McCain nabs videogame score for campaign ad; composer pissed

[EarlG]

From http://www.gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=26443723&sid=6192770&om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;10">Gamespot.

Electronic Arts' Medal of Honor series has always been noted for its sound design, from authentically reproduced gunshots to rousingly epic scores. Republican John McCain apparently hopes the music from the series will help rouse the electorate, as the presidential candidate used a selection from Medal of Honor: European Assault in a recent campaign ad, as reported by GamePolitics.

(snip)

The composer of that piece, Christopher Lennertz, has taken exception to the use of his music for a political ad. While he told GamePolitics that McCain's use of the music wasn't illegal, he still didn't approve of it.

"I am dismayed that my music has been used to promote his platform and even more disappointed that a candidate who claims to be the best voice for American entrepreneurs and business owners in this troubled economy so flagrantly ignored the most basic values and tenents of copyright and intellectual property," Lennertz said in a statement to Game Politics. "What, I ask, does such an action or oversight say about Mr. McCain's regard for the intrinsic value of American products, services, or creations? Where does the line get drawn? Is it reasonable to use my music to sell tobacco, alcohol, or pornographic materials? Is it reasonable to use it to promote a religion in which I do not believe? Is it legal?...yes, perhaps, is it ethical?...I don't believe so. Is it American?...definitely not by my standards. ... As an artist, business owner, and patriot, I proudly support Senator Barack Obama for the Presidency of the United States of America."

:applause:

[Cha]

1. Thank you, Christopher Lennertz!

mccain keeps stepping in Obama supporters' songs' shit.

[FrenchieCat]

2. McCain's a thief just like his wife.

[AlCzervik]

3. Good for him for speaking out, it reminds me of when Reagan "Born in the USA"

did no one even listen to that, i doubt they had a clue what the song was about.

[Spider Jerusalem]

8. Heh. I remember about 10 years ago...

Wrangler Jeans used 'Fortunate Son' by Creedence Clearwater in an ad. The only part of the lyrics you heard: 'Some people were born, made to wave the flag...ooh, they're red, white, and blue'...as much of a bad joke as Reagan's campaign using 'Born in the USA'.

[anonymous171]

4. McCain is fucking obsessed with war.

[Barack_America]

5. Folks, welcome to "Scoregate".

Those McCains sure are thieving little finks, aren't they?

Well, at least their interns are, as I'm sure that Cindy has never baked a cookie and John certain has never played a video game.

[davidpdx]

6. Damn, I was hoping it was the Pac-Man videogame sound

maybe someone should make a video of a large Pac-Man (with McCain's face) getting eaten by some ghosts.

[blogslut]

9. I'm just glad it wasn't the Zelda theme

Then, it would become personal. :)

[EmperorHasNoClothes]

7. Eventually McCain will learn: the only musician who doesn't hate him is Ted Nugent

[spag68]

15. Ted Nugent is a musician???????

[Runcible Spoon]

10. hahahaha McCain got PWNT big time

:rofl: I love how pugs always gank music and then act dismayed when the artists don't want their work associated with lies, hate, and greed.

[AuntPatsy]

11. i wish the media would make this a story....one could hope.

[symbolman]

12. Excuse me, but how is it that this is Legal?

Isnt McCain selling a "Product", himself? Perhaps the composer is pissed but he sold his work to the game's producer who allowed McGrumpy full use?

Goddam thieving McCains, in the Old West they woulda got hung from the highest tree for cattle rustling... :)

This interests me because I'm about ready to contact a manager in NY city about selling some of my music and I'd be pissed if it ended up like this scenario..

[newmajority]

16. Depends on who owns the publishing rights to the music.

In this case, if it's not the composer, it's the video game manufacturer.

When Reagan tried to use "Born In The Usa" or when Chimp tried to use "I Won't Back Down" in 2000, they got called out by the artist themselves, because Springsteen & Petty own their own publishing.

The surviving Beatles weren't happy when Nike was the first company to use one of their songs, "Revolution" in a commercial. I imagine Lennon would have been especially pissed, were he around to see that travesty. Unfortunately, Michael Jackson controlled the publishing rights, and I think this was about the same time he got in his first round of "legal troubles", which is probably why he needed the quick cash.

Bottom line.... if you're a musician, always keep the publishing rights. Or you won't have a lot to say about how they use your music in the future.

[babylonsister]

13. Isn't this the third or fourth tune he's tried to scam for his campaign and the artist

objected to it? Batting a thousand, isn't he. :D

[grantcart]

17. and why do I have a sudden urge for cookies lol

[grantcart]

18. dupe

[Bjorn Against]

14. This is my favorite quote...

"Is it reasonable to use my music to sell tobacco, alcohol, or pornographic materials?"

Yes, I must say that McCain's campaign is more deadly than tobacco, drives people to consume lots of alcohol, and is like pornographic materials for billionaires who like to watch the American people get screwed.

[grantcart]

19. For some unknown reason when I read this I have a compulstion to eat some

[Major Hogwash]

20. That's a copyright infringement! McCain is screwed.

Maybe he should start using the Three Stooges music in his ads.

LoL

[Political Heretic]

21. God what a dumbass.

That would be McCain I am referring to. :P