Per its usual tradition, developer Harmonix today revealed the downloadable Rock Band songs that will debut next week for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners:

The Killers 3 Pack / 440 Microsoft Points ($5.50)
• Mr. Brightside / 160 Microsoft Points ($2)
• Smile Like You Mean It / 160 Microsoft Points ($2)
• Spaceman / 160 Microsoft Points ($2)
Yngwie Malmsteen 3 Pack / 440 Microsoft Points ($5.50)
• Caprici Di Diablo / 160 Microsoft Points ($2)
• Damnation Game / 160 Microsoft Points ($2)
• Red Devil / 160 Microsoft Points ($2)
Singles
• "Jesus Christ Pose" - Soundgarden / 160 Microsoft Points ($2)
• "Pretty Noose" - Soundgarden / 160 Microsoft Points ($2)
• "Laid To Rest" - Lamb of God / 160 Microsoft Points ($2)

As always, the songs are fully compatible with both Rock Band and Rock Band 2.

Unlike normal, the tracks will hit PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on the same day: Tuesday, November 25. The PS3 release usually follows on a Thursday, but the PlayStation Store is updating early next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

It looks like Guitar Hero World Tour won't be the only multi-instrument music game getting new songs from The Killers as downloadable content next Tuesday.

Harmonix's rival series Rock Band will also receive three downloadable Killers tunes on November 25, publisher and studio owner MTV Games confirmed with Wired.

The Killers Rock Band Track Pack
• "Mr. Brightside"
• "Smile Like You Mean It"
• "Spaceman"

Per usual, those tracks will hit Xbox Live Marketplace on Tuesday, November 25, followed by a PlayStation Store release the following Thursday, November 27.

MTV did not disclose a price, but the tracks are expected to sport the usual pricing: 440 Microsoft Points ($5.50) for the entire pack, 160 Microsoft Points ($2) for individual tunes--the same pricing Activsion employs with Guitar Hero World Tour DLC.

It's a particularly loud week for downloadable Rock Band tracks as punk rockers The Dead Kennedys and Mission of Burma join the metallic ladies of Lacuna Coil and In This Moment for a trio of three-packs.

Courtesy developer Harmonix, this week's full list is as follows.

Dead Kennedys 3 Pack - 440 Microsoft Points ($5.50)
• "California Uber Alles" - 160 Points ($2)
• "Holiday In Cambodia" - 160 Points ($2)
• "Police Truck" - 160 Points ($2)
Mission Of Burma 3 Pack - 440 Microsoft Points ($5.50)
• "Mica" - 160 Points ($2)
• "That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate" - 160 Points ($2)
• "That's When I Reach For My Revolver" - 160 Points ($2)
Century Media Girls of Metal 3 Pack - 440 Microsoft Points ($5.50)
• In This Moment - "Forever" - 160 Points ($2)
• Lacuna Coil - "Closer" - 160 Points ($2)
• Lacuna Coil - "Swamped" - 160 Points ($2)
Individual Tracks
• Crooked X - "Gone" - 80 Points ($1)

All tracks are masters, and as always the songs will hit Xbox Live Marketplace next Tuesday, November 18, while they arrive on the PlayStation Store on Thursday, November 20.

With Rock Band 2 hitting store shelves, developer Harmonix and owner MTV Games have dropped the price of the Special Edition bundle for the original Rock Band, which pack a guitar, microphone and drum kit, along with the multi-instrument music game.

As of today, prices for the Rock Band Special Edition in the US are as follows:

• PlayStation 2 / Wii: Now $100, Was $160/$170
• Xbox 360 / PlayStation 3: Now $140, Was $170

All Rock Band Special Editions come with a wired drum kit. While the PS2, Wii and PS3 bundles come with a wireless guitar, the Xbox 360 package includes a wired model.

Instruments from the original Rock Band are compatible with Rock Band 2 for their respective platforms, with owners of the PS3 and Xbox 360 original able to export 55 of the 58 songs from the first Rock Band into the sequel for $5.

The PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Rock Band hit last fall, with the Wii version arriving earlier this summer. The PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Rock Band 2 are already at retailers, with the PS2 and Wii editions due this year.

Rock Band 2 Special Edition bundles sell for $190, packing updated wireless drums and guitars, a wired microphone and, of course, the sequel itself.

Foo Fighters fans, your time has come. The band led by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl already has its classic "Everlong" as a part of Rock Band 2, but now players of Harmonix's rhythm-music series can get their hands on the entirety of the Foo's breakout album The Colour and the Shape, using master recordings, starting next week. The tracklist is as follows:

• Doll
• Monkey Wrench
• Hey, Johnny Park!
• My Poor Brain
• Wind Up
• Up in Arms
• My Hero
• See You
• Enough Space
• February Stars
• Walking After You
• New Way Home

The whole album comes at the price of 1600 Microsoft Points ($20), or tracks can be purchased individually for 160 Points ($2). Per digital marketplace tradition, the album drops on Xbox Live on Tuesday, November 11 and on the PlayStation Store on Thursday, November 15.

In its continuing efforts to bring already-released downloadable content into retailers, Harmonix today announced that Rock Band Track Pack Volume 2 will be available for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii on November 17.

As with the first Rock Band Track Pack, which was only released on PlayStation 2 and Wii, the $30 release is "standalone software product" that does not require any previous Rock Band game to run. Its 20 songs are culled from the variety of Rock Band downloadable songs available to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners.

Much like the AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack, those that buy the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the instrument-based music game will be able to download its songs for use in Rock Band or Rock Band 2. The 20 tracks are as follows:

• Avenged Sevenfold - Afterlife
• Blondie - Call Me
• Weezer - El Scorcho... Read more

Songs by The Beatles will only appear in the as-yet-untitled Harmonix-developed Beatles game and will not be available as downloadable content for Rock Band, Harmonix's other music game franchise, according to Reuters.

"None of the Fab Four's songs will be available for download on the existing Rock Band franchise," claims the news outlet.

Taken at face value, that statement dismisses the possibilities of both downloadable content and the option of downloading songs from the disc, a technique Harmonix used to bring Rock Band and AC/DC Live tracks into other Rock Band games.

As for why rival Activision was unable to secure The Beatles for Guitar Hero, Sony/ATV CEO Martin Bandie noted that Activision "presented [the option] as if they were doing the music business a favor," adding that "when it comes to The Beatles, the leverage changes." Harmonix owner MTV reportedly paid a "very rich" sum for the license.

Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has recently spoken out, suggesting that perhaps the music industry should pay for inclusion in Guitar Hero games and more mainstream exposure, instead of Activision being forced to pay licensing fees.

No platforms have been announced for Harmonix's Beatles game, though it is slated to arrive by holiday 2009 and will be compatible with existing Rock Band peripherals.

Next week's downlodable content for Rock Band is a bit of a doozy.

Along with the 20 free downloadable tracks for Rock Band 2 owners, developer Harmonix will release the Presidents of the United States track pack along with individual tunes from Fallout Boy and Hinder for both Rock Band and Rock Band 2.

Presidents of the United States of America Track Pack - 440 MS Points ($5.50)
• "Dune Buggy" - 160 MS Points ($2)
• "Feather Pluck'n" - 160 MS Points ($2)
• "Ladybug" - 160 MS Points ($2)
Individual Tracks
• Hinder - "Use Me" - 80 MS Points ($1) until 12/4, 160 MS Points ($2) after
• Fallout Boy - "I Don't Care" - 80 MS Points ($1) until 12/4, 160 MS Points ($2) after

Per tradition, Xbox 360 owners will gain access to the tracks on Tuesday, November 4, with PlayStation 3 getting the downloads on the following Thursday, November 6,

As expected, MTV has revealed that Rock Band developer Harmonix will create a standalone music video game based on The Beatles, produced with the full support of the renowned rock band and their families.

The studio clarified that this will not be a Rock Band-branded game, and will instead be its own release. An exact release date and platforms were not provided, but MTV expects the game to launch by holiday of 2009.

The game was creatively conceived with input from Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, along with Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison, and enjoys their full blessing. In addition, Giles Martin, co-producer of The Beatles innovative LOVE project, will provide his expertise and serve as Music Producer for this groundbreaking Beatles project.

The title is a "full-blown custom game production from the ground up," explained Harmonix founder Alex Rigopoulos, who noted that it has been in development "for some time" and that talks began roughly 17 months ago.

When asked if Rock Band would receive tracks from The Beatles, the studio did not provide a conclusive answer one way or another. However, Rigopoulos promised the game would "take advantage of the Rock Band platform in many ways," such as compatibility with existing Rock Band peripherals.

"The project is a fun idea which broadens the appeal of The Beatles and their music. I like people having the opportunity to get to know the music from the inside out," Sir Paul McCartney said.

"It gives me great pleasure to be part of The Beatles / Apple and Harmonix / Rock Band partnership," said Ringo Starr. "The Beatles... Read more

Rock Band developer Harmonix has lifted the veil off the upcoming week's downloadable tracks for the music-rhythm series.

From the It's About Damn Time department, Blink-182's "Dammit" shows up to the party. Also arriving are a track from The Psychedelic Furs, two from Silversun Pickups, and three from Siouxsie and the Banshees.

• Siouxsie and the Banshees - "Hong Kong Garden"
• Siouxsie and the Banshees - "The Killing Jar"
• Siouxsie and the Banshees - "Kiss Them For Me"
• Blink-182 - "Dammit"
• The Psychedelic Furs - "Pretty In Pink"
• Silversun Pickups - "Melatonin"
• Silversun Pickups - "Well Thought Out Twinkles"

All tracks are masters and retail for 160 Microsoft Points ($2). The three Siouxsie and the Banshees songs will be available in a pack for 440 Points ($5.50).

As always, they'll be available for both Rock Band games on Xbox 360 on Tuesday, October 28 and PlayStation 3 on Thursday, October 30.

Sure, Rock Band and Guitar Hero have inspired many to take the leap into learning a real-life instrument, but that didn't appeal to electro-rockers The Guitar Zeros.

Instead, they opted to craft custom software for use with Guitar Hero instruments that, according to Current, allows them to create "thousands of sounds" and songs.

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Harmonix's music game franchise Rock Band will soon gain three new tracks from The Presidents of the United States, according to the alternative rock band's official site.

Available to Xbox 360 owners on November 4, the three downloadable tracks will be:

• Ladybug
• Dune Buggy
• Feather Pluck'n

Per tradition, a PlayStation 3 release of the tracks is expected the following Thursday, November 6. The songs will be compatible with the original Rock Band and Rock Band 2, and join the Presidents' existing track on the Rock Band 2 disc, "Lump."

No pricing was disclosed in the announcement, though downloadable Rock Band tunes generally sell for 160 Microsoft Points ($2), with a 3-track pack often offered at 440 Microsoft Points ($5.50).

Despite being the CEO of Electronic Arts, John Riccitiello is cautious of prioritizing profit during game development.

"Companies go through cycles where they are on the drug of profits," he warned Gamasutra, noting that the easiest way to increase profit is to cut research and development costs. "That can be the beginning of an end."

"I've not only seen it, I've experienced it," Riccitiello explained, pointing to EA's controversial past and stressing the importance of game makers being gamers themselves. "You can seek to make profits, and then you'll make the most profitable games you can--or you can seek to make great games that are profitable."

As for the rivalry between Activision's Guitar Hero and Harmonix's Rock Band, which EA distributes, he noted that "rivalries are fun for people" and "invests... Read more

Developer Harmonix has announced next week's batch of downloadable content for its multi-instrument music games Rock Band and Rock Band 2, which brings:

• "Breed" - Nirvana
• "Lounge Act" - Nirvana
• "On a Plain" - Nirvana
• "Polly" - Nirvana
• "Something in the Way" - Nirvana
• "Stay Away" - Nirvana
• "Territorial Pissings" - Nirvana

All seven songs are master track recordings, and will be available in a 880 Microsoft Point ($11) bundle or on a per-track basis for 160 Microsoft Points ($2).

The tracks will be available on Tuesday, October 21 for Xbox 360 users, with the PlayStation 3 release following on Thursday, October 23. The PlayStation 3 release of Rock Band 2 arrives this Sunday, October 19, with the Xbox 360 version already out.

Rock Band developer Harmonix has bestowed more DLC upon us from on high. This week's DLC is the full album from metal outfit Motley Crue, "Dr. Feelgood." The ten-song album can be purchased collectively for 1280 Microsoft Points ($16) or with individual tracks for 160 Points ($2) each.

Per console marketplace traditions, the tracks will hit the Rock Band Store on the Xbox 360 on Tuesday, October 14 and the PlayStation 3 on Thursday, October 16.

The full listing of tracks--all master recordings--is as follows:

1. Dr Feelgood
2. Slice of Your Pie... Read more

Rock Band developer Harmonix has announced nine new tracks for next week's downloadable content update for its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 stores. The Offspring are headlining next week with a three-track pack, available as a bundle for 440 Microsoft Points ($5.50) or individually for 160 Points ($2):

• Gone Away
• Pretty Fly
• Self Esteem

Supporting the Offspring are six artists ranging from pop-rock to heavy nu-metal, with tracks only available a la carte for 160 Points ($2)... Read more

The entirety of Motley Crue's album "Dr. Feelgood" is coming to Harmonix's multi-instrument music seres Rock Band on October 14, according to the band's blog.

"All you fans of Rock Band will want to check back on October 14th to download the entire Dr. Feelgood album through your console's online marketplace," the entry reads.

Based on past Rock Band DLC releases, Xbox 360 owners will receive the content on Tuesday, October 14, followed by a PlayStation 3 release on Thursday, October 16. No price was named, though such downloads have been priced between $11 and $20.

Both Rock Band and Rock Band 2 owners will be able to purchase and play the content. The track listing for Motley Crue's "Dr. Feelgood" follows... Read more

Update: Developer Harmonix and studio owner MTV have officially announced the AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack for a November release in North America, followed by a European release at "most major retailers" in early December.

Due November 2, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions will sell for $40, while the PlayStation 2 release will be priced at $30. The $40 Wii edition follows on November 16.

Downloadable albums for Rock Band and Rock Band 2, such as Rush's "Moving Pictures" and Red Hot Chili Pepper's "Blood Sugar Sex Magik", and have traditionally sold for no more than $20.

Using an "export authentication code," PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners will be able to export the game's 18 tracks--all culled from AC/DC's "Live at Donnigton"--and play them in either the original Rock Band or Rock Band 2. The company noted that the process will require an "online connection and title update."

Curiously, today's press release made no mention of last night's revelation that the game will be exclusively sold at Wal-Mart stores in the United States.

AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack will include the following... Read more

Rock Band and Rock Band 2 owners will be able to download the bulk of Red Hot Chili Peppers' album Blood Sugar Sex Magik next week, developer Harmonix has revealed.

Only excluding one track--"Give It Away," which is on the Rock Band 2 disc--the BSSM bundle will be priced at 1600 Microsoft Points ($20), with individual tracks going for 160 Microsoft Points ($2).

Per usual, Xbox 360 owners will be able to access the downloads beginning next Tuesday, September 30, while PlayStation 3 owners must wait until next Thursday, October 2.

Come next week, gamers will be able to play along with the following... Read more

The newest batch of downloadable songs for Harmonix's hit Rock Band series is on the way. Rush's album Moving Pictures--once delayed by "technical issues"-- had its issues sorted out.

Six more tracks including Bad Religion and The Cult are also on the way, and all of them will hit Xbox Live Marketplace next Tuesday, September 23, and the PlayStation Store on Thursday, September 25.

Today's newly-announced songs are all master tracks and will be available for 160 Points ($2):

• Bad Religion - Sorrow
• The Cult - She Sells Sanctuary
• Hot Hot Heat - Bandages
• Kasabian - Shoot the Runner
• Sleater-Kinney - You're No Rock N Roll Fun
• Stone Roses - Love Spreads

Rush's "Moving Pictures," originally scheduled for last month, will be for sale for 880 Microsoft Points ($11) with individual tracks available for 160 Points ($2):

• Tom Sawyer (original version)
• Red Barchetta ... Read more