Steve Garland Media

Think only kids are online? Using the latest gadgets? Or...playing video games? Guess again. Adults, and boomers are the fastest growing demographic for web surfing, online research, shopping, and- video games. Case in point- Electronic Arts is gerting ready to unleash the Mother of all Baby Boomer video games- "The Beatles- Rock Band". Coming in September, this project will put the Beatles music and images into the popular "Rock Band" game- complete with look-alike guitars and drums (game player style), for players to mash the buttons, bang the drums, and sing into the mic- and try to hit all the notes of their favorite Beatles songs.

Sanctioned by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and the brainchild of George Harrison's son Dhani- this Advertising campaign will hit like a tidal wave, washing away any doubt that the internet, and electronic games have come of age for adults. It's also a great way to introduce a new generation to the timeless music of one of the greatest musical groups of the 20th century. OK, it's my generation's music- and as former host of the "Beatles Hour" for CBS,   I may be a little bias. But take a look at this trailer-it's the cinematic opening in the actual game, and see how much effort, talent, and love has gone into digitizing the fab four. My review gives it 5 stars- animations, colors, backgrounds, and the melt downs of different beatle periods of time is well done. OK, "here comes the Sun" didn't come before "I am the Walrus"...but even if that crosses your mind, the cinematic eye candy makes you forget about it. Who know that 45 years after I was buying Beatles 45s for 79 cents at the drug store, and playing them literally till their grooves wore out, that we'd all be able to "pretend" we're a Beatle, complete with music, faux intruments, and virtual reality sets from the Cavern Club, to The Ed Sullivan show Stage, Shea Stadium and more?

I've played the previous Rock Band games, and used the guitars, drums and vocals (My daughter has them permanently installed in our den). The gaming is slick, instruments are equal to "Guitar Hero" gear, and play just as smooth. Beginners will feel like dorks for about an hour, then the coordination starts to kick in- at least enough to play at beginner level, and feel just a "bit" cool. Look to your kids to play at the "expert" level much faster than you...but hey, you're spending time with them, and they're listening to our music! Or- forget kids, invite your buddies over to paly- or challenge your partner. It's addictive! In the 60s and 70s we played monopoly. Now it's Rock Band.

It's a good bet if a huge multi-national company like EA is banking on the Beatles, it's a sure bet that Boomers have the financial income to still spend money, and lots of it- on the things they REALLY want. Like "The Beatles-Rock Band". I'm betting that this will hit big too- and maybe that amazing feeling we got listening to their music growing up...will be something we can rekindle, and share with our kids,-in an interactive way they can understand, and experience with us.

-Steve Garland/ www.stevegarlandmedia.com

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