Heart to McCain/Palin: Back off on 'Barracuda'

[catgirl]

Source: Boston Globe

The rock group Heart has sent a message to John McCain and Sarah "Barracuda'' Palin: quit playing our 1977 hit ''Barracuda.''

Soon after the presidential nominee finished his acceptance speech late Thursday and running-mate Palin joined him on the Republican National Convention stage in St. Paul, the sound system pumped the throbbing introductory guitar licks to "Barracuda.''

It seemed the cleverest musical choice of both conventions. Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson, like Alaska Governor Palin, are outspoken products of the Pacific Northwest, and the sisters's tune also could refer to Palin's Dazed-and-Confused-Era nickname of Sarah Barracuda, given for her intense high-school basketball play.

But the Wilsons condemned the usage then and earlier in the convention, adding that Universal Music Publishing and Sony BMG have sent a cease-and-desist notice to the McCain-Palin campaign, according to CNN.

Read more: http://www.boston.com/ae/music/blog/2008/09/heart_to_mccain.html?s_campaign=8315

---

The Wilson sister's statement:

"Sarah Palin's views and values in NO WAY represent us as American women. We ask that our song 'Barracuda' no longer be used to promote her image. The song 'Barracuda' was written in the late 70s as a scathing rant against the soulless, corporate nature of the music business, particularly for women. (The 'barracuda' represented the business.) While Heart did not and would not authorize the use of their song at the RNC, there's irony in Republican strategists' choice to make use of it there."

More of article on link.

[Coventina]

1. Awesome statement by the sisters!

:thumbsup:

[Ken Burch]

54. Ann and Nancy Wilson ruled in the Seventies.

They rule NOW!

[kmdemqueen]

64. I knew the was a reason I liked them

I knew there was a reason I like that group.

[BayjanDem]

70. Oh yeah

Great musicians. It's good that they made a public statement. Nancy Wilson...:evilgrin:

[closeupready]

2. Ha, I just knew they would be pissed.

Rock on, Ann and Nancy! :yourock:

[NM Independent]

3. Take w/o asking = typical repug BS

Kind of like that sports complex in Wasilla that was built on land the city didn't own, which will now cost the city 10 times what it would have if it was done RIGHT.

[catgirl]

9. First I've heard of that one! Wow.

That deserves its own thread!!

[codjh9]

4. KICK ASS, Wilson Sisters! Notice how NO ONE wants the RNC to use their music?

Unless perhaps you're talking about some kind of jingoistic crap like 'The Red White and Blue'.

[saigon68]

6. Ah Yes the Red White and Blue

Redneck music for Levi

Toby Keith › Courtesy Of The Red, White & Blue

Justice will be served
And the battle will rage
This big dog will fight
When you rattle his cage
And youll be sorry that you messed with
The u.s. of a.
cause well put a boot in your ass
Its the american way

[Roy]

22. The irony is that the GOP set the rules with The Dixie Chicks

Don't agree with us politically, then we boycott your music.

Even worse they really tried to drive them out of the entertainment business period.

[texastoast]

38. I hope Barack

uses their "I Hope" song from their last CD when he is inaugurated.

That would be just so SWEET!

[Roy]

40. I was hoping to hear "I'm not ready to make nice"

That would have been so appropriate.

Actually, I was a bit disappointed to not hear any Dixie Chicks song at the convention.

[Ken Burch]

72. McCain's not even doing well with the Nashville crowd.

It's a bad sign when a GOP'er gets the support of Rich, but not Big.

And I wished Johnny Cash had still been around to knock John Rich upside the head(at least lyically)for claiming that The Man in Black would've been a McCain supporter.

[Zhade]

115. Great album!

NT!

[Enthusiast]

47. And they are the party of values.

:puke: :crazy: :wow:

[catgirl]

100. I gave lots of people their CD that Christmas!!

[dajoki]

31. Raygun tried the same thing...

with Springsteen's "Born in the USA" until Bruce put a stop to it.

[Straight Shooter]

57. Little Boots did the same thing with the song "Still the One"

His campaign was ordered to cease and desist playing the song.

What is it about Repubs that they feel the need to take without asking?

[LynneSin]

60. "Still the One" was also song by the band Orleans and one of their memeber John Hall...

..is now the US Representative for NY-17

[dajoki]

110. They feel its THEIR entitlement n/t

[barbtries]

46. maybe they could get ashcroft to sing

let the eagle soar

[ColonelTom]

5. Given the lyrics, I wish Heart had let them use it. nt

[Cronopio]

15. "Sell me, sell you" pretty much sums up Palin and McCain.

But Repubs see sociopathy as something to celebrate and embrace, not to be embarrassed about, don't they? "No right, no wrong, just selling a song - a name."

What silly, silly fools they are.

[SemperEadem]

66. correction

"No right, no wrong, just selling a song - a name."


that's "my name, whisper game..."

[RaleighNCDUer]

79. They don't pay any attention to lyrics.

Remember "Born in the USA"?

Repubs took it as a patriotic anthem.

(Which it is, but not in the way THEY wanted it.)

[54anickel]

7. Be nice if they'd allow the release of a music video putting those lyrics to

some Republican images.....



You lying so low in the weeds
I bet you gonna ambush me
Youd have me down down down down on my knees
Now wouldnt you, barracuda?

Back over time we were all
Trying for free
You met the porpoise and me
No right no wrong, selling a song-
A name, whisper game.

If the real thing dont do the trick
You better make up something quick
You gonna burn burn burn burn it to the wick
Ooooooh, barracuda?

[kayell]

8. It's just such a shame

Repukes have so few "artists" to choose from. Ted Nugent, Toby Keith (oops he jumped ship), ummmm, oh yeah, Johnny Ramone!

No wonder they have to steal Democratic artists music. They don't have any of their own that anyone can listen too.

And the ultimate irony is that they never seem to actually listen to the lyrics. Witness Reagan trying to use Pink Houses and Born in the USA.

[catgirl]

10. Jackson Browne is suing the Republican party for using his song

Old DU link:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3439246

[Bake]

17. Don't forget John Rich ("Big & Rich"), "Raising McCain"

Lame-ass song from a third-rate country singer.

Bake

[HopeHoops]

24. Yeah, and if you watch the clip, they have US flags hung backwards! GO ASU!

[grace0418]

32. It should be Raisin McCain, it's more descriptive. I'd love to see a political

cartoon with him dressed up like one of those raisins.

[Bette Noir]

26. And Bush Sr. with "Don't Worry, Be Happy."

[Lucy Goosey]

95. Is that for real? Really?

Or are you kidding? I can't imagine any politician who wanted to be taken seriously using that.

[CottonBear]

34. The Rethuglicans still have Lee Grenwood on their side. n/t

[bigscott]

45. dont forget

Daddy Yankee

[LynneSin]

61. And they have the band Hookers & Blow

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Brian_Ross_Republicans_lobbyists_partied_as_0902.html

I shit you not!

[WorseBeforeBetter]

106. Toby Keith jumped ship?

Isn't he the obnoxious one in the Chevy (Ford?) commercials?

[bitchkitty]

111. That was Alan Jackson -

I hated those commercials - wished he would crash his damned Ford truck and shut up.

[Danieljay]

11. Amazing. Every music group he tries to use threatens him with a lawsuit. Hilarious. n/t

[Politicalboi]

12. When I heard that song

Last night I couldn't believe that Heart would let them use it. I heard Journey too I bet they didn't allow that either. Typical Republicans. They think they can steal people's music to promote their hate.

[Zuiderelle]

13. Thank GOD! I heard that playing last night at the close of the convention and thought...

:wtf:

I hope they complain... I guess they did.

Go get em.

[Bluenorthwest]

14. Thou shalt not steal

These Bible waving nut jobs! The use of that song without permission and payment is theft pure and simple. They stole that song. And they knew they were stealing it, they did not ask for permission because they knew they would not get it, so they simply took it. These are the values of the Republicans, don't ask, just steal.
Theft, blatant public theft. Without remorse, and with full advance planning.

Getting fairly sick of those who puke on ethics flinging their Bibles at me, and it is high time to call thives by that name, and liars by that one. Sticky fingered, shoplifters of other people's property. That song is property, owned by the Wilson sisters. Theft is theft.

[uppityperson]

16. Excellent. k&r

[HopeHoops]

18. I'm shocked - two star women would object to an anti-woman candidate using their song?

Although there is a sweet irony - "Barracuda" is about a man - eat that mooseburger Sarah!

[w4rma]

44. "The 'barracuda' represented the business.", according to the Wilson sister

"Sarah Palin's views and values in NO WAY represent us as American women. We ask that our song 'Barracuda' no longer be used to promote her image. The song 'Barracuda' was written in the late 70s as a scathing rant against the soulless, corporate nature of the music business, particularly for women. (The 'barracuda' represented the business.) While Heart did not and would not authorize the use of their song at the RNC, there's irony in Republican strategists' choice to make use of it there."

[Bake]

19. Way to go, Ann and Nancy!!!

I loooooooooves me some Heart!! Saw them last month in Orange Beach, AL, along with Journey and Cheap Trick. They were SMOKIN'!!!!!!

Bake

[Rwalsh]

20. It's not that simple.

This MAY fall under "Fair use." (The article said McCain only used a few lines)

If so, Heart is SOL.

[HopeHoops]

21. "Fair use" and politics have a troubled past

Use of a song for political purposes can imply the endorsement of the artist.

[Bluenorthwest]

30. BS

Heart and their reps know all about 'fair use' and if they sent letters, it was not for no reason. McCain is already being sued by other artists. The Republicans have no respect for private property and this is yet another example of how they treat homegrown American artists and business people. They rip them off and never even blink.

[verges]

59. let's be honest.

Republican's have no respect for artist's in amy medium. Not just music. Overall federal arts funding since Reagan has plummeted! The National Endowment for the Arts is a shadow of what it was in the 70s. They don't care if Artist's are able to make aliving. It's not like it's a real job or anything! (sarcasm)


Edit to correct spelling error

[progdonkey]

35. just because it's a few bars doesn't make it "fair use"...

If you use one second of it without permission, it's copyright infringement, unless it's a parody, review, etc.

Besides, this follows a deliberate pattern by the McCain campaign to use music without the artist's consent. Van Halen already told them weeks ago to stop using "Right Now" because they were not asked for permission and they wouldn't have given it if they had been, yet they're still playing it. Now they're playing Heart's music without consent.

It's theft, pure and simple. They're not providing any sort of commentary on the songs, which would make it fair use--like a thief who sees a necklace and thinks, "That will go well with my wife's dress. I'm taking it," they see a song and think, "That'll go well with Palin or McCain. We're taking it."

[Kajsa]

37. I believe they used more lines from the song

than Fair use allows.

Even the WikiPedia article doesn't adequately define the amount
that may be used.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use

[harkowl]

41. It Doesn't Matter if it is "Fair Use"

The press that Heart is generating will make using the song again even worse!

[Hissyspit]

53. Um, they win just by letting people know they think McCain and Repubs suck.

The Repubs look foolish with so many artists saying leave our music alone.

[dodger501]

23. Did Obama campaign get the ok for Brooks & Dunn song

after his speech?
Just wondering . . .

[closeupready]

27. Yes.

I mean, I think so. Are you aware of something to indicate otherwise?

[Krakowiak]

43. B & D don't object to its use

If it felt familiar when
Brooks & Dunn’s “Only In America” played after Barack Obama’s acceptance speech last night, there was good reason: President George W. Bush used the same song four years ago when he was rallying against Democratic candidate John Kerry. Brooks & Dunn were big supporters of Bush, even playing W’s inauguration party back in 2001. So how does Kix Brooks feel about Obama’s use of the track? He wasn’t angry at Obama for using the song, a la Jackson Browne with John McCain. Instead Brooks said, “Seems ironic that the same song Bush used at the Republican Convention last election would be used by Obama and the Democrats now. Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans.”

http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2008/08/29/brooks-dunn-comment-on-obamas-use-of-only-in-america/

[LynneSin]

63. Kix Brooks was quoted as saying they were flattered that their song crossed party lines and inspires

http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1593802/kix-brooks-says-obamas-use-of-only-in-america-is-ironic-flattering.jhtml

Kix Brooks Says Obama's Use of "Only in America" Is "Ironic," "Flattering"
August 29, 2008
Kix Brooks finds irony in Barack Obama's use of Brooks & Dunn's "Only in America" to close his acceptance speech Thursday night (Aug. 28) at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, but the singer-songwriter said he's flattered by the indication of the song's widespread appeal. George W. Bush used the song, a No. 1 hit for the duo in 2001, as a campaign song during his 2004 re-election bid. During that campaign, Brooks & Dunn also appeared at events promoting Bush's candidacy. In a statement issued Friday morning (Aug. 29), Brooks said, "Seems ironic that the same song Bush used at the Republican Convention last election would be used by Obama and the Democrats now. ­Very flattering to know our song crossed parties and potentially inspires all Americans." As for Obama's use of the song, a spokesperson for Brooks & Dunn's label, Arista Nashville, told CMT.com, "We were unaware of this prior ... nor approached for an approval."

[RedLetterRev]

25. So the short list by now would be

how many artists AREN'T suing the RNC for ripping them off. Every time you turn around, it's someone else going after them for just helping themselves without paying. But that's the republican way.

Pretty sad.

The Republican motto: "On my honor, I will do my best, to take what they give me, and steal the rest."

[Kajsa]

28. Ann and Nancy rock!

I knew they would be fuming at the notion of their music
played at the RNC!

These are two very talented, intelligent women who have fought
the system for a long, long time.

Thanks for posting this.

Catgirl and Heart,:yourock:


Now- if only Van Halen would follow suit!

[johnlal]

29. I guess you're stuck with Ted Nugent

John McCain originally thought Wang Dang Sweet Poontang would be an appropriate Palin theme.

[Kajsa]

33. LOL- one of Nugent's songs IS appropriate ,Johnial!

( perhaps not THAT one though- :) )

Sara Palin is Ted Nugent in a dress.

[EC]

84. They should play Cat Scratch Fever for her

since she's so catty...

[Kajsa]

99. Yep! :-)

That would do just fine.

:)

[Zenlitened]

36. OMFG! "If the real thing don't do the trick..."

"If the real thing don't do the trick,'' Ann Wilson sang in "Barracuda,'' "You better make up something quick.''

:rofl:

But that's the Republican party Strategy of Constant Lies, right there in just two lines!

McCain's handlers are flailing like mad, looking for ANYTHING that will let them keep this election close enough to steal.

Ann and Nancy... :yourock: !!!

[Joanne98]

39. They should sue. Make it big. A 100 million.

[liberal N proud]

42. How many music artist does that make?

How many have told the McCain campaign to cease-and-desist?

Maybe they can get Ted Nugent to write the a little ditty about John and Sarah. Oh John Cougar did the ditty thing.

[Stern21]

48. WOOT! I was hoping they would do this.

They must have played this song for 5 minutes at least after McShame's speech.

Odd that they play a song for the VEEP after the POTUS candidate. Says a lot.

[KamaAina]

49. Isn't this like the third time this has happened to them so far?

Go ahead, repukes. Make my day. Play some bootleg Bruce, why don't you??

(this post originates from Mom's, just up the road from Asbury Park)

[Hissyspit]

52. Fifth, I think

Let's see, I think Bruce complained, John Mellencamp, Chuck Berry (?), it's hard to keep track. Heart and Jackson Browne. Seems like there was someone else, too.

The Republican party is a joke. Unfortunately so many Americans fall for the joke.

[doodadem]

58. Van Halen

The boys were rightously pissed.

[Beaverhausen]

88. Roseanne Cash sued on behalf of her father, Johnny Cash

they used a song of his and she was none too happy.

[Hissyspit]

103. Yup. I knew I was forgetting something.

[raebrek]

50. Francis Scott Key and John Stafford Smith called

Asked them to stop playing the "Star Spangled Banner" too.

Raebrek!!!

[NJRick1006]

51. Bravo

I always loved Heart/Wilson sisters. The rethugs would be hilarious if they weren't so frightening.

[Lasher]

55. Hahahahahaaaa, good for them.

I went to a Heart concert once long ago. They ruled!

[Just-plain-Kathy]

56. Not to change the subject, but, the song Born in the USA, is a horrible song about America.

Other than the throbbing chant of "Born in the USA, born in the USA", it really puts down our country.

We really should stop using it.

[Marnieworld]

62. I'm surprised that you feel that way

I find it a very poignant song from the perspective of Vietnam Veteran and what he experienced when he came back to America. There are very sad lives in America and Springsteen is a master poet at capturing them. Like many of his songs (like the theme from the movie Philadelphia) he tries to provoke compassion or even just an awareness of a life that has been buried as unpleasant to contemplate, the masses overlooked. To point out something that can be improved is not indicting the entire country. And how exactly do "we" "Use" it?

[LynneSin]

65. The post above mine explains it best but seriously - Born in the USA is a wonderful song

It doesn't put down our country but talks about how our country has been showing neglect. Springsteen wrote a wonderful song.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

77. It is a wonderful song, but it's a downer with an up beat.

We used it even after having Clinton for eight years.

edit to explain...

Last week as my husband and I were watching the end of our convention, the song was blaring throughout the stadium, we commented on how strange it was to see people joyfully dancing and bouncing balloons to the very sad lyrics.

[Hissyspit]

80. Nonsense. n/t

[EC]

85. It doesn't put down America

it represents the lost dream of America and that is what we are pounding at...

[JerseygirlCT]

108. Doesn't put down our country at all

Puts down the cruel way Vietnam vets were (and are still being) treated when they came home.

Unless you think any criticism of anything that happens here is putting down our country?

Bruce, as is usual for him, was calling the country to recognize its wrongs and fix them. Which is why he's supporting Obama, btw.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

114. Hey I give up, tar and feather me. I had more people respond to my feelings on a song,

than a thread I started explaining how Palin OKed a 26 (now maybe a 40) billion dollar gas pipeline (which has been stalled for three decades), on the day she was asked to be McCain's running-mate. ...No one cared about that post, but it seems my feelings on this song is important.

I respect vets and I always fight for truth and the *American way*....I LOVVVE Bruce Springsteen, -I would LOVVVE to met him and go out to diner with him, as a matter of fact, it was only a few years back that he was riding his motorcycle through my town and stop at my family's favorite "American" style restaurant. -I heard he ordered a hamburger. ...I felt bad that I missed him.

[JerseygirlCT]

117. Ack. And my response below was supposed to

go to yours! Sorry.

[JerseygirlCT]

116. Yeah, I know

It's a sad song, and more than that, it's an angry song, no doubt. But it's still a good one.

I've got all sorts of "brushes with greatness" connections to the boss - growing up in that area of NJ might have made that inevitable. But I've never met the guy myself. More's the shame!

[AngryOldDem]

67. Good on Heart.

Why does the GOP think it can just co-opt music just because it appears to fit whatever agenda its pressing?

The sad thing is, in most cases (like this one) they have no clue as to the song's significance or intent, which makes them look damned foolish. Reagan's use of Springsteen's "Born in the USA" comes rapidly to mind.

[Beregond2]

68. HA!

I KNEW Ann would be furious over this.

[treestar]

69. LOL, no one in the rock world wants McCrank and McBarbie

to play any of their songs!

[mmonk]

71. That's what us Heart Mongers wanted to hear.

[libnnc]

82. *swoon*

:wow:

:loveya:


wish there was a fainting smilie...

[mmonk]

86. She was playing about 15-18 feet in front of me last month.

The intro into "Crazy on You" was really great.

[libnnc]

87. I hate you.

x(

[mmonk]

91. I'll share.

Some clips from the same show from various fans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfv89zjSGy0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izr-xMAhLEw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6jtVwzdeVI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JXzhg92oaQ

I can't share my Heart autographed Gibson Les Paul guitar though.

[libnnc]

92. D'oh! You had to include that part about the Les Paul dint ya!

x(

Thanks for the video clips though :D

[mmonk]

93. Sorry, couldn't help it.

;-)

Enjoy :-)

[Ken Burch]

73. What would really have been great would be if they'd got mixed up

And used this duet from Gop backer Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1275886388475355820&ei=L23BSJWMA5SerAOllcnICQ&q=sheryly+crow+and+kid+rock&vt=lf&hl=en

I always picture McCain singing it to his FIRST wife.

(I think Sheryl would approve of us using it in an anti-McCain ad.)

[catgirl]

74. Jon Bon Jovi is hosting a fundraiser for Obama tonight!!

[SemperEadem]

75. Have you all read the posts under the article?

It's like the Wilsons are supposed to give up all of their rights just because of pitbull's nickname in high school.

[demo dutch]

76. Soon the RNC will run out of DECENT music to choose from!

[Zambero]

78. Palin is officially Heartless

Too bad, yet another Republican gets smacked down for using the artist's song without permission! Perhaps Palin could get the go-ahead from Hall & Oates for using their song "Sarah Smile". She'd need to edit the lyrics to suit her temperament, however. "Sarah SNARL" perhaps?

[ou_sooner_football]

81. What the heck?

Why isn't unemployment rate being discussed? It's now 6.1%. 5 year high.

and why don't democrats mention that the Westwind II Jet put for sale on Ebay by Governor Palin was purchased by former Governor Republican Frank Murkowski?

keywords "Republican"?

or Cindy Mccain's outfit cost $300,000?

[EC]

83. It's amazing that these nit-wits keep choosing songs that are

critical of them and they don't even know it...it just shows how maladjusted they are...

[Maestro]

89. Good for them!

I haven't listened to Heart in years. I think I am going to download some of their songs from iTunes!

[Initech]

90. They're going to exhaust the entire musical alphabet!

All they'll have left is that lame McCain song they played on Colbert last night. :rofl:

[Skip Intro]

94. I've loved those women for thrity years. They still rock!

[enuegii]

96. Maybe they could try something by Elvis Hitler...

doubt if they would complain.

[liberal renegade]

97. I also heard John Fogerty's music being played

put me in coach I'm ready to play. I'd never guessed Fogerty as being a republican.

[Muttocracy]

98. They're covering this on NPR right now :) nt

[FloridaJudy]

101. Patsy Kline died decades ago and can't complain

So maybe the Pubs can use "Crazy". It fits both Falin and McSame. If not, "I Fall to Pieces" might work.

[bitchkitty]

112. Cline n/t

[mantis49]

113. Can't use "Crazy"

Willie Nelson wrote it and I don't think he'd be shy about telling them to get fucked!

[Kajsa]

102. This story was on KNBC's 6 o'clock news- Heart had asked the RNC SEVERAL

times to stop using their song-

when they didn't, they issued the 'cease and desist' order.

Sounds just like the Repubs to continue using the song, eh?

Unfortunately, no link,yet.

[greblc]

104. My 10 year old guitar player and guitar hero enthusiast

Loves Heart because they released tracks to guitar hero. I'm off to Itunes for a Heart music purchase.

[U4ikLefty]

105. Why didn't they use Ted Nugent's "Wang Dang Sweet Poontang"?

It was prolly the love song of Palin & her hubby's biz-partner.

You've gotta love those "family values".

[donheld]

107. This is a great Heart!

[Zorra]

109. Republicans should stick to the very few songs written by republicans -

songs like "I Want To Be Elected" and "Billion Dollar Babies" by Alice Cooper.