Each week we’ll run out onto our website stage like roadies and review the latest Rock Band Downloadable Content. Check back after the holidays for the next update!

*NOTE: Each of the songs in this week’s selection costs 160 Microsoft Points ($2). They are only sold separately.

“My Iron Lung” by Radiohead

WHAT ROCKS: Whatever your instrument – be it bass, guitar, drums or vocals – this track is probably the biggest surprise out of this week’s three-song offering. Sure, Radiohead’s “Creep” is a nice warm-up tune, but “My Iron Lung” just rocks so much harder. The guitar and bass riffs are quick paced and challenging; the drum patterns change tempos in a fun way; and the vocals? Well, aside from the weird bridge with the vocal track bumped up from the background – it’s absolutely blissful (if not a little easy).

WHAT SUCKS: Well, it doesn’t really suck but we think we’ve found a winner for the “Dude…Wait, What?” award in Rock Band song history. With lyrics like “My Uncle Bill, my Belisha beacon…” we’re officially confused. But with its freak-out segments and pretty melodies, otherwise – there’s nothing sucky about this one. 

FINAL VERDICT: Until Radiohead’s rock-tacular “Just” pops up as DLC in Rock Band, this is probably one of the band’s best, straight-ahead rock songs to make it into the game. Kudos, Harmonix!

“Buddy Holly” by Weezer

WHAT ROCKS: Much poppier than pretty much anything else in Rock Band, “Buddy Holly” still manages to keep it real for would-be rockstars with its chord-happy guitar riffs and bass lines. Drums are straightforward, but keep the rocking steady while the vocals are just plain goofy fun. All that’s missing is Arthur Fonzarelli. “Ayyyyy…”

WHAT SUCKS: It doesn’t suck, but watch out for that late guitar solo. Other than that, the only real qualm you may have with this one is that it skews on the easier side of things. If you’re all rock, all the time, then this may be a bit too chirpy pop goofiness for your tastes. But c’mon, lighten up man. 

FINAL VERDICT: A great change of pace from the playlist in Rock Band. You don't have to keep your game face on for this one – just have fun with it. It’s Weezer fer cryin’ out loud.

“Brass in Pocket” as made famous by The Pretenders

WHAT ROCKS: Slower, down-tempo, sassy rock from a band that pioneered poppy punk. All the instruments play super straightforward with a steady beat – though the bass can put you to sleep. This one is all about attitude – your singer has to commit.

WHAT SUCKS: Though, musically, it’s well done as a cover of the original, don’t expect the stand-in singer to do justice to Chrissie Hynde’s trademark punk attitude snarl. A little of the original’s spark is missing without it and it’s not exactly the most challenging ditty in the playlist (it shows up in the “Warm-Up Songs” section during Quick Play) – but it’s a good change of pace and may even be much more welcoming for the more reluctant gamers who have yet to find a portal into Rock Band.

FINAL VERDICT: Not the most exciting track of the bunch, but it’s well done and any song that uses the word “skank” in a funny way is all right with us.