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Read about this about a week ago; I thought it was ridiculous then, and I still think it’s ridiculous now. So here’s what has been going down:
Joe Satriani is claiming that Coldplay ripped off his 2004 intrumental song “If I Could Fly” in their megahit “Viva La Vida.” “Viva La Vida” has been around since late May (via iTunes commercial) and the album has made a huge splash since its mid-June release. What the hell took this guy so long to sue? Is the fact that the suit was filed just days after Coldplay were nominated for seven GRAMMY awards — a handful for “Viva La Vida” alone — just a coincidence?
Let’s make this interesting: I have the two songs in question below (“If I Could Fly” and “Viva La Vida”), listen to them both and you decide if this whole fiasco is ridiculous or not.
Joe Satriani – If I Could Fly
Coldplay – Viva La Vida
[polldaddy poll="1192018"]
Interesting..
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEGGFJLpbu4[/youtube]
by on December 12, 2008 ‡ 0 reactions
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{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Hell no. Its ridiculous to think that these songs sound anything alike.
While the songs sound similar for a few seconds, it’s nothing to sue over. Puh-leez, this guy is just looking for some buzz.
I think it’s hilarious it took THIS long for someone to sue. I think the fact that he took so long to take action totally crushes his case.
That and the fact that the songs sound vaguely alike.
I was about to click “no,” but then that one part kicked in and then it was like “Ohhhhhhhh.” Unless he’s been living under a rock, he probably should’ve said something earlier, but he might have a case.
It’s stupid. Many songs SOUND alike… the resemblance is tiny and this is being taken out of proportion.
In today’s world of Kanye West sampling, Girl Talk splicing, and numerous covers we can no longer make these ridiculous claims that “someone stole a piece of my song”. Songs are artistic content, and its just too difficult to claim that “these bars of sound” are mine and the rest are yours. Its like saying a painter copied part of your picture because you both used the color red in it.
In today’s world of Kanye West sampling, Girl Talk splicing, and numerous covers we can no longer make these ridiculous claims that “someone stole a piece of my songâ€. Songs are artistic content, and its just too difficult to claim that “these bars of sound†are mine and the rest are yours. Its like saying a painter copied part of your picture because you both used the color red in it.
AMEN
I think some of Coldplay’s best evidence could come from YouTube
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KLt_Hu8bHFc
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6XnhFR73wOs
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=yVruURaUqOw
I like to think, this was definatley the inspiration for Viva La Vida
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SD3s__hWS8o
if it’s recognisable you’re liable…
Please, that’s obviously incedental. They sound alike for only a few seconds. He’s obviously just looking for some cash. Faker.
I totally agree with you, this is absolute bs. I thought at least the creaky boards one was close, this is just a huge joke. I can’t believe the suit has actually gotten this far– it’s a mediocre guitar riff that happened to work out really nicely as a melody line in the verse of a song. Also, regardless of possible similarities, I will not believe for a second that Chris Martin knowingly ripped off this guy– it’s not like Coldplay is a one-hit-wonder band, they obviously know what they’re doing, they don’t need this guy to tell them how to do it.
Honesdtly i think it is, the last bit of the Joe Satriani piece is almost identical to a part in Viva La Vida.
Learn some theory and listen again.
or use your searchbar-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEGGFJLpbu4
The man has a case – as much as the Chiffons ‘he’s so fine’ vs George Harrison’s ‘My Sweet Lord’ – and Coldplay should own up
Thank you Marcus.
oh my god. the günther song made me laugh so hard. the underlying progressions may be somewhat similar, but to me – coldplay’s treatment of the entire arrangement results in a finished product that is completely different. In addition, the lyrics push it farther away from any of the others. I say each song is unique in its own right.
There’s a big difference between sampling/splicing and taking a song without credit. If Coldplay did it, intentionally or accidentally, they need to give credit where credit is due.
that man has no case. i agree with what most of you have said. IF he was REALLY, TRULY wronged… than why the HELL didn’t he file a lawsuit sooner? ESPECIALLY since Coldplay received those Grammy noms. He just wants a buzz around his name. Truthfully Joe, your song sucks anyway. *shrugs*
Ok I think there are similartities with “Frances Limon” by Enanitos Verdes but also check out “Hearts” by Marty Balin — has that same little similar hook and thats from the early eighties … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG3m7yO_-qs
This “guy” is a very famous guitarist who’s been around for way longer than Coldplay. He def deserves much respect for what he’s done for music and the world of rock. He has crazy skill and could outplay most when it comes to the guitar.
I’m not either for or against the notion of suing though. It’s too hard to classify what cases are suable and what are not in music. Music is abstract enough and has so many qualities that “stealing” parts of it is hard to provide and/or make a fuss about.
But the only point I really wanted to make is that before you judge ownership of music rights, learn about the artists in question. Joe Satriani is not a Soulja Boy. He’s been around for along time, is very famous in the world of quality music, and people respect him worldwide.
Thanks for that link Marcus, very interesting!
Also, I understand Satriani’s value as a musician, I offer him all due respect, but I still stand by the point that Coldplay/Chris Martin does not require plagiarism in order to achieve success. They are a well-established band with many noteworthy, original songs.
Hell, maybe the Creaky Boards stole it from Satriani.
people saying they don’t sound alike really need to listen again.. they really do but i don’t know why satriani cares so much all he’s gonna get is money maybe a little more fame maybe .. pretty pointless if u asked me
The songs indeed do sound similar. Kanye West sampling and Girl Talk splicing is completely different from just taking part of a song and using it. It’s not as obvious as taking the whole song or rhythm and using it. I honestly believe that Chris Martin ripped off of Satriani. I predicted that people would say that he has enough musical talent so that he wouldn’t need to steal from someone, and I guess that’s just what fanbois are gonna think when it comes to their beloved Chris Martin.
This is stupid, who cares. One simple bar of music does not make a full song. Coldplay definatly does not deserve to be treated as cheaters/stealers. This Joe Satriani should be ashamed of himself. IF Coldplay did get inspiration for ONE part of their song from Joe Satriani’s little song can’t he just get over it. THEY are bigger than HIM and I’m sure atleast once in his lifetime Joe Satriani got inspiration from another musical piece. I’m pretty sure MANY songs sound similar, next a DJ will sue over someone copying their beats. F***ing ridiculous.
If you people are dumb enough to think that “Cloneplay” actually wrote that song, you’re probably also thinking that man went to the moon in 1969 and that the Bush Administration has nothing to do with 9/11. If any of you people had an work of art stolen from your intellectual property, you’d be the first in line to sue. Just shut the hell up when you have no clue what the heck your talking about. Copying a little is still plain copying.
Joe Satriani is a great guitarist and a really cool guy – if he says his work has been plaguerised then it has. I would know immediately if I heard some of my work wrapped up/distorted or whatever by another band. I wouldn’t like it either.