The Week in Rock (Band DLC): 'Smokin' Boston six song pack

5:11 PM on 03.21.2008   |   Nick Chester

31 comments

It looks like Harmonix wants to put the new Rock Band Music Store to the test next week, as they've announced the addition of six songs by the legendary rock group Boston. For those willing to pay, joining the Boston song that already appears on the retail disc ("Foreplay/Long Time") will be: "Hitch a Ride," "More Than a Feeling," Peace of Mind," "Rock & Roll Band," "Smokin'," and "Something About You." 

Guitar Hero fans will recognize "More Than a Feeling," a cover version of which appeared in the 2005 hit game. In 2008, all of the Boston downloadable tracks are master versions, so purists should have nothing to complain about. Like the Grateful Dead six-pack, the songs can be purchased as a package for $9.99 (or 800 MS Points on the 360) or as individual tracks for $1.99 (or 160 MS Points on the 360). 

Boston are a legendary arena rock n' roll band, and their songs should lend themselves well to any Rock Band set list. If you're not a Boston fan, though, you're out of luck. As usual, the tracks will hit Xbox LIVE next Tuesday and PlayStation Network on Thursday.

Hit the jump for some of my random thoughts on how Harmonix are releasing DLC. Or don't. I won't get mad! 

I think I'll personally be picking up the tracks next week, but I'm starting to wish that each week brought not only more songs (three is starting to feel unacceptable for some reason), but more variety. I realize Harmonix probably doesn't want to empty the well too early, but choices with more variety each week could be a good idea. Pumping out theme- and band-specific packs each week is an interesting model, but if the theme or band doesn't hit home with some users, they might eventually tune out. While it's impossible to please everyone all of the time, it might help keep people interested (in spending money!) on a weekly basis.

What say you, mighty Destructoid community? Are you guys happy with how Harmonix have been handing out tiny slices of themed DLC weekly (perhaps allowing your wallet a break)? Or would you rather the selections be a bit more random, upping the chances of you wanting to buy at least one song out of a batch per week? Let us know, and since we don't make any of these decisions, it won't mean a thing ... but it'll be fun to argue about!

ROCK BAND™ ADDS SIX “SMOKIN’” TRACKS TO THEIR ONLINE CATALOG WITH BOSTON PACK

Harmonix and MTV Games announced today the latest addition to the Rock Band downloadable content catalog with music from legendary recording group Boston. On March 25, six of the album’s classic tracks will be made available in the Boston Pack, including: “Hitch a Ride,” “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” “Rock & Roll Band,” “Smokin'” and “Something About You.” Boston’s self-titled debut album has sold more than seventeen million copies.  Combined with classic rock radio staple “Fourplay/Longtime,” which comes packaged with the game, fans can now rock out with a full Boston setlist.

Each track will be available for $1.99 per track (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) or $9.99 (800 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) for the six-pack.

Release date:             
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 (Xbox LIVE® Marketplace)
Thursday, March 27, 2008 (PLAYSTATION®Store)

Tracks:                       

Boston Pack

“Hitch a Ride”
“More Than a Feeling”
“Peace of Mind”
“Rock & Roll Band”
“Smokin'”
“Something About You”

(All six tracks utilize the original master recordings)

Price:

$9.99 (800 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per pack or
$1.99 (160 Microsoft Points for Xbox 360) per track

Locations:                
Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PLAYSTATION®Network