a bit more exciting to play than I Turn My Camera on, but I never really enjoyed the Transference album and its stripped-down sound. If a future Rock Guitarist 9 video game were releasing DLC in the year 2077, I really doubt those two songs would have been considered… Harmonix and the band pretty clearly released them as a promotion for that album and vice versa. I could forgive them for this misstep if they had included The Obvious Choice in their selections, but as there’s been no additional Spoon DLC released in the past seven years even in the wake of two more Spoon albums, I feel this post is justified. Oh, and about the TomGuy custom? Sister Jack is a fantastic song to hear and play, or would be… but it has multi-tracks and I’m a Wii user, so I haven’t been able to enjoy it. This is my way of publicly shaming TomGuy into fixing it up so I can play it ” src=”/wp-content/uploads/invision_emoticons/default_SA_wink.gif” />

 

The Obvious Choice:

The Underdog

Album: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga (2007)

You got no time for the messenger
Got no regard for the thing that you don’t understand
You got no fear of the underdog
That’s why you will not survive

 

Undoubtedly one of Spoon’s most popular songs, yet Harmonix missed the memo. I was snagged the moment I heard the first notes, especially the horns. This album is very, very good. Very good. Probably their best.

 

Vocals: Good lyrics, pretty melody, relaxing.
Guitar: Acoustic chords.
Bass: Pretty tame compared to the other selections.
Drums: Standard stuff, but more exciting drum parts occur below.
Keys: Gotta chart those horns.
Miscellaneous: Abrupt ending.

 

Runner-up:

Let Me Be Mine

Album: They Want My Soul (2014)

You’re gonna take another chunk of me with you when you go

 

This album is just so darned good that we’re in a Sophie’s Choice no matter what… so, despite how great Rent I Pay, Inside Out, and title track They Want My Soul are, I went with my favorite, Let Me Be Mine. Your mileage will vary… but each will take you places.

 

Vocals: Nice hoo-hoos. Wink.
Guitar: Typical Spoon chords.
Bass: Fun, fun, fun!
Drums: Yes, but I don’t describe this stuff adequately. Probably fun.
Keys: Piano! And synth!
Miscellaneous: Abrupt ending.

 

Runner-up:

Tear It Down

Album: Hot Thoughts (2017)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ck_OSqxzvPc

Let them build a wall around us
I don’t care, I’m gonna tear it down
It’s just bricks and ill intentions
They don’t stand a chance

 

Even after I decided I would choose a total of four songs to represent Spoon, I knew an album would still be underrepresented. As with They Want My Soul, then, I went with my favorite song… but only because of the debacle described in the song description below! Poor Hot Thoughts…

 

Vocals: A fine melody, a very subtle harmony, a good chorus, and neat backing vocals.
Guitar: The usual fare, but of the electric variety.
Bass: Nothing remarkable.
Drums: Relaxing.
Keys: Really enjoyable piano part and synthesizer, too. Strings as well, but who cares?
Miscellaneous: Abrupt ending.

 

The Dark Horse:

Outlier

Album: They Want My Soul (2014)

Oh, what happened to you kid?
Yes, and oh, what’s happening now?

 

Initially I was going to pick Shotgun from Hot Thoughts, but that harder-sounding song is inexplicably missing from YouTube… no matter! Its absence is serendipitous. It made me spit-ball with TomGuy and figure that Outlier would be incredible in Rock Band. Why? Clapping between vocal phrases. And the title is completely fitting.

 

Vocals: Mm-na-na-na-na, *CLAP!*, mm-na-na-na-na, *CLAP!*
Guitar: Acoustic and electric. Busy chords. Some picking, too. Multiple parts from which to choose.
Bass: Super groovy.
Drums: Very busy.
Keys: Something is happening here.
Miscellaneous: Fades in, fades out. Seriously, chart those claps between the lyrics. Do it. Do it.

[Author]

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