Censorship in Rock Band

[Taurothar]

Now normally I'm ok with song edits when it comes to radio. This just made me flip a bit. I just downloaded a song in Rock Band, "This Aint a Scene, It's an Arms Race" by Fall Out Boy. I go to play it and much to my chagrin the word "god" in "god damn" is censored. The lyric is supposed to be "This aint a scene, it's a god damn arms race" and the song has it as "This aint a scene, it's a (blank beat) damn arms race."

Why would they censor the word "god" and leave "damn"? I think that has to be one of the most retarded edits I've ever heard in a song, especially when it's *different* than any radio edit I've yet heard of the same song. The song sounds like crap like this because it's missing a word without replacement.

Anyone have any feelings about this? Other similar notes of censorship in improper places?

Edit: Also the game is rated T for Teen, with Lyrics and Mild Suggestive Themes as the reasoning...

 

[Makelith]

Now normally I'm ok with song edits when it comes to radio. This just made me flip a bit. I just downloaded a song in Rock Band, "This Aint a Scene, It's an Arms Race" by Fall Out Boy. I go to play it and much to my chagrin the word "god" in "god damn" is censored. The lyric is supposed to be "This aint a scene, it's a god damn arms race" and the song has it as "This aint a scene, it's a (blank beat) damn arms race."

Why would they censor the word "god" and leave "damn"? I think that has to be one of the most retarded edits I've ever heard in a song, especially when it's *different* than any radio edit I've yet heard of the same song. The song sounds like crap like this because it's missing a word without replacement.

Anyone have any feelings about this? Other similar notes of censorship in improper places?

Edit: Also the game is rated T for Teen, with Lyrics and Mild Suggestive Themes as the reasoning...

There are a few other bands that weren't forced to edit a song, but did it anyway for artistic value (i'm assuming on that part). Another band that i really hate that did it was Panic! At the Disco. They censor out "Whore" and "God" but leave "Damn".

 

[Myrrh]

This is what I don't get about censorship these days. They will censor the hell out of video games but let TV shows swear all they want. It really doesn't make much sense. Kids have move access to TV shows then they do video games.

 

[Gerry]

This is what I don't get about censorship these days. They will censor the hell out of video games but let TV shows swear all they want. It really doesn't make much sense. Kids have move access to TV shows then they do video games.

Politicians prefer video games as scape goats though >=(

I mean look at the guy, who isn't Jack Thompson, who said there is rape in GTAIV when there isn't.

Still though, in the US, wouldn't censoring a game or something be breaking the first amendment?

Even though I'm not a fan of fall out boy, I think that censoring "God" is stupid as well.

 

[Makelith]

Politicians prefer video games as scape goats though >=(

I mean look at the guy, who isn't Jack Thompson, who said there is rape in GTAIV when there isn't.

Still though, in the US, wouldn't censoring a game or something be breaking the first amendment?

No, because it is more than likely classified as "harmful to yourself or others". Same reason you can't yell fire in a movie theatre i'm guessing.

 

[Gerry]

No, because it is more than likely classified as "harmful to yourself or others". Same reason you can't yell fire in a movie theatre i'm guessing.

It all comes down to common sense then which most people around the world seem to lack -_-;;;

 

[Anttaru]

My brother has this game and is always encouraging me to go over to his place and try it.

Having a clear view on what this game actually is, I think perhapses the developers are either trying to consider or Avoid Christians trying to wreck their project, or they are trying to void any possibilities of a "Explicit Lyrics Parental Advisory" label taping into their market.

I don't know, do they let 13 year olds by records with such a label ? Either way Harmonix is obviously trying to avoid something, even if it means disappointing the real deal fans of the tracks. Which really is sad.

 

[iaredrew]

Why the hell did you download that gay ass song anyways?

Go download the Judas Priest album

 

[Taurothar]

Why the hell did you download that gay ass song anyways?

Go download the Judas Priest album

Considering I have that album already, I should wonder who are you to judge my choices in what songs would be fun to play? Hell, I downloaded Blondie and the Police too, got a problem with them? I don't discriminate in my music (short of thug rap and honky tonk country).

Anyway, back on topic. I still don't find "god" in any way offensive to anyone considering it's the exact same "god" from the pledge of allegiance that is actually an indefinite higher power to swear to. Unless you're a die hard atheist, you really shouldn't get pissed about hearing "god" in a song... Unless you're making the argument it's using the "Lord's name in vain" and in which case if it offends you, then you really shouldn't be playing video games in your commune.

 

[Tagrineth]

it's the "lord's name in vain thing".

The problem lies in the VOCALS aspect of the game.

Zealots would attack the game because it would be literally telling people to say "god damn".

 

[Marajade]

a "Explicit Lyrics Parental Advisory" label taping into their market.

This is the reason. The game is rated T, but because the music itself would have a "Warning explicit lyrics" tag on it, they'd have to put the same tag on the game box, which would then both scare away some parents, and not let people under a certain age buy it.

And yeah, who cares. The whole Scene Pack sucked. *Jams some more Electric Eye*

 

[skreb]

Why the hell did you download that gay ass song anyways?

Go download the Judas Priest album

although i agree with you , Rob Halford from judas priest is gay lol

 

[Tagrineth]

And yeah, who cares. The whole Scene Pack sucked.

Hey! Date with the Night is really fun, especially for drummers.

 

[Marajade]

Hey! Date with the Night is really fun, especially for drummers.

Yeah, but the song itself hurts my brain to listen to. And Message in a bottle was way more fun on drums for me.

 

[Solitia]

Why is "god damn arms race" censored, but not "God damn these half-Japanese girls" at the start of El Scorcho? That's what I wanna know....

 

[Marajade]

Why is "god damn arms race" censored, but not "God damn these half-Japanese girls" at the start of El Scorcho? That's what I wanna know....

"shrugs" I'm betting its being done by the record companies they're getting the masters from, and not by Harmonix themselves.

 

[Tagrineth]

Yeah, but the song itself hurts my brain to listen to. And Message in a bottle was way more fun on drums for me.

lol, yeah, the YYY's vocalist is uh... wtf, to say the least.

and unlike MIAB, DWTN is also pretty neat on gtr. XD

But hey at least DWTN isn't as bad to listen to as It Hurts. >_>


edit: so how bout tomorrow's DLC huh? HYSTERIA ZOMG. That song will mark the first time I ever play a song on bass before guitar..

 

[Tristam Green]

lol, yeah, the YYY's vocalist is uh... wtf, to say the least.

and unlike MIAB, DWTN is also pretty neat on gtr. XD

But hey at least DWTN isn't as bad to listen to as It Hurts. >_>


edit: so how bout tomorrow's DLC huh? HYSTERIA ZOMG. That song will mark the first time I ever play a song on bass before guitar..

/cry. This is the only song I've ever wanted to play for Rock Band/ Guitar Hero/ anything.

 

[Tagrineth]

You play the Muse 3-pack on guitar hero 3 yet? Stockholm Syndrome is awesome. Hysteria should be pretty freakin' sweet.

I think New Born would be a GREAT fit for future Rock Band DLC, too.

 

[Propagandhi]

I kept thinking of this when I was reading this thread.