Whenever the song Fight Test by the Flaming Lips comes on, I start singing Father and Son by Cat Stevens. I am not very musical by nature (for a long time music was mostly about lyrics for me), so the similarities must be really overt. I notice the round-style verse, some combinations of notes, the phrasing, even the subject matter.
Still, I was surprised to discover that the Flaming Lips were sued and now pay royalties to Yusuf Islam. I really like the song, so I’m happy it was made, but you’d think they’d take care of any rights issues up-front, before releasing the album.
Judge for yourself:
I’m just pleased that I recognized a pattern. It’s like hearing a commercial with a voice-over and recognizing the actor. It feels good!
