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Joshua Schwartzman
Top 10 Most Wanted Rock Band 2 Cover Songs
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September 30,2008 - Rock Band 2 has just hit stores and it looks to be the most complete and definitive collection of rock artists compiled in one game to date. But while the developers have improved the vitality of the songs (by making them all master track recordings) and have included an astounding 84 tracks on the disc alone, what more could possibly be added? Sure, there is downloadable content complete with full album tracks and exclusive songs from top bands, but many fans want more than just song after song. To help boost creativity in an attempt to grab Harmonix's attention, we at Gamer 2.0 have developed a list of our Top 10 Most Wanted Cover Band Songs that we would like to see in Rock Band 2.

The cover songs were chosen based on popularity in respects to both the cover band and the original artist and we tried to only choose the most well-known songs.  The list was originally devised into one massive set list of about thirty songs, but due to hours upon hours of ranting and raving on who had the better rock knowledge among us, we decided to simplify and incorporate songs that some of us had each picked respectively. If you click on the title of each song, you will be directed to a YouTube video so you can listen to that song.

*note, the letters in parentheses corresponds to the writer who chose that specific song. In this case, FD= Filippo Dinolfo, AQ= Alex Quevedo, JS= Josh Schwartzman, and SP= Staff Pick.*



• Alien Ant Farm cover of "Smooth Criminal" originally recorded by Michael Jackson: (SP) If there is one thing to be said about the King of Pop, his music was pretty awesome before he went all cuckoo, and needless to say Alien Ant Farm's rendition of this popular song features all of the high-pitched vocals but with a more intuitive instrument accompaniment. Belting out the ending with constant screams should be fun for any singer.

• Coheed & Cambria cover of "The Trooper" originally recorded by Iron Maiden: (FD) Coheed & Cambria's cover of The Trooper would make a really good addition to Rock Band 2 since it has all of the bases covered. It's got a great guitar riff, solid bass and a tricky drum line. What's more, the liberties that Claudio took on vocals will make it challenging to sing. All in all this version of the song preserves the essence of the original but is still unique enough to be looked at on its own.

• Disturbed cover of "Land of Confusion" originally recorded by Genesis: (JS) It is hard to match vocals with someone who sings so soft as Collins with the screeching, demonic tones of Disturbed, but the hard rock band manages to not only give the song a touch of their own, but remain loyal to the roots of the classic song. The balanced out wails and guitar solos make this classic a modern favorite. OOOWAHAHAHAH!

• Foo Fighters cover of "Band on the Run" originally recorded by Paul McCartney: (AQ) There is an obvious style difference between McCartney's Wings and Dave Grohl's Foo Fighters, but there is something about the Foo Fighters' sound that makes this sound as great as the original. It's soft rock, gets rocking, then jams perfectly. The Foos add a great twist on the song without destroying anything.

• Guns N' Roses cover of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" originally recorded by Bob Dylan: (SP) It is hard to match Bob Dylan's original lyrics and tone, but Axl Rose made this song his own with his cheeky vocals and apparent improvisation that have become legend in the minds of Guns N' Roses fans. Add a touch of Slash guitar and you got yourself a solid rock song.

• Jimi Hendrix cover of "All Along the Watchtower" originally recorded by Bob Dylan: (AQ) This is a great cover if only for the fact that some people may not know it's a cover, rather thinking it's a great Hendrix song. Hendrix lays down some fantastic guitar work and come on, people would love to jam to Hendrix in Rock Band.

• Lacuna Coil cover of "Enjoy the Silence" originally recorded by Depeche Mode: (FD) The original version of Enjoy the Silence is a great song but it would take quite a bit of doing to make that fit into Rock Band with all of the synth parts in it. Lacuna Coil took this song and turned it into a much heavier song. The synth parts were replaced with guitar. Add in Christina's unique sounding vocals and you'd end up with a very good addition to Rock Band. Granted it wouldn't be the most difficult song to play on any of the instruments, but that's not entirely a bad thing.

• Metallica cover of "Turn the Page" originally recorded by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band: (JS) One of Bob Seger's greatest song's was given a complete facelift by Metallica, who made this delicate, somber tune into a heavy metal ballad. The strong guitar riffs throughout are chillingly impressive and the vocals are dead-on to some of the classic Metallica tunes from years ago. Add in some more uplifting drum beats and you got yourself a fitting reprisal.

• Nonpoint cover of "In the Air Tonight" originally recorded by Phil Collins: (JS) Probably the most recent of any of the songs listed, Nonpoint took on the abnormally popular Collins tune to match the upbeat styles of the Vice City film. From the popular ten note drum solo midway through to the well-refined guitar medleys that help sync in time with those beats, this song is a definite must-have for anyone looking to enjoy some new rock with a bit of old-fashioned flair.

• The Ataris cover of "Boys of Summer" originally recorded by Don Henley: (SP) Although not as popular as some of the other bands listed, The Ataris alternative rock sound helps bring Don Henley's classic song about America's favorite pastime into a new light. A strong vocal set combined with steady and fast moving drum support will surely unleash the rock god in anyone.
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