Great Originals, Fine Remakes and Blatant Ripoffs
As they say "There is nothing new under the sun".
Doesn't it just drive you nuts when you hear a "new" song and it just sounds oh-so-familiar, but you simply can't place it? How about when you CAN place it?
I know it really bugs me! Let's look at some examples:
Mything Origins
Music Industry's Role and Responsibility
They do all they can to perpetuate this myth because they believe it will sell more music. If they only understood that a well-done cover might actually appeal to a broader audience, the first generation to hear it in addition to the youth culture, they would make more of an effort to promote the truth of the origin of the music.
There are so many covers of old songs today. Part of this is testament to the timelessness of the music and lyrics.
The part that often bothers me is that in most cases, no mention is ever made of the original artist. New artists frequently act like they "invented" the material as their own and credit is not given to the original recording artist.
The burden of responsibility lay within the entire music industry - it is not always the fault of the performer(s). The people promoting, selling and playing the music are culpable as well. When a new release comes out and is sent to all the radio stations or syndicates, there should ALWAYS be some kind of liner notes mentioning the cover or remake status and the protocol should be to mention this at least the first time the song is aired.
This would clear up a whole lot of confusion. Kids are led to think that the songs they are listening to originated with the artist that has most recently recorded the song. They think it is something entirely new and original, when in fact it is completely RECYCLED! It's not the fact that the lyrics, music or entire song is recycled, it's the mis-perception of origin that is troubling. This creates a false sense of place and time.
It's not hard to give credit where it is due and say "Here's a fresh take on an old favorite."
Stand by Me - Classic
Original version, recorded by Ben E. King, 1961
It made another emergence into pop culture in the 1980's in the film "Stand by Me" with the late River Phoenix (brother of Joachim Phoenix).
Beautiful Girls
Sean Kingston- Released July 2007
To me this goes far beyond "sampling". The entire bass & percussion, with the exact instrumentation is the foundation upon which the lyrics of this song ride.
Go ahead, try singing the lyrics to "Stand by Me" while this song plays.
To view the full lyrics, click on the comments link.
What do You Think?
Ok, you only get ONE vote here.
Choose carefully!
Stand by Me - In Name Only
Same Title, Different Song
Here are some songs by the same title, but that are NOT based on either the lyrics or music of the original song recorded by Ben E. King.
You can vote or add a new one!
Stand by Me - Showdown
Vote for Your Favorite Version
The original, plus an assortment of covers by various artists.
-VOTE for your favorite or
-ADD another version (be sure to come back and vote for it! )
You may vote for more than one, but you may only vote once for each option.
Stand by Me
...at Amazon.com
In your car
On the road
Get your own CD or DVD!
Stand By Me: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
AWESOME!
This soundtrack is one of the best i have ever heard! I am in my early teen years, but i consider Stand By Me the BEST movie ever made.
Amazon Price: $6.97 (as of 12/01/2008) 
The Ultimate Collection: Stand by Me/Best of Ben E. King/Ben E. King with the Drifters
What a Sound!
"I have long been a Drifters fan and admired Ben E. King when he was their lead singer; but I never really appreciated his talents until I heard this album. Ben E. King is truly a soulful singer, and many of the songs on this album will have you wondering why he hasn't been more appreciated. If you like Jerry Butler, the Drifters, Jackie Wilson or Clyde McPhatter, then you will have to like this album. Wish I had found it years ago!!"
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 12/01/2008)
Sean Kingston
"Sean Kingston, a 17 year old native of Jamaica is not just a new face in popular music, he's accomplished the rare task of http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/11C3E70R8SL.jpg
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/11C3E70R8SL.jpgcreating a new genre where rap, reggae, dancehall, pop, a touch of doo-wop and remarkable songwriting all combined into something totally fresh. Add in Sean's family roots which cite reggae king Buju Banton as his uncle and Jamaican legendary producer Jack Ruby as his grandfather and you have one of the most exciting debuts this year."
Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 12/01/2008)
Stand By Me (Special Edition)
Bravo -
"Like Shawshank Redemption, this is a great film based on some of Stephen King's best work. It is poignant, nostalgic--and hilarious at times." *****
"Stand By Me" is a classic coming of age movie about growing up and friendship and the pain of disillusionment when the adults you depend upon let you down. Highly recommended.
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/01/2008)
I Want a New Drug vs. Ghostbusters
Musical Spector or Drug-Induced Hallucination?
Huey Lewis & The News vs. Ray Parker Jr.
From Wikipedia:
Ghostbusters
In 1984, Huey Lewis & the News were contacted by the producers of Ghostbusters in regards to developing the theme song for the film. The band decided not to, and Ray Parker Jr. was instead signed to develop the theme. Later that year, the band sued Parker, citing the similarities between the Ghostbusters theme song and their earlier hit "I Want a New Drug". According to Huey Lewis and the News, this was especially damaging to them since the Ghostbusters theme song was so popular, rising to #1 on the charts for three weeks. Parker and Lewis later settled out of court.[2] Huey Lewis has stated that his experiences with the producers of Ghostbusters may have been indirectly responsible for getting his band involved with the movie Back to the Future.
On his 2001 Behind the Music special, Huey Lewis stated: "The offensive part was not so much that Ray Parker Jr. had ripped this song off, it was kind of symbolic of an industry that wants something - they wanted our wave, and they wanted to buy it. ... [I]t's not for sale. ... In the end, I suppose they were right. I suppose it was for sale, because, basically, they bought it."[3] As a result of this statement, Ray Parker Jr. has filed a suit against Huey Lewis, claiming he violated the lawsuit's confidentiality agreement and seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages as well as attorney fees. The lawsuit is ongoing.
The fight goes on
The Videos - Pick Your Favorite!
Vote Here
Listen to both songs here and vote for the one you like better!
I Want a New Drug
by Huey Lewis and the News
Ghostbusters
Movie title Song by Ray Parker, Jr.
VOTE UP or DOWN!
Your Opinion Please...
I ain't 'fraid-a no Ghost!
We KNOW what the courts ruled, but we want to know what YOU think!
Our totally unscientific poll asks you:
Ripoff or Not?
Hooked on Classics
Well known to any classical music aficionado, this piece is also very popular at weddings the world over. Composed in the 1680's, it has withstood the test of time.
Pachelbel's Canon in D Major
Just a blank screen, so "close your eyes and think of England..."!
("Hook" by Blues Traveler is in the following module)
Pachelbel's canon in D Major - Very nice version
****I am terribly sorry, but I do not have the mp3 anymore... I accidently deleted it while backing-up my computer. sorry**** This is one of the greatest hits in the classical world which was composed in the 1680's by Johann Pachelbel. Performed by the Slovak Chamber Orchestra Highly recommended, enjoy! You can find the mp3 here: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S86BU8JS I've uploaded the file again to RapidShare: http://rapidshare.com/files/100141177/09_Canon_in_D_major.rar.html Sheets: http://www.sheetmusicfox.com/Pachelbel/pacorg18.pdf I uploaded this video about 1 year ago, on Febuary 2007. If you loved this one, you should visit my user page regularly, 'cause I will start uploading classical pieces regularly to youtube, would be about 1-2 videos a month or so. My first one is Saint Saens' Danse Macabre: http://youtube.com/watch?v=WdLoTPUNtD0 Enjoy :)
Runtime: 5:56
3350335 views
10 Comments:
Canon Shot to the Future
Some very interesting treatments of the Canon!
Vote for your favorite:
Dueling Canons
One more time...your opinion:
You've listened to BOTH, now tell us what you think!
(Choose wisely, you only get one vote!)
Great Tunes
From Amazon
Ghostbusters Double Feature Gift Set (Ghostbusters/ Ghostbusters 2 and Commerative Book)
Blast from the Past!!!
We all can sing the song, and know the cartoon, but there is nothing like the real thing! I love both movies!
Who you gonna call? GHOSTBUSTERS!!!
Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 12/01/2008)
Greatest Hits
Sometimes music just makes you feel good
Huey Lewis and the News have made as many feel good songs as any other band in popular music. Even when things are going wrong in their songs, like on "If This is It?
Amazon Price: $11.97 (as of 12/01/2008)
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe
Relaxing Classical Music
I was not really a classical music fan but I am now. I purchased this cd for my 14 year old grand-daughter, not knowing we would both enjoy the music so much.
Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 12/01/2008)
Travelogue: Blues Traveler Classics
Strong
Music that takes you on the road, carries you away to places of the heart with force and assurance.
Amazon Price: $10.97 (as of 12/01/2008)
Final Ripoff
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