For blog-work this week, research and listen to some examples of musical plagiarism. Identify: 1) at least one example of a truly plagiarized song and 2) at least one example of a coincidental relationship between 2 songs. Discuss your findings here. Some notable instances include (listed as original/supposed plagiarism): Chiffon's "He's So Fine"/George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord"; Tom Petty's "Mary Jane's Last Dance"/The Red Hot Chili Peppers' "Dani California"; and, most recently, Joe Satriani's "If I Could Fly"/Coldplay's "Viva La Vida".
30 comments:
I believe that Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" is a plagiarised song. It sounds like Joe Satriani's "If I Could Fly". The chorus was copied and lyrics were added. Only one note was added. They used different instruments.
Melissa Cash
Joe Satriani's "If I Could Fly"/Coldplay's "Viva La Vida".
Coldplay's song "Viva La Vida" is clearly an example of plagiarism. During the choras part of both Joe Satiani's song "If I could Fly" and Coldplay's sound the same. Eventhough Joe's is instrumental and Coldplay's is vocal, I do believe that they sound the same and Coldplay copied their music.
For Chffon's "He's so fine" i don't see how it is similar to George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord". He's so Fine is a more upbeat song. George Harrison only has a guitar for an instrument. It is more relaxed. There is also alot more going on in Chiffon's song. It seems more high pitched.
Melissa Cash
One Example
In early 2007, Timbaland was alleged to have plagiarized several elements (both motifs and samples) in the song "Do It" on the 2006 album Loose by Nelly Furtado without giving credit or compensation. The court found Timbaland guilty on December 17, 2008
Coincidental relationship
The song Danni California has a close guitar sound and rhythm to Tom Pettys, Mary Janes Last Dance. Listing to the song I can see how they are similar. It is very minor though, if I was not looking for it, the similar sounding guitars would not catch my attention.
Griff Harlow P&S
One Example
In early 2007, Timbaland was alleged to have plagiarized several elements (both motifs and samples) in the song "Do It" on the 2006 album Loose by Nelly Furtado without giving credit or compensation. The court found Timbaland guilty on December 17, 2008
Coincidental relationship
The song Danni California has a close guitar sound and rhythm to Tom Pettys, Mary Janes Last Dance. Listing to the song I can see how they are similar. It is very minor though, if I was not looking for it, the similar sounding guitars would not catch my attention.
Griff Harlow P&S
One Example
In early 2007, Timbaland was alleged to have plagiarized several elements (both motifs and samples) in the song "Do It" on the 2006 album Loose by Nelly Furtado without giving credit or compensation. The court found Timbaland guilty on December 17, 2008
Coincidental relationship
The song Danni California has a close guitar sound and rhythm to Tom Pettys, Mary Janes Last Dance. Listing to the song I can see how they are similar. It is very minor though, if I was not looking for it, the similar sounding guitars would not catch my attention.
Griff Harlow P&S
1) One example of a truely plagariarized song is "Do It" by Timbaland. The song “Do It” is seems to be a sequel to Loose by Nelly Furtado. Timbaland writes his song without giving credit or compensation. On February 2, 2007 Timbaland responded to the plagiarism in an interview by the radio show Elliot in the Morning. In this interview Timbaland admits to what he calls "sampling", but he also claims that sampling is "not stealing", because "everybody samples from everybody every day".
2) Avril Lavigne's number one hit "Girlfriend" and Rubinoos "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" are an example of two very coincidental songs. Lavigne did use several musical sections from Rubinoos song, but I believe it was more sampling. She worked around the song and made it her own. I think that there is a minimal amount of similarities, one beng "Hey, hey you, you." I realize that the beat is similar but I still don’t think this song is an example of plagiarism.
Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” is an example of plagiarism in music. It copies Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” without permission, which is a form of plagiarism. When “Ice ice baby” came out in 1989, the bass line from “Under Pressure” was in it. Vanilla Ice never got permission to use the songs tune, but a lawsuit was never filed. It is said that Vanilla Ice paid Queen and David Bowie money to not file one. When you listen to both songs, it is obvious that they have the same bass line for both songs. The song “Ice ice baby” is deffinitly plagiarized.
Avril Lavignes song “Girlfriend” is an example of coincidental relationships between songs. It was criticized for sounding too similar to Tony Basil's "Mickey". However, it also was criticized for being like The Rubinoos song, "I Wanna be Your Boyfriend" from 1979.. Within the lyrics of Rubinoos' song is "Hey hey you you, I wanna be your boyfriend" and in Avril's song it goes, "Hey hey you you, I want to be your girlfriend". These songs are just coincidental to each other.
The first example of true plagiarism is Queen’s “Under Pressure” and Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby”. The first part to both songs has the same bass line, except Vanilla Ice saying his involves an extra ‘ting’ song between the riffs. This case didn’t actually go to court, but is said to be settled outside of court. An example of coincidental “plagiarism”is Red Hot Chili Peppers“Dani California vs. Tom Petty’s Mary Jane’s Last Dance, which is not copied at all and is, seems to just be a coincidence and just the imagination of the person who found it out.
Chiffon's "He's So Fine"/George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord"
I don't believe that these two song are plagiarism. They do sound a like but I think that its all just a coincidence. There are many times when people mean to copy one another but there are other times when they just come across as the same. This is true becasue there are only so many notes that can be played throughout a song.
The first example of true plagiarism is Queen’s “Under Pressure” and Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby”. The first part to both songs has the same bass line, except Vanilla Ice saying his involves an extra ‘ting’ song between the riffs. This case didn’t actually go to court, but is said to be settled outside of court. An example of coincidental “plagiarism”is Red Hot Chili Peppers“Dani California vs. Tom Petty’s Mary Jane’s Last Dance, which is not copied at all and is, seems to just be a coincidence and just the imagination of the person who found it out.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' song, "Dani California", is rumored to plagiarize Tom Petty's "Mary Jane's Last Dance". After listening to the two songs, I believe that there are a few similarities between the songs, but it wasn't meant to be intentional. In an interview, Tom Petty stated that he didn't care whether or not they plagiarized his song. He believed that RHCP had no negative intent in writing "Dani California", despite the similarities. A lot of rock and roll songs sound alike, and that's what Petty believes happened in this case.
I believe that Coldplay's song "Viva La Vida" plagiarized Joe Satriani's "If I Could Fly". The similarities between Satriani's guitar riffs and Coldplay's chorus are very obvious and easy to pick up on. In an interview, Satriani said that as soon as he heard "Viva La Vida" he recognized that they stole part of the song that he slaved over writing for ten years. He tried to avoid bringing the case to court, but Coldplay tried to ignore his call for attention. I believe that if Coldplay really didn't plagiarize Satriani's song, then they would have confronted him rather than ignoring him and hoping that the issue would disappear.
"Viva La Vida" By Cold Play is an example of plagarism in music because the chorus of both sounds is very similar. Although it is an example of instrumental plagarism by the way that Coldplay's song has just added lyrics to their song.
Ariel Monat
1. Avril Lavigne’s 2007 song, “Girlfriend” was a major hit on the radio charts. She was a new artist and had another hit song, “Complicated.” In 2007, A band named, The Rubinoos, came out to the media exclaiming that Avril had plagiarized their 1979 single, “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.” The chorus of The Rubinoos song has the words, "Hey, hey, you, you I wanna be your boyfriend," while Avril Lavigne sings, "Hey, hey, you, you, I want to be your girlfriend" in almost the same tune and rhythm. I believe that surely this is straight plagiarism. The melodies of the chorus’ are exactly the same, and the words are changed very slightly. When the media asked Avril Lavigne’s publicist, their statement was, “She does not steal and anybody who wants to sue us can come and try to take a shot and we will defend it vigorously." They’re defending Avril till the end, but I believe that it was pure plagiarism.
2. The Black Eyed Peas were accused of stealing DJ Adam Freeland’s song , “Mancry.” “Party all the time,” is the song recorded by the Black Eyed Peas; they were accused of using the same beat as DJ Freeland did, in “Mancry.” I honestly believe that this case is just a coincidence, and that the Black Eyed Peas did not copy the beat entirely. The beat has a similar melody, but the vocals make it hard to distinguish. The Black Eyed Peas were sued, but the song will probably be a sure hit. It was just the beat, not the vocals, and even the beat was changed a little. This is just a coincidence.
Chelsie Corbeil, B
In my opinion, Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” was obviously a plagiarized song. If one were to listen to Joe Satriani’s “If I Could Fly” along with “Viva La Vida”, they would realize that the songs sound identical regarding their instrumentals. Coldplay never gave credit to Satriani or asked for permission to sample pieces of his original song. Despite subtle differences in the two songs, the sheet music is nearly identical. Therefore, Coldplay plagiarized without a doubt because the rights to the music were Joe Satriani’s before “Viva La Vida” was released.
Although Tom Petty’s “Last Dance with Mary Jane” and the Red Hot Chili Peppers “Dani California” have a similar rhythm, I do not believe that there was plagiarism involved. The chorus’ of the two songs are completely dissimilar along with the beat. In “Dani California”, the tempo is faster and upbeat as opposed to Tom Petty’s song which is slightly slower. Also, if one were to look at these two songs without having prior knowledge based on the alleged plagiarism, they would not find the songs to be that similar. Finally, if one is to listen to only the instrumental version of these two songs, they would be able to easily differentiate; more evidence that this was a case of coincidence rather than plagiarism.
Part One- There are millions of songs out in the industry for us to hear, there is bound to be some overlapping. Now the real question is, was it intentional or just coincidental? Some songs like “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison and “He’s so Fine” by The Chiffons, also “Down Under” by Men at Work and “Kookaburra Sits in the Old Gum Tree” an old child’s song have similar melodies but you cannot exactly tell whether or not they are plagiarized. Other songs especially in rap have lyrics that are referenced or copied without credits are truly plagiarized. I do admit that Harrison and The Chiffons had very similar beats but I could not definitely prove that it was intentional. Personally I feel two songs that must have been intentional copied were “Acid Jazzed Evening” by Janne Sunni and “Do It” by Nelly Furtado. Their melodies are too similar to be coincidental. I also believe two really similar melodies are “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay and “If I could Fly” by Satriani. These songs have similar beats BUT also have some similar words; which leads me to believe it was intentional.
Part Two- Songs that I believe are coincidental are songs that have only certain parts that sound alike but do not have exact lyrics. Even though Harrison and The Chiffons have constant similar melodies I still believe that it was on accident and not purposely place with those songs. When lyrics are exactly copied I would call it plagiarism same with the melodies but sometimes I think it is hard to avoid when there are so many songs out in the industry.
As a musician, I have great respect for Joe Satriani's musical virtuosity. He is one of the best guitarists in the world today, and writes mind-numbing instrumentals. Coldplay is much more basic from a musical stand point, but make up for that with brilliant lyrical mastery.
Joe Satriani's "If I Could Fly" is a six and a half minute, blistering guitar instrumental. "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay was one of the biggest hits of 2009 and ended up making Coldplay millions of dollars. This two songs bear a shocking similarity that is too accurate to be coincidence. I do believe that Coldplay took the chorus of their song from a repeated riff in Joe Satriani's song.
"Dani California" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers does bear a musical similarity to Tom Petty's "Maryjane's Last Dance." Do bear a musical similarity but i don not believe that there is any plagiarism. These songs have the very similar drum beats and guitar parts but a played in different keys and at a different tempo, giving the songs very different feelings.
One example of plagiarism is Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" and Joe Striani's "If I Could Fly". Whether it was intentional of not Coldplay Clearly copied Joe Satriani. While the instruments used are different the result is almost exactly the same. When they are played at the same time they sound nearly identical.
One example that is simply a coincidence is the Red Hot Chili Peppers "Dani California" and Tom Petty's "Mary Jane's Last Dance" The guitar is somewhat similar but that can be said about a lot of different songs. When listened to as a whole "Dani California" is a very different song than "Mary Jane's Last Dance". With all of the music in the world there is bound to be some that sounds similar and this is just one of those cases.
Although there have been many claims of plagiarism in the music industry throughout the years, some are substantial while others are not as clear cut. What is believed to be a plagiarized song is The Chiffons’ “He’s so Fine”. The Chiffons successfully sued George Harrison for plagiarism when he released his 1970 song “My Sweet Lord”. When listening to these two songs, and even played at the same time, it has a clear resemblance, if not the same sound, most of the time.
What I believe to be a coincidental relationship is Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend” and the Rubinoo’s “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend”. They both have the similar lines, “Hey (hey), you (you) I want to be your…” but that is it. I do not see any other connection between the songs and the overall message seems so different along with the tempo and music other than that one line.
Although there have been many claims of plagiarism in the music industry throughout the years, some are substantial while others are not as clear cut. What is believed to be a plagiarized song is The Chiffons’ “He’s so Fine”. The Chiffons successfully sued George Harrison for plagiarism when he released his 1970 song “My Sweet Lord”. When listening to these two songs, and even played at the same time, it has a clear resemblance, if not the same sound, most of the time.
What I believe to be a coincidental relationship is Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend” and the Rubinoo’s “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend”. They both have the similar lines, “Hey (hey), you (you) I want to be your [girlfriend/boyfriend]…” but that is it. I do not see any other connection between the songs and the overall message seems so different along with the tempo and music other than that one line.
Some songs may be plagarised but a lot of them are just "sampling". If they have the artists permission or credit the artists then it is okay. Although Timberlands "Do it" feat Nelly Furtado is said to be plagarised several techniques from an earlier song. Although Timbaland has said that it was just"sampling" their was a courtcase that proved that it was plagarised.
Avril Levignes song "girlfriend" is an example of coincidental relationships between songs. it was criticized for being similar to "I dont like your boyfriend" by Rubinoos. Plagarism has not been proved so it is just a condicental situation.
Over the past years, some artists have been accused of plagiarism. Tom Petty, a well known rocker, accused the Red Hot Chilli Peppers of copying his instrumental background to "Mary Jane's Last Dance in "Dani Californication". But perhaps it is just a coincidental relationship in the two songs rather than plagiarism. There are many arguments pertaining to this controversy. In my own opinion, artists may or may not know that their's and other artist's songs sound the same. Either way, in most cases, i believe that an overlap in music is bound to happen.
Some can argue that many artists subcontiously think they hear a rythm/beat and use it within their songs without knowing that it has been already done by another artist before. This conseption is what would make an accusation of plagiarism just a simple innocent coincidental relationship. An example of this might be the song "If I Could Fly" by Joe Satriani and Coldplay's "Viva La Vida". In the song "Viva La Vida", Chris Martin, the singer of Coldplay, sings the lyrics in the same rhythmic way to Joe Satriani's beat to "If I Could Fly". Some see this as plagiarism, but i feel that it was not intensional, especially sense one is vocals and the other is instrumental. In other cases, i find some artists guilty of plagiarism. One example of this might be the song "Another Wanna Be" by Brittany McDonald and Carrie Underwood's, "Cowboy Casanova". The two beats within both songs sound exactly the same. Another reason why this might be a form of plagiarism is because after Carrie's song was released, it was said that one of her songwriters met with Brittany McDonald after hearing and loving her hit single, "Bang", before Carrie's single was written or recorded.
Over the years, many artists have got themselves into boiled water due to belief of plagiarism contained within songs. The most current case is the ongoing epic battle between, Coldplay and Joe Satriani. Satriani allegedly accuses smash hit, Coldplay, for plagiarising in their hit song, "Viva La Vida." Satriani, a well known guitarist, believes Coldplay stole part of the instrumental from his song, "If I Could Fly." From my perspective, Satriani's and Coldplay's instrumentals are both very similar; the chorus in "Viva La Vida" is very close to that of Satriani's instrumental in, "If I Could Fly." The battle over this belief of plagiarism has not yet been won, it is very difficuly to tell whether Coldplay has plagiarised or whether it was just a coincidental mistake. Until this heated altercation is settled, we will not know.
1. An example of truly plagariarized song that I found was "Do It" by Timbaland. People say that “Do It” is just like the song “Loose” by Nelly Furtado. The artist Timbaland was intervied on a show called Elliot in the Morning. During the interview Timbaland says that he was playing around and sampling different songs. Also he doesn’t think that sampling is stealing, he thinks that people are making a big deal out of this. He says that people use samples from other artists all the time.
2. I do not believe that the group Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" is an eample of plagiarism. The song sounds like Joe Satriani's "If I Could Fly" which was an instrumental piece. I do not believe it was plagiarism because, when I hear the instrumental piece and then “Viva La Vida”, I hear some similarities in the chorus but not enough to think it is plagiarism. The whole song differs from “If I could Fly”, enough to make me believe that it is not plagiarism.
"Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne and "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" by Rubinoos are coincidental songs. Avril Lavigne's song "Girlfriend" has alot of instrumental similarities. The words of the song are different, but the music is similar. I believe that they are quite similar, but not an example of plagarism.
Though Coldplay is a renowned band claiming much respect from their fans, I believe that they plagiarized Joe Satriani's "If I could fly." It may have been an accidental case of plagiarism where Coldplay may have thought their song was original yet the songwriter had listened to "If I Could Fly" prior to writing the song. In that case the tune may have been still in his head resulting in plagiarism.
On the other hand, accusing the Red Hot Chili Peppers song "Dani California" for plagiarizing Tom Petty's "Last Dance with Mary Jane" is less believable. Though they are slightly similar, the tempo is different and the songs themselves are completely dissimilar. If an plagiarize was found in "Dani California," it was not intentional.
i totally posted on this like a week ago and its not on here... ill probably post it again cause i totally saved it on the school computer.. i hope
Truly plagiarized song – Vanilla Ice stole the bass line from David Bowies song ‘Under Pressure’ although in many cases, it seems as though it could be a coincidence, the music and bass line to the songs are almost exactly identical. Also, the song ‘Under Pressure’ is a very famous song, not just some random person saying they already wrote the music, which is why it was very easy for Vanilla Ice to find and use that bass line. It doesn’t even sound as though they both wrote the same bass line, it sounds like Vanilla Ice just took the same exact bass out of David Bowies song and just put it onto his song.
Accidental - Coldplay has recently been accused of plagerizing Cat Stevens song ‘Foreigner Suite’. After listening to the two songs they do sound pretty similar at times. But for some reason I do not believe that it was intentional. Although a lot of times songs are really stolen, I feel as though this is just a coincidence and they both just happened to write the same song. The guitar riff is as same as the melody for the words at some points and I feel like they both just happened to write the same thing and it is just a coincidence.
the Chorus of the song "Paradise" is not even like `parrot dies`. it is more like Peruu... Perot (Ross Perot?)...Paruww-dice.
3 different pronounciations on 3 repetitions. maybe Chris Martin is trying to get it right. The second vowel sounds like the German Umlaut ("u" with double dots). Annoys the crap out of me. Why does the lead singer remind me of a bad copy of Tom Petty's voice?
When Tom Petty did the Free Falling song, this vocals guy Chris Martin was probably seeing the world thru his father's eyes. I despise this brat band.
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