The Ghost of Rock Band Yet to Come.

While browsing my reader, searching for post inspiration, I came across a notice for the addition of new Queen songs to Rock Band. The list is a nice collection of their work, save one glaring omission. Let's see if you can spot it:

• "Another One Bites the Dust"
• "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
• "One Vision"
• "Fat Bottomed Girls"
• "I Want It All"
• "I Want to Break Free"
• "Killer Queen"
• "Somebody to Love"
• "Tie Your Mother Down"
• "Under Pressure"

Where is "Bohemian Rhapsody"?? I am more than a little disappointed that they failed to include one of their most popular songs in this first Queen pack. When some of my favorite artist's work is first introduced to Rock Band I have gotten used to the disappointment of my favorite songs not being included. Eventually they will come and they do usually after a short while. But I can't understand why they managed to overlook this particular song. I am convinced that they intended to use "Bohemian Rhapsody" but something happened with a drunk programmer, crucial equipment, spilled beer, and corrupted files. Either that or trouble reconciling the song with the current equipment. In all reality it is likely they are waiting to release "Rhapsody" for Rockband 3, which is rumored to include support for vocal harmonies (As evidence by "The Beatles: Rock Band") and a sort of keyboard instrument.


The scope of Rock Band's music is getting very broad very fast. One of the things I like the most about Rock Band and Harmonics is their dedication to the music they work with. Unlike the Guitar Hero series (which seems more cartoonish and hoakie with each installment), Rock Band makes me feel connected to the music and I am left with a greater respect for the musicians who made it. I worry about future installments, the growing library (now at a whopping 800+ according to the Wikipedia), the new Rock Band Network and whether or not it will stay as faithful to the music. I am probably worrying prematurely (I would say it's my middle name but it is an unlikely hyphenate) but seeing the dark road walked by Guitar Hero I can't help but worry that Rock Band may eventually be overwhelmed and join the dark side. I hope that will never come to pass. In the mean time I will try to be faithful to the music the best way I know how and wait patiently for the day that I can sing Bohemian Rhapsody in a place other than my shower.