Viva La Lawsuit

Here's more on the Coldplay copyright story.

Cat Stevens Says Coldplay Ripped Him Off Too

This time Yusef Islam (aka Cat Stevens) lays claim to the all-too-common musical progression:

"There's been this argument about Coldplay stealing this melody from Joe Satriani," he said. "But, if you listen to it, it's mine! It's the [1973 song] 'Foreigner Suite', it is!"

Some chord progressions are VERY common. Some very common progressions inspire very common melodies. In each of these songs, they only things that really set them apart are the lyric, arrangment and delivery. Or, in the case of Joe Satriani, the style of the guitar playing. The real value is in the whole.

These are pop songs. Anyone who has written pop songs knows they're are common elements or certain standard devices that are employed in that genre. This is true of any genre.

Fortunately for Coldplay or better yet, Joe Satriani, Yusef Islam isn't planning to sue.

Van Gogh's Ear

Our song "Right" is about the life of artist Paul Gauguin. I didn't know he and Vincent Van Gogh were so close. According to a new study by some German art historians, it was not Van Gogh who cut off his own ear but Gauguin.

Van Gogh's Ear Was Cut Off By Friend Gauguin With A Sword

By Henry Samuel in Paris

Last Updated: 10:43AM BST 05 May 2009

Self Portrait with Bandaged Ear, 1889 by Vincent van Gogh (1853-90) Photo: Samuel Courtauld Trust, Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery

He is known as the tortured genius who cut off his own ear as he struggled with mental illness after the breakdown of his friendship with a fellow artist. But a new study claims Vincent Van Gogh may have made up the story to protect painter Paul Gauguin who actually lopped it off with a sword during an argument.

German art historians say the true version of events never surfaced as the two men both kept a "pact of silence" – Gauguin to avoid prosecution and Van Gogh in a vain attempt to keep a friend with whom he was hopelessly infatuated.

They claim Gauguin used his trusty épée to lop off Van Gogh's ear and then tossed it in the Rhône. Interesting stuff to be sure. These men were essentially tortured geniuses. We may never know what really happened but it sure makes for interesting reading.

Guy

QN Featured on KINK's Local Music Spotlight

Quoting Napoleon is scheduled to be featured on KINK's Local Music Spotlight, Tuesday May 5th at 9pm PDT.

http://www.kink.fm/pages/130403.php

If you're in the Portland, OR area, you can tune in on 101.9 FM. Or, if you prefer, you can stream the broadcast online at http://www.kink.fm/ by clicking the "LISTEN LIVE NOW!" button.

Thanks to KINK and Bridgeport Brewery for the opportunity and thanks to all of you for your continued support.

We are asking all of our friends to call or email the station after the broadcast to request more "Quoting Napoleon" on KINK.fm!

Contact Kink FM:
Phone(503) 228-5465
Email: dean@kink.fm


QN

Update:

It looks like the Local Music Spotlight starts closer to 9:30pm PDT. Tune in in time!