Taylor Swift in the Dock

[Quarky]

Assuming there are a fair few copyright sleuths on this board, I found the Taylor Swift law suit interesting. I seem to recall that only a quantum of originality is sufficient to establish copyright::

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-59606655

A good read!

[Dave2002]

Assuming there are a fair few copyright sleuths on this board, I found the Taylor Swift law suit interesting. I seem to recall that only a quantum of originality is sufficient to establish copyright::

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-59606655

A good read!

Usual bonkers stuff. I'm gonna check it out.

There are very odd quirks, such as you can copyright lyrics - though as here - some constraints may apply, and you can copyright notes and copyright arrangements, and even fonts and layout used for printed copies, but apparently you can't copyright chord sequences.

[cloughie]

Cases such as this seem to be made by individuals or bands few have heard of with songs few people have heard of against successful acts who have made loads of dosh. I wonder why this should be?

[Padraig]

Cases such as this seem to be made by individuals or bands few have heard of with songs few people have heard of against successful acts who have made loads of dosh. I wonder why this should be?

I read the article and what caught my eye was a reference to a song called All About That Bass. I knew of the song, but not the version mentioned that knocked Taylor Swift off the top spot - this version by Post Modern Jukebox European Tour. I enjoyed it, and as it is NOT off topic, I give you the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLnZ1NQm2uk

[jayne lee wilson]

I read the article and what caught my eye was a reference to a song called All About That Bass. I knew of the song, but not the version mentioned that knocked Taylor Swift off the top spot - this version by Post Modern Jukebox European Tour. I enjoyed it, and as it is NOT off topic, I give you the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLnZ1NQm2uk

Great cover! But credit to the original writers & their brilliant version......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PCkvCPvDXk

Wasn't it this original one that hit No.1, keeping Taylor off it?

It does look a very dodgy case, based around "playas gonna play" and "haters gonna hate".... makes money for the lawyers, but doesn't look like plagiarism to me....

[Padraig]

Great cover! But credit to the original writers & their brilliant version......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PCkvCPvDXk

Wasn't it this original one that hit No.1, keeping Taylor off it?

You are right! It's just that I prefer the HIP cover.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Usual bonkers stuff. I'm gonna check it out.

There are very odd quirks, such as you can copyright lyrics - though as here - some constraints may apply, and you can copyright notes and copyright arrangements, and even fonts and layout used for printed copies, but apparently you can't copyright chord sequences.

Yes and thank God because a classic chord sequence like the very opening chords of the Missa Solemnis - I , VI , IV, V is also the chord sequence that forms the basis of hundreds of pop songs and Broadway melodies . And Beethoven got it from Bach who got it from etc , etc ….The great Folk singer Pete Atkins used to do a spot featuring tunes with that sequence - he could have gone on for hours…
Classic example : Unchained Melody which is in fact a really boring melody but gets its emotional power partly from the chord progression and also the film context. In the business the sequence is known as Tin Pan Alley default …