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copyright - Burning Times

25 Mar 01 - 05:46 PM (#425395)
Subject: copyright - Burning Times
From: GUEST,Paul Mitchell

Damn that cookie (any suggetsions on reseting?)

I do a parody version of "The Burning Times", a song released by some one or another a few years back. I'm thinking of recording it for general consumption, as it tends to go down well at various gig's I'm fortunate enough to do. My question is .. Does anyone know if I should persue any legal stuff re' copyright. I'm thinking about putting it onto C.D., probably to be released in a year. It is quite intentionaly obvious that my version is a bit of a piss take. However, I can't believe that I will sell more than 200 copies in all.

So, any thoughts?

Paul


25 Mar 01 - 05:52 PM (#425403)
Subject: RE: copyright - Burning Times
From: Little Hawk

Oddly enough, I do a serious song called "The Burning Times". However, one cannot copyright a title, so I don't suppose it really matters.

- LH


25 Mar 01 - 07:49 PM (#425477)
Subject: RE: copyright - Burning Times
From: MMario

strictly not legal advice - but my opinion would be - acknowledge the source - and if called on it pay the approx 8 cents per copy.


25 Mar 01 - 11:15 PM (#425567)
Subject: RE: copyright - Burning Times
From: SeanM

Actually, according to the Supreme Court, parody is a constitutionally protected form of free speech and thus not a copyright issue. This was decided a few years back...

It IS considered polite to get the parodied artists' blessing, but not necessary.

M


26 Mar 01 - 04:10 AM (#425647)
Subject: RE: copyright - Burning Times
From: P Mitchell@work

So, does any one know who wrote the original. It starts off "In the cool of the evening they used to gather..." and offers an "alternative" histrory of the European witch trials.

Paul


26 Mar 01 - 04:18 AM (#425648)
Subject: RE: copyright - Burning Times
From: P Mitchell@work

Having had a bit if a look round I see the version I'm interested in is attributed to Charlie Murphy". So, anyone know how I can get in touch with him?

Paul


26 Mar 01 - 04:55 AM (#425658)
Subject: RE: copyright - Burning Times
From: Joe Offer

Hi, Paul - I posted a song by him in this thread (click). I don't know if the address I had was current, but what I had was:
Out Front Music, P.O. Box 12188, Seattle, WA 98102
Hope that helps.
-Joe Offer-


26 Mar 01 - 07:36 AM (#425684)
Subject: RE: copyright - Burning Times
From: P Mitchell@work

What a great place this is! Thanks for your help. Joe, I'll send a letter to the address and see if it's current, or if they have any other ideas.

Paul.


26 Mar 01 - 07:05 PM (#426185)
Subject: RE: copyright - Burning Times
From: FOG(Friend of Gnome)

Would love to hear the parody of what is a great serious song. The best straight version I have heard of this one is by Christy Moore on his Smoke and strong whisky album.

Any chance of hearing the parody Paul or at least the lyrics?-Oh I forgot-even less than 200 people will buy it then.

All the best anyway-keep creating.


27 Mar 01 - 03:19 AM (#426338)
Subject: RE: copyright - Burning Times
From: P Mitchell@work

FOG, i will gladly send you the tune when I record it. An experiment in turning something into an MP3 file. So, give us an e-mail address and I'll get on it. I know it means that less than 200 people will buy it, but I always have my current C.D. available. Only a fiver gov'. Can't say no fairer than that now. Worth it just for the cover........

Paul.