If you're old enough to remember the original Napster, you're probably also old enough to remember The Gourds' bluegrass remix of Snoop Dog's "Gin and Juice," which took a popular song and completely changed the genre while still creating an enjoyable song. This concept forms the core of Battle of the Band's gameplay, and while it makes for a solid base, the execution is sloppy.

The absolute best part of Battle of the Bands is the music. The game's 30 song track list features a fairly impressive line-up of songs, including "Feel Good Inc." (The Gorillaz), "Master Exploder" (Tenacious D) and "Spoonman" (Soundgarden); even more impressive is that there are five versions of each song covering the various music styles featured in the game. Better yet, the game features a music player that lets you listen to any of the songs and switch between on the fly.

Visuals are on par with Guitar Hero and showcase some of the game's personality. Each group has a distinct look that mines nearly every stereotypical aspect of each music style which might be considered offensive -- that is, if you're the type to get up in arms about that kind of thing. Some aren't too bad, though there are some, like the hip-hop group or the country group, that go a little too far. However, in the end it is really just a personal judgment and it doesn't feel like it was done with malicious intent. The only real downside as far as the visuals are concerned are the erratic framerate drops that throw off your timing.

Battle of the Bands's title says it all as far as gameplay is concerned. After choosing a band representing a different style of music (marching band, hip-hop, rock...) you are dropped into a level and fight another band by bouncing a song between each other. Gameplay is similar to Guitar Hero. A bar with notes scrolls from the bottom of the screen to the area where your band is playing. Each note corresponds to a different movement with the Wii-mote, such as stabbing forward lunges, or various left-to-right movements. As you hit notes, you'll earn attacks that are then lobbed at your opponent.

Battle of the Bands is mostly a game of timing. In order to make the song play in your band's particular style, you need to make sure that you are spot-on with tempo, which means hitting consecutive notes. Hitting the notes isn't too difficult on its own, though you also have to worry about attacking and defending as well. This is where things get a little more complicated since attacks can wreak havoc to your note bar. Some attacks shrink the notes while others will cover the board in smoke. You can block attacks, which can help keep you out of trouble if you time the button presses right, though even a well-timed block won't save you from the game's biggest issue - it isn't much fun.

Gameplay becomes amazingly repetitive after a few songs. There are only four motions, so there isn't much in the way to challenge. Although the game does a bad job at telling you how the flow of gameplay works, it doesn't take long to figure out that some songs are easy to plow through just by randomly waving the Wii-mote in all directions. Once you've mastered the controls (though total mastery is next to impossible because of the jittery controls), there's a real lack of depth. You can upgrade and arm different attacks between songs, though there isn't much of a strategy when it comes to selecting which attacks to use. It almost feels like the game is targeting the casual market without realizing that even the most casual of players like a bit of depth.

Even though you're trying to keep up with the scrolling notes, there isn't much of a connection between you and the music. Unlike Guitar Hero, which gives you a bit of aural feedback when you screw up, Battle of the Bands just keeps chugging along. This takes something away from the experience and eventually you just feel like you're waving the Wii-mote around while music plays in the background. On top of that, gameplay is physically uncomfortable. Songs are incredibly long and the motions for each note place a real toll on your wrists and arms, so it doesn't take long before your arms are sore. This, of course, limits the amount of time you'll want to spend with the game.

To Planet Moon's credit, Battle of the Bands does some things right. The concept is great and the music is easily one of the more impressive feats heard in a rhythm game. However, the gameplay isn't enjoyable enough to sustain it over the long run, demoting Battle of the Bands to a fun weekend rental or for the odd party.