10 things I learned about music playing Rock Band

The gang has played Rock Band on Xbox the past two weekends in a row. Aside from it being a total rush, there's a lot it can teach about playing music in the real world.

1. Short songs are better than long songs. I always assumed that when a band droned on forever doing solo after solo (see "Green Grass and High Tides Forever" or "Foreplay/Long Time") that the musicians were having fun at the expense of the audience. I now assume they are paid by the note.
   
2. Even so-called simple songs can be deceptively complex. When you repeatedly hear, play and analyze a song like The Clash's "I Fought the Law," you realize that the thumping bass line or metronomic drum track is actually a pretty intricate piece of work.
   
3. Singers may have the most obviously glamorous role in a band, but it gets boring much quicker.
   
4. People are genetically coded to favor a certain instrument. A few people are Renaissance musicians, but most of us instinctively know our instrument when we first pick it up. I'm a bass player.
   
5. It's far more interesting to watch women rock out than men. Face it, they're just more attractive.
   
6. Classic rock songs are usually extended metaphors/similes/double-/single-entendres about sex. This may be obvious, but I haven't really listened to classic rock in years, and I was surprised at how consistent the song themes are. For more information, see "Mississippi Queen," "Trail Kept a-Rollin'," "Bang a Gong," etc.
   
7. Sting was a genius of minimalism before he left The Police. Let's just say he didn't wear out many strings on his bass back in the old days.
   
8. Heavy metal groups may rock, but they don't roll. Don't bother trying to find the groove for songs by Metallica, Coheed and Cambria, etc. -- there is none. It's just a pummeling rush of notes.
   
9. Repetition is the key to learning music. Even the hardest songs are ultimately conquerable if you just play them enough.
   
10. Musicians must embrace new technology. Somewhere out there is a group that turned down the license request by Rock Band's creators. And right now they're missing out on millions of downloads from genuine music fans who want to listen to and repeat their music. You never know where the next revenue stream will come from -- sheet music gave way to recorded music which is currently giving way to live performances and advertising. Video games could be the next gravy train, and the only way to find out is to give it a try.