2008 Woodie Awards
How Red Octane And Harmonix Ruined Rock 'N Roll
The Playlist
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 11/28/07 Section: Focus
Recently, a group of friends and I were sitting around in my room here at our wonderful university when I put on the Rolling Stones' "Can You Hear Me Knocking."
It was at that moment that one of my friends exclaimed, "You know what. I really hate 'Guitar Hero.' I can't listen to any of these songs anymore."
At first, I was baffled by his statement. As a lover of music, the "Guitar Hero" series and the newly released "Rock Band" have bridged the gap between two things I love: great music and video games.
Then I realized something. The more I thought about it, the more I sided with my comrade. I cringe every time I hear Guns 'N Roses "Sweet Child O' Mine." Harmonix and Red Octane had truly ruined what had been my favorite rock song from the 80s because of their popular gaming series.
I can easily name songs off the top of my head that I'm just sick of listening to because I expect the dreaded missed note sound to interfere at any moment. When I first played "Guitar Hero II," there was nothing cooler than strumming along to rock classics like "Message In A Bottle" or "Free Bird," but now I feel like these songs have really outgrown their welcome.
Don't get me wrong; I love "Guitar Hero." The series is one of the most influential and popular series today, and is amongst my all-time favorites. When actually playing the games, I have no problem with any of the music, because I feel like I'm part of the performance - it was like a dream come true when Tom Morello came onstage in "Guitar Hero III" and played "Bulls On Parade" with me - but when they come on in my iTunes, I'm quick to hit next. The game introduced a plethora of songs that I hadn't before really listened to, so it gets major points for that, but it's really uncomforting to know that all the music that I've loved for so long has lost its glow because of a plastic guitar and five colored buttons.
Last week though, Harmonix, separated from Red Octane and the "Guitar Hero" franchise, released upon the world "Rock Band," a truly revolutionary experience. After the limited hands-on time I've had with it, I've determined that the game is flawless. That is until I grow sick of these songs as well, which I know will inevitably happen. Both "Guitar Hero III" and "Rock Band" feature impressive soundtracks with highlights like Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" and Slayer's "Raining Blood," songs I cherish.
I dread that day … but for the time being, however, playing the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" on the drums has to be one of the coolest things ever. Damn those kids and all their video games.
Contact Stephen Ortiz at Stephen.Ortiz@UConn.edu.
It was at that moment that one of my friends exclaimed, "You know what. I really hate 'Guitar Hero.' I can't listen to any of these songs anymore."
At first, I was baffled by his statement. As a lover of music, the "Guitar Hero" series and the newly released "Rock Band" have bridged the gap between two things I love: great music and video games.
Then I realized something. The more I thought about it, the more I sided with my comrade. I cringe every time I hear Guns 'N Roses "Sweet Child O' Mine." Harmonix and Red Octane had truly ruined what had been my favorite rock song from the 80s because of their popular gaming series.
I can easily name songs off the top of my head that I'm just sick of listening to because I expect the dreaded missed note sound to interfere at any moment. When I first played "Guitar Hero II," there was nothing cooler than strumming along to rock classics like "Message In A Bottle" or "Free Bird," but now I feel like these songs have really outgrown their welcome.
Don't get me wrong; I love "Guitar Hero." The series is one of the most influential and popular series today, and is amongst my all-time favorites. When actually playing the games, I have no problem with any of the music, because I feel like I'm part of the performance - it was like a dream come true when Tom Morello came onstage in "Guitar Hero III" and played "Bulls On Parade" with me - but when they come on in my iTunes, I'm quick to hit next. The game introduced a plethora of songs that I hadn't before really listened to, so it gets major points for that, but it's really uncomforting to know that all the music that I've loved for so long has lost its glow because of a plastic guitar and five colored buttons.
Last week though, Harmonix, separated from Red Octane and the "Guitar Hero" franchise, released upon the world "Rock Band," a truly revolutionary experience. After the limited hands-on time I've had with it, I've determined that the game is flawless. That is until I grow sick of these songs as well, which I know will inevitably happen. Both "Guitar Hero III" and "Rock Band" feature impressive soundtracks with highlights like Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive" and Slayer's "Raining Blood," songs I cherish.
I dread that day … but for the time being, however, playing the Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" on the drums has to be one of the coolest things ever. Damn those kids and all their video games.
Contact Stephen Ortiz at Stephen.Ortiz@UConn.edu.
Be the first to comment on this story