Rock Band Download Low-Down: Week 26

Each week we’ll run out onto our website stage like roadies and review the latest Rock Band Downloadable Content. Check back every week! (And click here for all of our previous music DLC reviews.)

*NOTE: Each of the songs in this week’s selection costs 160 Microsoft Points ($2).

"Train in Vain" by The Clash

WHAT ROCKS: "Train in Vain" appears among the game's easiest songs, which is a nice change of pace from the finger-twisters we've seen lately, and the bass part still manages to be interesting thanks to a repeating three-note hammer-on cascade. The drums hit a nice groove on Hard and above, too.

WHAT SUCKS: It's boring to play bass and guitar more than once, and Medium or lower drums don't offer much sizzle.

FINAL VERDICT: Clash fans only. Pleasant enough and catchy, but there's not enough going on to make it a thrill to play.

"Hanging on the Telephone" by Blondie

WHAT ROCKS: The guitar part of "Hanging" doesn't sound tricky, but it is — deliciously so. The vocal is fast but doesn't vary in pitch too much, which leaves the guitar to add all the melodic sparkle to the track. You'll be busy. The bass part is all straight eighth notes, so if you've been looking for something to help you get that 100% Achievement, this is a good candidate. The drums are fast and fun.

WHAT SUCKS: It's a short track, and once you get into the groove, you kind of wish it didn't end so fast. That's a pretty mild problem.

FINAL VERDICT: Pick it up. It's for you.

"Kool Thing" by Sonic Youth

WHAT ROCKS: "Kool Thing" is an ass-kicker for drums at the harder skill levels, with lots of quick fills that are just different enough from each other to throw you off. The bass and guitar are all about alt-rock aggression, so expect your fingers to be busy.

WHAT SUCKS: The talky vocals in the middle section won't be popular with anybody who likes to, you know, sing.

FINAL VERDICT: The arrangement is a little different from (read: easier than) the one found in Guitar Hero III, but this track works very well as a full-band experience, with a driving intensity that all four members can dig into. A kool thing indeed.