On the Record
Allan Raible's Take on the New Music Worth a Listen.
Allan Raible writes about music and the music industry. He is based in New York.
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Sound-Alikes?: Creaky Boards Vs. Coldplay and Other "Similar" Songs
June 20, 2008 1:30 PM
Recently Andrew Hoepfner, leader of an indie rock band from Brooklyn, Creaky Boards, noticed that his song, the now semi-ironically titled “The Songs I Didn’t Write,” was strikingly similar to Coldplay’s current number one hit, and ipod-ad staple “Viva La Vida.” Claiming he’d been ripped off by Chris Martin and company, he went to youtube and prepared a clip with both tracks side by side. He also claimed he saw someone he thought was Martin in the crowd at a show last year. There are plenty of lanky, Chris Martin look-alikes, (especially in Brooklyn, indie-rock hipster circles) so Martin’s actual presence at the show could be disputed.
Is There A Case For Infringement? The two tracks have their similarities, but legally, it may be hard to prove. I quote the Beastie Boys in their song “Shadrach.” “Only 24 hours in a day / Only 12 notes that a man can play!” This could be chalked up to pure coincidence, especially since the two songs are arriving at very similar times. Coldplay’s record just arrived last week and Creaky Boards’ album, “Brooklyn is Love,” is “almost done” according to their myspace page. In addition, the songs’ melodies have enough slightly different twists and turns that “the eight-notes-in-row” standard probably wouldn’t hold up. Creaky Boards’ song is a sunnier slice of almost twee-sounding power-pop in comparison to Coldplay’s moody, anthem-ready, string-laden hit.
Sure enough on E’s website, there are posted statements from Coldplay’s management that Martin was in London and not at that show, which was said to take place in October 2007. Also, supposedly “Viva La Vida” was recorded in March of last year, long before said show. Hoepfner wrote to E and said that he must’ve been mistaken. He could’ve honestly thought he’d been robbed or it could’ve been just a way to hype his music. Either way, both songs are good in their own different ways. There should be room for both of them to exist.
Here are some other “similar” songs:
George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” and the Chiffons’ “He’s So Fine.” - It was ruled that Harrison’s song was too similar to the girl-group’s hit, thus proving that even legends can be caught copying people, whether by accident or not. Harrison's use was said to be unintentional.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Dani California” and Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” – Petty was concerned by the similarities between his 1993 hit and the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2005 single. Both songs are bluesy work-ups full of references to different states. They sound an awful lot alike and the music press had a little bit of a field day for a few moments with this story. In none of the stories I read on the subject, however, did anyone notice that both tracks were produced by Rick Rubin. Hmmmmm.
The Flaming Lips’ “Flight Test” and Cat Stevens “Father and Son.” – This is a rather straightforward sound-alike. The songs’ melodies are virtually identical. As soon as the common elements were noticed, the Flaming Lips agreed to give Stevens (now Yusuf Islam) credit.
The Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA” and Chuck Berry’s “Sweet Little Sixteen” – This is another obvious one. They sound pretty much exactly the same, even down to their obsession with geography. Berry was given a writing credit. Brian Wilson must’ve been a big Berry fan. If you listen to “Fun, Fun, Fun,” it seems to me like the intro is pretty much lifted from “Johnny B. Goode.”
The "Final Jeopardy" music and “I’m a Little Teapot.” – Every time I watch Jeopardy at the very end, I want to sing the words, “tip me over and pour me out! Bom Bom!!”
Sublime’s “What I Got” and The Beatles’ “Lady Madonna” – I’ve never seen anyone write about this, but Sublime’s big breakthrough (coming unfortunately a few months after leader Brad Nowell’s death) is a clear, yet maybe unintentional nod to the Fab-Four’s hit.
John Mayer’s “Waiting For the World To Change” and Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” – Mayer’s socially conscious song and Gaye’s smooth-lovin’ anthem share the same chord-progression and could easily be sung side by side. Again, I’ve never read anybody else’s observations on this comparison.
INXS’ “Need You Tonight” and Frédéric Chopin's "Death March” – It was really weird when Michael Hutchence died. He was so young and still had career possibilities ahead of him. Shortly after his death, I listened to INXS’ greatest hits and it occurred to me that the guitar line/centerpiece of “Need You Tonight” sounds an awful lot like “The Death March.” There are a couple of notes missing, but it has the same general feel. The dance beat only makes it unsettling. That being said, it’s still a classic.
Green Day’s “Hitchin’ a Ride” and the Stray Cats’ “Stray Cats Strut” – Both tracks are built around the same simple bass-line. If copyright rules were stricter, Green Day might find themselves in trouble when you also consider that one of the sections of their epic track “Jesus of Suburbia” sounds just like Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69.”
The Strokes’ “Razorblade” and Barry Manilow’s “Mandy” – In an unusual move, the chorus to this Strokes song bares a striking similarity to Barry’s “Lite” radio staple. It’s pretty strange and hopefully a coincidence. I don’t know if the guys in the Strokes spend a lot of time listening to Barry Manilow, but a lot of critics have noticed the two tracks’ common traits.
Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life” – It takes a lot to borrow a bass-line from such a timeless song, but it seems to me that Jet did it. It’s actually more than a bass-line; to me, it's the essence of the entire track. The song has its fans and it has its detractors, but few will argue that it’s the most original piece around. Sometimes originality isn't everything, though, and borrowed elements can still make for a good song.
What do you think? Can you think of any songs you think sound like each other?
June 20, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (50)
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isn't the expression "chalked up to coincidence?"
Posted by: shelby | Jun 20, 2008 2:07:41 PM
You can sing the words to "Heart and Soul" to the piano part in "Walkin' in Memphis".
"What's Goin' On" and "Don't Worry Be Happy" can be sung simultaneously (hilarious).
Posted by: fun music girl | Jun 20, 2008 2:09:46 PM
Green Day's "Brain Stew" vs. Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4."
The Offspring's "Get a job" vs. Beatles "life goes on"
Ray Parker Jr's "Ghostbusters" vs. Huey Lewis and the News "I want a new drug"
There are definitely more. Have fun!
Posted by: lancer | Jun 20, 2008 2:13:59 PM
I've always thought it incredibly odd that the opening chord structure and mood of "You Never Give Me Your Money" by the Beatles was oddly similar to the opening chord structure and mood of "Fly Me to the Moon." Don't know if there's anything to it, but if you look at the chord structure, these are pretty complex chords we're talking about, not your basic, C-F-G kind of thing. Someone put some thought into it. I wonder if Paul M. was listening--or reading--"Fly Me"'s music sheets one day and decided to lift the very emotive chord structure. Not that that's stealing, but I'd love to know if it's true.
Posted by: Will | Jun 20, 2008 2:23:35 PM
The Police's "Every Breath You Take"
and Leo Sayer's "More Than I Can Say" Also,Stealers Wheel's "Stuck in the Middle With You" and Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do". These are virtually twin songs by different artists.
Posted by: Jill | Jun 20, 2008 2:26:32 PM
"Under Pressure" by David Bowie and Queen and "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice.
"With or Without You" by U2 and "Shadow of the Day" by Linkin Park. Helen Keller could tell you it's a total rip-off.
Posted by: Ed | Jun 20, 2008 2:43:05 PM
re: "Under Pressure" by David Bowie and Queen and "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice.
this was legitimate. Bowie licensed the riff to Vanilla Ice.
Posted by: david | Jun 20, 2008 2:55:56 PM
I think sometimes it can be chalked up to who the band's influences were. Just this morning I was listening to The White Stripes "Icky Thump" and it sounds as if Jack took a cue from the Jimmy Page school of guitar playing.
Posted by: Diane | Jun 20, 2008 3:13:04 PM
I have heard both songs and I think Coldplay may have copied. I love Coldplay but after hearing the Creaky Boards song, it's just too close. WAY too close. Closer than any of the songs mentioned above.
Posted by: Nikki | Jun 20, 2008 3:34:31 PM
Beatles "Sexy Sadie" and Jet "Look what you've done" ... I know its an intential nod to the Fab Four... but it just bothers me.
Posted by: matt w. | Jun 20, 2008 3:34:56 PM
Mr. Van Winkle never obtained permission to use the base line from Under Pressure. He was threatened with a lawsuit and the 3 groups came to an undisclosed agreement without going to court.
Bowie and Queen were furious about the a$$clown's use of the music and never licensed anything to him.
Posted by: jim | Jun 20, 2008 3:38:58 PM
Green Days "Warning" and The Kinks "Picture Book"...It's basically the same song.
Posted by: Cwolf | Jun 20, 2008 3:45:41 PM
I hate it when later musicians redo classics. Like Vaughn doing exactly Hendrix. What's the point? That one could? That amounts to nothing of any value. If you are creative you should do your OWN stuff.
It makes me think there are a LOT of plagiarists in the music business rather than "artists" as they proclaim.
Posted by: Dman | Jun 20, 2008 3:49:07 PM
Eric Carmen's "All By Myself" and Rachmaninoff's 2nd piano concerto. Carmen took both the melody and the chord structure and sued the arrangement as well! Have a listen.
Posted by: padajo | Jun 20, 2008 3:55:38 PM
This is probably a publicity stunt. I never knew them before this. Now I do. Kind of pathetic for Creaky Boards to try and sue Coldplay.
Posted by: BrittanySmiles | Jun 20, 2008 4:07:50 PM
What about Green Day and Oasis? Especially with Green Day's "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" and Oasis' "Wonderwall"?
Posted by: Michael | Jun 20, 2008 4:15:59 PM
Black Velvet, Bad to the Bone, Come through my Window...
All have the same base line.
Posted by: TRed | Jun 20, 2008 4:20:58 PM
Blues Traveler "Hook" and Pachelbel "Canon in D". Would make an awesome smashup.
Posted by: HopAlongBob | Jun 20, 2008 4:36:51 PM
Heart's 'Barracuda' Led Zeppelin's 'Achilles Last Stand'
Posted by: Ruby Tuesday | Jun 20, 2008 4:43:42 PM
Sammy Kershaw..National Working Woman's Holiday & Tracy Byrd's 10 Rounds With Jose Cuervo
Posted by: Tim | Jun 20, 2008 4:45:48 PM
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