Star-crossed DLC

This week in Rock Band, we enjoy a trio of three packs: One from Judas Priest, one from Big Dipper, and one from The Dead Weather. Not exactly my kind of music (sometimes it seems like nothing is), but I'm sure there are plenty of people who jumped for joy at the news. As usual each pack costs 440 MSP/$5.50, or 160 MSP/$2 for individual songs.
Here's what's on offer:

Judas Priest Pack
Dissident Aggressor
Eat Me Alive (Live)
Prophecy (Live)

Big Dipper Pack
All Going Out Together
She's Fetching
Younger Bums

The Dead Weather Pack
Hang You From the Heavens
No Hassle Night
Treat Me Like Your Mother
Note: Click on any song for expert drum videos.

Don't look for any reviews here. I'll buy more music when I like what's for sale. Besides, there's something far more interesting going on in the world of Rock Band this week. If you're an aspiring band who dream that one day your music might be in the game, the time is almost here. Soon the doors will be open for anyone and everyone to bring their very own songs to the Rock Band music store, and even make some money in the process!

It's called the Rock Band Network, and it's coming soon to Xbox 360. No, it's not because Microsoft paid EA countless sums of money for exclusivity, but because it uses the XNA Creators Club system that has has already allowed small developers to release independent titles onto the Xbox 360 Community Games Channel. Bands can use master recordings and special software to create note charts, which are then shared with the other Creators Club members for helpful feedback (remember eager readers, there's a $99/year membership fee for the Club). Once you're happy with the track, you submit it to peer review for approval.

That's it. You can charge between 50¢ and $3 for each song, and you make 30% of the cut. I really think this is a huge deal. Rock Band was always billed as more of a platform than a game, and the continues release of DLC has strengthened this statement. But what's a platform that only one company can release on, eh? Soon anyone will be able to share their music with the the rhythm game playing world, and I can't wait to see what we get. Check out the official site for more info, then get recording!