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Take a listen to “Work Hard, Play Harder” by self-proclaimed redneck woman Gretchen Wilson–above, used in an ad for TNT’s Holly Hunter vehicle Saving Grace–and ask yourself: “Does this song sound familiar to me?” Because someone who heard it recently answered that question, “Hell yes, that song sounds familiar because I wrote it–well, at least the verses to it–17 years ago.” After the jump, the song that Wilson may have ripped off!
Yes, the Black Crowes are pretty hopping mad about the strong similarities between the verses of “Work Hard, Play Harder” and their own “Jealous Again”–so mad, they’ve issued notices of copyright infringement not just to Wilson, but also to Wilson’s parent label Sony BMG, publishing company J Money Music, and TNT. No response from the filed-against parties, but Black Crowes manager Peter Angelus said in a statement, “We find the musical verses of Wilson’s song to be such an obvious example of copyright infringement that I expect all parties to reach a relatively quick resolution to avoid litigation.” I just have one thing to add: If that resolution could involve replacing Wilson’s track with “Jealous Again” in the ads, it would really liven up my daily Law & Order rerun watching.
Gretchen Wilson – “Work Hard, Play Harder” [YouTube]
Black Crowes – “Jealous Again” [YouTube]
I find it very hard to work up any sympathy for the Black Crowes in this situation, I must admit.
But who will play Cowboy Troy in the movie???
Once again, I hear a similarity. And once again I find it very easy to believe that someone else could come up with that melody and cadence all by herself. Granted, “Jealous Again” is a little more well-known than songs that have lately been claimed to be the inspiration for current recordings, but it’s not like she’s stealing lyrics or samples of the Crowes original (which is probably a Rolling Stones rip in the first place).
“the first to clock in and the last to pass out.” classy.
can’t deny the very strong similarities in the verses.
although i would rather watch videos for EITHER of these songs than that “lucky chance” bullshit which marred an otherwise perfectly creepy L&O episode.
I’ve found better albums, but my personal favorite used CD purchase ever was the “Kicking My Heart Around” single that had all their hits to date* (Hard to Handle -> Thorn In My Pride). $4.99 — thank you, AKA Music.
*”To date” = ever, in this case.
Can you pretty please post a link to the Angelus statement?
@Chris N.: I got it in my e-mail… let me find a link.
Thanks anyway, I found it.
Will these accusations of plagiarism never stop? Next thing you know, they’ll be saying the new Kid Rock single steals from Warren Zevon.
This has been my complaint about “new” country music all along… please do something original. I love both Gretch and Black Crowes, but a blatant rip like this, pick up the phone and ask permission for chirss’sake….
And Kid Rock? The guy admits IN HIS SONGS he’s ripping…. That is respect… And that’s the whole question here. Mockery is the highest form of flattery, ripping off, is the lowest form of music………….
Gretchen’s song is better. They’re jealous that she used similar music and made a better song.
Vanilla Ice did the same thing. As some comments pointed out Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” is a mix of “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Wearwolves of London.”
I don’t remember Skynyrd throwing a fit about it though.
Vanilla Ice did the same thing. As some comments pointed out Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long” is a mix of “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Wearwolves of London.”
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Vanilla Ice was sued for infringement, lost the case and now has both the members of Queen and David Bowie listed as authors of “Ice Ice baby”. Kid Rock got permission from both Zevon and Skynyrd and given suitable writing credit.
Gretchen Wilson tried to pull a fast one and she got caught. It’s what happens when you try to substitute glitz for real talent.