I must have downloaded the version of the Sound Opinions podcast from Bizarro World because it wasn’t filled with those two Chicago windbags’ bitching about Rock Band and Guitar Hero for a change. Of course Somara always asks, why do I then bother listening to those purists? Sometimes there’s a pay off such as the primary focus of this episode. I don’t care much for what they have to say, they’re like numerous critics; bitter, failed musicians who tend to promote crap and (over) revere dinosaur acts as the clock is running out for their dying newspapers. It’s their guests I anticipate and when they’re allowed to speak over Jim’s bloviating, the program pays off.
The link leads to the footnotes but you can choose to catch the stream or download the MP3/Podcast. Greg LoPiccolo from Harmonix explains how Guitar Hero evolved to become a surprise hit, why the differences with Rock Band, how the songs are converted for the game and the process of bringing the Beatles to the game. Personally, the Beatles Rock Band game blows away GH’s Aerosmith and Metallica versions. The jury is out on Van Halen and Lego for they haven’t shipped yet.
Meanwhile, I’m counting down the hours until my long awaited, wireless PS3 bass controller from Madcatz arrives and following the progress my nephews and niece make learning to play instruments despite the fallacious arguments made against these awesome videogames.