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Weird Al Says 'Don't Download This Song'

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the really-he-would-like-you-to-though dept.

Kazzahdrane writes "Known geek and comedy singer/songwriter Weird Al Yankovic has released the first song from his new album 'Straight Outta Lynwood' for free on his MySpace page. The track is entitled 'Don't Download This Song' and tells of the dangers of illegally downloading music from filesharing sites." His MySpace page is most excellent. "Hi. Al here. No, really, it's Al. Seriously. What, you don't believe me? Go ahead, check weirdal.com. Hit the MySpace link. See if it brings you right back to this page. Go ahead. I'll wait. See? It's really me. I should point out... this means that conversely, all those other people on MySpace who are claiming to be me or implying that they are me... are definitely NOT me. I'm sure they're very nice people... they're just not 'Weird Al' Yankovic. I assure you."

2 of 353 comments (clear)

  1. OMFG - the label! by Ph33r+th3+g(O)at · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Weird Al is distributed under a faux independent label, Volcano Records, which is owned by Sony BMG, who brought us intrusive DRM and is a proud part of the RIAA intellectual "property" lawsuit cartel. Now I have to get a new goddamned movement for my irony meter!

    --
    I too have felt the cold finger of injustice.
    1. Re:OMFG - the label! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

      Weird Al is distributed under a faux independent label, Volcano Records, which is owned by Sony BMG, who brought us intrusive DRM and is a proud part of the RIAA intellectual "property" lawsuit cartel. Now I have to get a new goddamned movement for my irony meter!

      Weird Al was originally on a very obscure indie label called "Scotti Brothers." Its name was changed to "Volcano" when another label bought them out, then that label was co-opted by Sony BMG. So yes, he is distributed by Sony, but it's not exactly a diabolical plan on Weird Al's part. Actually I have friends who were in another band on the "Scotti Brothers" label, and found themselves in effect Sony artists. Which is not a good thing, because Sony won't honor the Scotti Bros. terms or release them from the contract-- so their first few CDs are basically buried forever.

      This actually happens quite a bit with Indie bands, they sign contracts with small labels (which are usually somewhat vague, as neither have access to top-notch entertainment lawyers) and the labels are bought out by the majors-- and the bands find themselves having to deal with exactly the people they were trying to avoid.