Hey Rocksmith fans! Do you like dogs barking in your music? How about repetitive chord progressions and riffs? What about theme songs to HBO shows produced by Mark Walberg? Than this week’s DLC is for you.
Been Caught Stealing:
Rhythm:
While most of this song is simply switching between G chord shapes, actually trying to play the rhythm, not just the chords is a fun challenge. There are a few unique chords in here during the pre-choruses for those who like awkward finger stretches.
Bass:
Repetitive, but still not without it’s merit. It’s got a nice groove, but unless you absolutely love this song, there are better options for those looking to groove their four strings.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxMgnJwg3SU&w=560&h=315]
Lead:
Surprisingly challenging, the rhythm on the initial “funk” chords is a challenge to do properly (watch the video to get an idea of proper hand placement and rhythm cues). If you don’t slow this one down and really focus on what you’re playing and get in with the rhythm, you’re gonna have a bad time. The pre-chorus is really fun to play with quick changing chords and the solos got some flare of it’s own. One of the hardest in the pack.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkYIftKBZTk&w=560&h=315]
Jane Says:
Lead and Rhythm:
Look. I understand that this is Jane’s Addicition’s most famous song, but couldn’t we have just looked up the chords if we were that into it? The song repeats itself over and over (and over) with the same riff. If that wasn’t bad enough, it drags on for five minutes (that feel like 10). This should have been “Stop” and everyone knows it, but the token Top 40 nature of Rocksmith seems to have won over guitar technique. Only get it if it’s your favorite song or you’re an absolute beginner.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOg2lw7cqu4&w=560&h=315]
Bass:
See review for guitar but add more zzzzzzzzzzz’s
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrUKiC7wVyc&w=560&h=315]
Just Because:
Rhythm:
Challenging and a blast to play, the main riff, while repetitive (apparently a common theme with JA tunes) will stretch your fingers and get you all over the fret board. Could be frustrating for beginners but is great for rhythm players looking for a challenge.
Bass:
A very repetitive but grueling line covers most of the song, but with a decent amount of fills and changes to keep it from getting dull. This one will hurt your wrist, but is still a very good option if you’re looking for an easier challenge.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_EpOZB_Ki4&w=560&h=315]
Lead:
Just slightly more advanced than the rhythm track, the lead version will definitely be making your fretting hand sore in the 4.05 minutes it takes to shred through. The solo is easier compared to others in this pack, but still fun. You’ll start to recognize some patterns the more you dig into this track, but the song is high energy and should keep you busy trying to master.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm3d0ExT8Z4&w=560&h=315]
Mountain Song:
Rhythm:
Oh hi repetitiveness, nice to see you again. Like a mental patient this song keep repeating itself over and over again… but it’s a really fun thing to repeat. With chord slides, a few wacky chords thrown in for surprises this song is one of my favorite to play through in the pack.
Bass:
While also being repetitive this has a fun groove and will keep you engaged for the whole song. While definitely more fun than “Jane Says” it can feel a little long repeating the same riff over and over again. There are better songs in the pack for you bass players, but if you’re a fan of the song, it’s worth picking up.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxg65QZyZgE&w=560&h=315]
Lead:
Almost identical to the rhythm track, save for a solo thrown in for good measure. I actually enjoy the solo as it’s fun to play with and not too challenging for us just starting to dive into the world of lead guitar. Overall, worth a play through and a better experience than just the rhythm track.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpPFbc8JN0w&w=560&h=315]
Superhero:
Rhythm:
This is by far my favorite song of the pack, even with the heinous amount of tuning and retuning needed for it. If you’ve ever seen Entourage, you know this song and playing it will bring you right into the car with Turtle, E, and the rest of the crew. The main riff is really fun and features one of my all-time favorite tones in the game.
Bass:
Another repetitive groove, but a damn good one. The changes in the pre-chorus are really fun to follow and the fills will provide a nice challenge for bass players. Plus you have a few bars to shine as the guitars drop out and you can really focus on your grooving.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIOGqQVl4Po&w=560&h=315]
Lead:
This one starts out deceptively simple with a riff that uses that oh so sexy tone I talked about earlier, but ramps up with a blistering solo to make even Ari happy. The pre-chorus, although it’s just a full chord progression, will pump you up and prepare you for an awkward breakdown before the solo begins. Anyone who watches Entourage will be familiar with the solo that begins in the last few bars and getting to play through it was the highlight of the pack for me.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTc1DbOOOWM&w=560&h=315]
Final Impressions:
Overall the Jane’s Addiction pack is solid, not great, but solid. A lot of the songs get very repetitive but most are still engaging enough to keep playing. Of the five tracks, I can see myself only really going back to try to master “Just Because” and “Superhero” as they provided the biggest challenge for me. “Mountain Song” and “Been Caught Stealing” are great tunes, but can be boring to play if you don’t absolutely love them. “Jane Says” … well I wish it was “Stop” instead.
