Eric Angelo
artist, composer
Boston, Massachusetts
myspace.com/atomictom
I Support:
The American Cancer Society
artist, composer
Boston, Massachusetts
myspace.com/atomictom
I Support:
The American Cancer Society"ROCK BAND" = "MOCK BAND"
March 24, 2008
"One of the must have games of the year."
"payoff isn't visceral or technical; it's emotional"
"Rock Band unquestionably, unequivocally rocks."
"Complicated and engrossing, the rhythmic gymnastics needed to master this (new) percussion system are many and great."
“practice enough and you'll be wailing away like a true drum god.”
“Rock Band is probably not the right choice for someone who just wants to shred by themselves in the spotlight. While personal glory is great, we like Rock Band's emphasis on collaboration, having a great time with friends and feeling like an actual musician.”
”Rock Band gets you the closest to feeling like a true rock star.”
I don’t think that I’ve ever been bothered by a video game. But this is probably the closest it gets. I played “Guitar Hero” a couple years ago, and didn’t care for it much. I shrugged it off thinking, “oh, it’s just a fun little toy, what harm could it do?” Heck, I even found it mildly entertaining at the time.
Little did I know that this fun little toy wo uld not only help inspire one of the biggest selling video games over the past several months, (over 1.5 million sold to date) but seemingly cheapen the craft and dedication required to be successful as an artist or musician.
I don’t need to elaborate much for anyone to really understand the nature or concept of the game. There's not much to explain. Most of you have heard of it I’m sure, and a fair number of you have probably even played (or play) the game.
Anyway, as the name implies, the object of ROCK BAND, (or as I like to call it, MOCK BAND) is to become the ultimate “rock band” by starting your o wn virtual “rock band” from the bottom and work your way to the top.
How do you accomplish this?
By using these little toys with buttons as your instruments, that's how.
These “instruments” or controllers rather, include a cute little fender Stratocaster with 10 multicolored buttons (5 low, 5 high) designed to represent “frets”, a “drum set” comprised of 4 little pads and a pedal, and a USB microphone.
You work your way through the game playing various hit songs, that you can even perform together with your friends. The more accurate you are in synchronizing the various button combinations with the on screen commands, the farther you’ll get.
These on-screen commands are supposed to ‘mimic’ (but mostly rhythmically) the various musical parts of the songs. But how close can you really get to replicating these parts by merely pressing a button or hitting a pad?
The truth is, you can’t.
Now maybe I don't expect you to be able to. How could I? It is a video game, after all. But given the extensive detail they've put into this game and all the 'practicing' required by gamers by use of these little toys posing as instruments, my question is, why not just pick up the real thing?
I’ve thought about this. I’m not knocking video games at all. I love video games. I grew up with them and continue to play them to this day. I've always viewed video games as an ‘escape’. I enjoy games involving puzzles and strategy but were also fun at the same time. I also enjoy sports simulations, and have had many battles against Nate Campany’s Cleveland Cavaliers in NBA Live. (most of which I won, go phoenix suns! sorry nate).
But I suppose that when I saw the very nature of ‘Rock Band’, and its affect on gamers, I almost took it personally.
Maybe I'm being too hard on the game. In the end, it is just a game and games are meant for fun. I can see how this game could be a party favorite. It even was created by musicians (well, probably aspiring musicians turned video game programmers). I can totally see myself getting sucked into it. But what message does that send? I think what worries me are the serious gamers and the young, aspiring rockers that may see this as some kind of virtual substitute.
I was on youtube the other day, and decided to search for ‘rock band’. The results were overwhelming and almost comical. There were videos floating around of people playing this video game, and nothing more. There were videos of serious gamers glued to the screen, so focused and trying so hard to get through a song with these little toy guitars in their hands.
They looked like fools.
There were other videos of people bragging about their score that they just achieved, or showing how they can effectively play a song on ‘expert mode’. But in all reality, after all this work, they haven't learned to play anything other than the game itself.
The thing is, you can’t take anything you learn in “rock band” and use it in real life situations. Music doesn’t consist of 5 colored buttons on a faux strat guitar. And there isn't anything you can do in ‘rock band’ that you can’t do in real life if you have discipline and dedication.
And maybe that's what irks me the most.
They're taking something very precious, like the idea of friends getting together to play music, something that I believe is very accessible to almost anyone in this world, and glamorizing it in a watered down fashion. And in addition to sucking the time out of their days spent playing this game, some gamers will be left with the impression that they can actually play a song, when they really can't.
And that may be one of the greater injustices.
What is the reward in learning these songs in a video game vs. the real thing?
And what incentive does it really give these 'serious' rock band gamers or aspiring rockers to want to try the 'real thing' if they've spent all this time honing their craft into a game?
What if playing this game is all he/she thinks she needs to decide if they want to pursue playing music for real?
And is 'Rock Band' really an accurate representation?
So, for all the kids out there spending hours upon hours playing ‘Rock Band’ trying to master that ‘solo’’ to get to the next level, i also urge you to pick up a real guitar and do it yourself.
For all the people out there that can't wait to get home so that they can play 'rock band' with their friends, i also urge you to try forming your own REAL band with your friends.
Find out for yourselves. Don't take the game's word for it.
The satisfaction that you can get from doing the real thing far exceeds anything you could ever virtually do in a video game.
There is no 'closest thing'. Only the real thing.
On a side note, I think everyone should watch the following music video of my younger brother’s band, “The Potentials”, performing their song “Next Attraction”, a song that I produced. My brother directed the video and i found it very entertaining. See what happens when a real band has to use fake instruments ('rock band' instruments).
The Potentials Vs. Rock Band
Looks like they found some satisfaction from 'Rock Band'. ;)
The Cheesy Taste of Victory
January 27, 2008
half of it was created by the Italians, and had been securely documented by Marco Polo well before 1295. the other half was created by the English, and has been around since 1170. but the two never successfully merged together until the 19th century, in America. Casual observations indicate that Thomas Jefferson may have been the genius behind it all. But its undeniable rise of popularity during the Civil War cements its place in history. The great creation that I speak of is Macaroni and Cheese. That's right, cheddar cheese and elbow macaroni. You see, I’ve recently been on a major Macaroni and Cheese kick. But not just any kick. I’ve been in search for the best macaroni and cheese out there. Now I’m not talking about your everyday mac ‘n cheese in a box or “easy mac”. And while we can thank Kraft Foods for introducing the first ‘boxed macaroni and cheese’ dinner in 1937, it’s not what I would consider a high quality product. So no, not Kraft. No, not Annie’s. No, not even Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese (which, in my opinion, is arguably the best tasting macaroni and cheese you can buy out of a box) I’m talking fresh, quality Macaroni and Cheese. And restaurant chains that serve macaroni and cheese as a side item just don’t cut it. KFC? Theirs tastes like the styrofoam they package it in. Boston Market? Way too runny. And spirals?? Come on! It’s MACARONI and cheese. Not SPIRALS and cheese. Plus, I wanted macaroni and cheese as a standalone MEAL. A meal where if someone asked, “What are you eating for dinner?” and you say, “Macaroni and Cheese.” They're not like, “Oh…I see. Anything else? ..or just mac ‘n cheese?” (as if too imply you don't have a REAL appetite) I knew I couldn’t rely on any chain restaurants or mass food companies to fulfill my wishes, so I initiated a more delicate search, one aimed at smaller, family owned establishments that take more pride into what they do. I went to various restaurants in Northern Virginia, California, and the Boston area. And while I devoured some great dishes in the process, including ones from “Common Ground Grill” in Allston, and “Noodles and Company” in Northern Virginia, I still hadn’t found exactly what I was looking for. I began to think that I never might. That is, until I came to New York City. You see, this past week I was in town to perform at The One Love Show, (which was a blast) and the next evening I was hanging out with my friend Luke, who you all know. Having eaten mostly junk over the past few days I wanted something different. That’s when I recalled reading about a place in NYC that served macaroni and cheese. It was calledS’Mac. Short for Sarita’s Macaroni and Cheese. I was curious. I then watched the following video and FREAKED OUT:
(CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE VIDEO) **WARNING**YOU MUST WATCH THIS VIDEO BEFORE YOU READ ON TO GET THE FULL EXPERIENCE** Ok, so now that you've seen the video, you know what i'm talking about. I immediately urged for us to go so off we went to S’MAC in the east village. Upon arrival at S’MAC, my eyes widened as I looked over their menu. First of all, they had a very extensive menu. Second of all, EVERYTHING on their menu was Macaroni and Cheese! I began to salivate just reading through these menu items.. “The All-American”, “The 4-Cheese”, “The Mozzarella”, “The Cheeseburger” “The Cajun”, “Goat Cheese”, “The Manchengo”, “The Garden”…etc etc. They had so many different types. I was in awe. I didn’t know what to choose. I wanted to try them all. In addition to that, you could even create your own macaroni and cheese, by picking from their extensive list of ingredients including various cheeses, veggies, and meats. All customized to your liking. So without taking too much time deliberating, and out of respect for the cashier that was being very patient with my indecisiveness, I had narrowed down my choices to the following: (complete with official descriptions) “The All-American”- Just the way you remember it as a kid! Nostalgia at its finest - a tasty blend of American & Cheddar cheeses. “The Cheeseburger” - For the Hearty Meat Eater! Ground Beef done to perfection with onions, garlic and a hint of ketchup and mustard. Don't forget the best part - a combination of American and Cheddar cheeses. Initially, I wanted to go with the “All-American” but the carnivore in me wanted something heavier, so I opted to go with the Cheeseburger, which was essentially The All-American with a nice, meat lovers twist. Each selection came in 3 sizes, Nosh, Major Munch, and Mongo (From smallest to largest). I then walked to the counter “I’d like a Major Munch Cheeseburger, please”. “Break Crumbs on that?” “Yes, sir.” Apparently each dish is cooked fresh and baked to order, as Luke and I waited nearly 15 minutes in anticipation. And then, the moment of truth came. Placed in front of me now was a deep iron skillet pan, still hot to the touch, and filled with ingredients that were still sizzling that you could hear it. A layer of bread crumbs and cheddar cheeses were baked into the top of the entrée. I thought to myself, Could this be THE ONE? Using my spoon, the outer layer crackled like a thin crust before it dipped into the soft and creamy center. And then.. it happened.. I was tasting the tang of the cheddar. I was tasting melty American cheeses. I was tasting freshly boiled al dente macaroni. I was tasting flavorful yet extremely subtle hints of sweet and spicy. The seasoned beef was mouth watering. My taste buds were literally on sensory overload. I was tasting the soft and the crispy. I was tasting the piping hot and the creamy. I was tasting Italy. I was tasting England. Dammit, I could even taste the American CIVIL WAR! I was tasting past, present and future. I was tasting every ingredient and every magical combination in between. It was true. I was tasting the best Macaroni and Cheese I’ve ever had. So, after conceivably hundreds of years in the making, I envisioned the ghosts of Marco Polo, King Henry II, and Thomas Jefferson sitting down at a table and enjoying a bowl of this wonderful creation that they helped bring into our world. And at a table across from them, was this overzealous individual..
"Ah..the cheesy taste of VICTORY!"
Professor Wainwright
October 06, 2007
Professor Wainwright is tardy again; LATE, behind schedule, running late; behind, overdue, belated, delayed; slow, dilatory.
Yeah that's me. At least according to the "thesaurus" widget on my macbook when i search for "tardy".
You see, yesterday i checked my email and received the following:
Hey everyone!
Thanks SO much for making theonelove.org launch day a success. Your blogs are SERIOUSLY blowing my mind.
Also, thanks to Josiah and Nate for making this awesome video: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=19479361
Cassie is hard at work STARING at Google analytics and flipping out at the traffic to the page ...
Thanks SO much for making theonelove.org launch day a success. Your blogs are SERIOUSLY blowing my mind.
Also, thanks to Josiah and Nate for making this awesome video: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=19479361
Cassie is hard at work STARING at Google analytics and flipping out at the traffic to the page ...
I then proceeded to check out the site where i saw numerous blogs already posted and even saw a video that Josiah and Nate posted..(seriously, wow, a video?)
I thought to myself, "did i really just completely space out and miss the launch?". Apparently I did. I felt terrible like Ivan.
i mean, we're talking about a site that has been a year in the making, one that Ben and Jade had spoken at length to me about, an idea that i thought was great and one that i was looking forward to contributing to.
And here I was staring at my computer screen in total awe that theonelove.org was now its own creature, that it is indeed now a reality and how i hadn't participated.
But anyway, for what it's worth, alas, here's my first post.
At this time, I'd actually like to introduce myself.
My name is Eric. I'm a musician and am so happy to be here.
But today, and only today you can call me Mr. Wainwright.
I'm a professor and am tardy.
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