Our sonic adventure with Apple Music continues this week with the Wax Eclectic Pack: three songs chosen from the aptly titled 'Wax Eclectic' Playlist. Yeah, rock is a verb, the sound of turning up and cutting loose. But it can also be something subtler, more reflective—a conduit for ideas. From new work and longstanding hits by music legends to up-and-coming indie bands, the 'Wax Eclectic' playlist is a mix for listeners who like to go a little deeper—a place where lyrics can scan like poetry and the sound doesn't always hit right on the nose. Players with hefty libraries will be at an advantage in this weeks’ Challenge. Currently available DLC such as The Black Crowes' “Hard To Handle”, Coldplay's “Yellow”, Creedence Clearwater Revival's “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”, Gin Blossoms' “Hey Jealousy”, Pearl Jam's “Black”, The Police's “Can’t Stand Losing You”, and Talking Heads' “Burning Down the House” all have made the 'Wax Eclectic' Playlist cut. The Challenge this week features a curated list of music inspired by Wax Eclectic that will take you on a wild trip.
The first DLC from the Wax Eclectic playlist kicks off with “Crush” by Dave Matthews Band. Released as the third single from their album Before These Crowded Streets, “Crush” helped propel the album to #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart and garnered the band Grammy nominations for both Best Rock Album and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group for “Crush”. Ironically, “Crush” almost didn’t make it onto the album. It wasn’t until bassist Stefan Lessard crafted the memorable bass line that the band was able to fully realize the musical direction. “Crush” has become such a popular live song that it frequently tops 13 minutes when played for crowds. Take a trip to davematthewsband.com where you can pick up exclusive live albums, watch music videos & band interviews, and find the latest tour dates for this must-see act.
Mumford & Sons’ latest single “Blind Leading The Blind” is the next song in our Wax Eclectic DLC journey. Formed in London, England in the late ‘00s, the band started finding an audience after continuously touring the UK and by the time the band released their debut, Sigh No More, they’d built up a solid following. Their debut album won Album of the Year at the Brit Awards and peaked at #2 on the Billboard Top 200. In fact, it was the 3rd most downloaded album of 2011. Fast forward to 2019 and the band is prepping their fifth studio album. “Blind Leading The Blind” is the first song showing off their modern sound and features everything their fans love about the band: driving beats, meticulous guitar playing and a fun vibe overall. Want to see a live performance of “Blind Leading The Blind”? How about picking up the very limited 7”? You can do that and more at mumfordandsons.com
“One Kind of Solomon”, from Canadian collective The New Pornographers, wraps up our new DLC this week. Taken from the band’s recently released In the Morse Code of Brake Lights, The New Pornographers continue to show why they are considered indie darlings amongst fans and critics alike. Hooks abound on their latest album, a perfect example of which is the pulsing single “One Kind of Solomon”. For more information on The New Pornographers, be sure to visit thenewpornographers.com for the latest news, information about their upcoming U.S. tour, watch videos and merch – you can even order signed vinyl!
The Wax Eclectic Pack can be purchased for $4.49 for the first two weeks of release. Following that two-week period, the Wax Eclectic Pack can be purchased for $5.49. For the first two weeks of release, “One Kind of Solomon” can be purchased for $1.49. Following that two-week period, it can be purchased individually for $1.99. “Crush” and “Blind Leading The Blind” can be purchased individually for $1.99. These three songs are also featured in the Rock Band Rivals Apple Music Spotlight Pass which can be purchased for $15.99.
VIDEO: Rock Band 4 DLC Week of 12/12: Wax Eclectic Pack!
* Please note that this week’s DLC tracks will be available for purchase on Thursday, December 12th.