ludwig said:

Nivivrus said:

And wasn't aspects of Guitar ripped from other songs as well?

The guitar riff is very similar to the one in U2's "I will follow", and the chorus is similar to The Beatle's "Back in the USSR".

Guitar was an original song with a stolen guitar line, but it is a different song. Colonized Mind is way too similar to Quit It. The exact rip of No responsibility and the musical similarity are just too much. I still give Prince credit for doing a good remake. Colonized Mind sounds more like Quit It than Crimson And Clover sounds like the song it was remade from.

metallicjigolo said:

Here's what some people are missing:

"Quit it" features a chord progression/structure/instrumentation that was very prevalent in the late 60's early 70's. Especially with "social" or "message" songs. Prince is/was a child from this era. Do you suspect that, like most of his music, he simply drew upon what came before him and turned it into his own thing?

I mean, "Delirous" "jack U Off" and "Horny Toad" sound EXACTLY like dozens and dozens of rockabilly/early rock n roll songs from the late 50's down to chords, drum patterns, and changes. The only difference is, in most of these cases, Prince's lyrics and synths. Also, there is something to be said that Prince was even biting the style of early 80's rockabilly revival bands like The Stray Cats with these songs.

Anyways, this song/Colonized Mind is not nearly the blatant rip off that some are claiming. Inspired by? Perhaps. I can list countless Prince songs that are way closer to other songs

I mean, the way some folks are talking on this thread, you would think that many here have not heard a fucking James Brown song before. Know what I mean?

[Edited 8/10/12 20:37pm]

[Edited 8/10/12 20:38pm]

iloveannie said:

skywalker said:

Here's what some people are missing:

"Quit it" features a chord progression/structure/instrumentation that was very prevalent in the late 60's early 70's. Especially with "social" or "message" songs. Prince is/was a child from this era. Do you suspect that, like most of his music, he simply drew upon what came before him and turned it into his own thing?

Can you name another song of that era that sounds like that? Just one example, please.

metallicjigolo said:

iloveannie said:

Well then he needs to credit it as such. He throws his teddies out of the cot over a dancing navy!

Maybe he knew her personally and got permission directly from her. Maybe she didn't want credit.

Maybe he shits diamonds.

skywalker said:

Here's what some people are missing:

"Quit it" features a chord progression/structure/instrumentation that was very prevalent in the late 60's early 70's. Especially with "social" or "message" songs. Prince is/was a child from this era. Do you suspect that, like most of his music, he simply drew upon what came before him and turned it into his own thing?

I mean, "Delirous" "jack U Off" and "Horny Toad" sound EXACTLY like dozens and dozens of rockabilly/early rock n roll songs from the late 50's down to chords, drum patterns, and changes. The only difference is, in most of these cases, Prince's lyrics and synths. Also, there is something to be said that Prince was even biting the style of early 80's rockabilly revival bands like The Stray Cats with these songs.

Anyways, this song/Colonized Mind is not nearly the blatant rip off that some are claiming. Inspired by? Perhaps. I can list countless Prince songs that are way closer to other songs

I mean, the way some folks are talking on this thread, you would think that many here have not heard a fucking James Brown song before. Know what I mean?

[Edited 8/10/12 20:37pm]

[Edited 8/10/12 20:38pm]

Consider your bluff called!

Can you please list five Prince songs and the "other songs" that they are closer to than "Colonized Mind" is to "Quit It?"

metallicjigolo said:

iloveannie said:

Well then he needs to credit it as such. He throws his teddies out of the cot over a dancing navy!

Maybe he knew her personally and got permission directly from her. Maybe she didn't want credit.

mynameisnotsusan said:

metallicjigolo said:

iloveannie said: Maybe he knew her personally and got permission directly from her. Maybe she didn't want credit.

Maybe he shits diamonds.

rialb said:

skywalker said:

Here's what some people are missing:

"Quit it" features a chord progression/structure/instrumentation that was very prevalent in the late 60's early 70's. Especially with "social" or "message" songs. Prince is/was a child from this era. Do you suspect that, like most of his music, he simply drew upon what came before him and turned it into his own thing?

I mean, "Delirous" "jack U Off" and "Horny Toad" sound EXACTLY like dozens and dozens of rockabilly/early rock n roll songs from the late 50's down to chords, drum patterns, and changes. The only difference is, in most of these cases, Prince's lyrics and synths. Also, there is something to be said that Prince was even biting the style of early 80's rockabilly revival bands like The Stray Cats with these songs.

Anyways, this song/Colonized Mind is not nearly the blatant rip off that some are claiming. Inspired by? Perhaps. I can list countless Prince songs that are way closer to other songs

I mean, the way some folks are talking on this thread, you would think that many here have not heard a fucking James Brown song before. Know what I mean?

[Edited 8/10/12 20:37pm]

[Edited 8/10/12 20:38pm]

Consider your bluff called!

Can you please list five Prince songs and the "other songs" that they are closer to than "Colonized Mind" is to "Quit It?"

"Cream" and "Bang a Gong" by T. Rex

"3 Chains O' Gold" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

"The Work Pt. 1" and 3/4 of James Brown's catalog

"Delirious" and "Don't be Cruel" by Elvis Presley

"Jack U Off & Horny Toad" and "Rock this Town" by the Stray Cats (who are copying Carl Perkins and Buddy Holly themselves)

"4ever in My Life" is almost exactly the drum/bass of "Everyday People" by Sly Stone simply at a slower tempo.

"Walk Don't Walk" and "Sing a Simple Song" by Sly Stone (listen to the drums nearly identical)

"Space" and "Do the Funky Penguin" by Rufus Thomas (bassline and drums)

"Dreamer" and "Voodoo Child" by Jimi Hendrix

Bottom line: Do I think Prince is ripping people off? No more than any other artist. There is a comon langauge and phrasing in popular music. Prince is very fluent in it and, like always, translates it into his own way of speaking musically.

[Edited 8/11/12 8:46am]

mynameisnotsusan said:

IDK if it's really fair to say he full-on bit Quit It for Colonized Mind. No more than he bit "When I Come Around" for "So Far So Pleased." Can you really be called a copycat for mimicking a chord progression? If so, then everyone's a copycat except the very first person who used that specific chord progression.

Also, I always felt Colonized Mind felt more like his version of All Along The Watch Tower than anything else. I see more similarities with those two songs than I do with Quit It.

[Edited 8/11/12 16:32pm]

Prince is too gifted to rip off anyone. Stop the madness! "Colonized mind" is an original "Masterpiece"...

skywalker said:

"Cream" and "Bang a Gong" by T. Rex

"3 Chains O' Gold" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

"The Work Pt. 1" and 3/4 of James Brown's catalog

"Delirious" and "Don't be Cruel" by Elvis Presley

"Jack U Off & Horny Toad" and "Rock this Town" by the Stray Cats (who are copying Carl Perkins and Buddy Holly themselves)

"4ever in My Life" is almost exactly the drum/bass of "Everyday People" by Sly Stone simply at a slower tempo.

"Walk Don't Walk" and "Sing a Simple Song" by Sly Stone (listen to the drums nearly identical)

"Space" and "Do the Funky Penguin" by Rufus Thomas (bassline and drums)

"Dreamer" and "Voodoo Child" by Jimi Hendrix

Bottom line: Do I think Prince is ripping people off? No more than any other artist. There is a comon langauge and phrasing in popular music. Prince is very fluent in it and, like always, translates it into his own way of speaking musically.

[Edited 8/11/12 8:46am]

I really like your last two posts, especially what I have in bold above. Even Owen Husney has said on two different occasions that Prince's main genius is his ability to take older ideas to the next level or progression. But, so that I know that I am not just being blinded by my own subjective admiration for Prince, where is the line in the sand between ripping off someone and being influenced by them. As humans, we are all influenced by someone. In fact, the primary way that children learn to do anything is by modeling others. But, how do we know when an artist is modeling or being influenced by others and when an artist is copying or stealing? Or, is there no real way to know for certain, and we are left to measure the amount of the artist’s originality versus the amount in which the artist is molded by or influenced by others?

skywalker said:

rialb said:

Consider your bluff called!

Can you please list five Prince songs and the "other songs" that they are closer to than "Colonized Mind" is to "Quit It?"

"Cream" and "Bang a Gong" by T. Rex

"3 Chains O' Gold" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

"The Work Pt. 1" and 3/4 of James Brown's catalog

"Delirious" and "Don't be Cruel" by Elvis Presley

"Jack U Off & Horny Toad" and "Rock this Town" by the Stray Cats (who are copying Carl Perkins and Buddy Holly themselves)

"4ever in My Life" is almost exactly the drum/bass of "Everyday People" by Sly Stone simply at a slower tempo.

"Walk Don't Walk" and "Sing a Simple Song" by Sly Stone (listen to the drums nearly identical)

"Space" and "Do the Funky Penguin" by Rufus Thomas (bassline and drums)

"Dreamer" and "Voodoo Child" by Jimi Hendrix

Bottom line: Do I think Prince is ripping people off? No more than any other artist. There is a comon langauge and phrasing in popular music. Prince is very fluent in it and, like always, translates it into his own way of speaking musically.

[Edited 8/11/12 8:46am]

I see the point you are trying to make, but this list does not do it. A song in the same genre is not the same as a cover, sound alike, or parody. The songs in question, "Quit it" and "Colonized Mind", have more in common than just chord progression. They share the same melody, vocal arrangement, instrumentation and theme. It is entirely possible that "Colonized mind" was conceived entirely independent of, and with out knowledge of "Quit it", we will never know. But the fact remains that these songs can be interlaced with out significant variation in tempo or pitch. The ones you listed do not have that same relationship. Opinions vary, some say it sounds the same, some say it sounds different. The Fact remains they have the same key signature, start in D and fall to open A, use the same modulation on lead, and use almost identical fills.

Your examples may elicit a feeling of, or pay homage to certain types of music, but none will fit the above criteria. No one listened to "3 Chains of Gold" and thought he was covering "Bohemian Rhapsody". Many thought he copied the concept, but it is obviously not the same song.

I looked up "funky Penguin" and got this instead:

ufoclub said:

I looked up "funky Penguin" and got this instead:

(Hot ghetto Funky Penguin Mess was here)

Lawd, whenever Prince asks for audience participation, this is how I feel though.

I hate those, "clap yo hands.....ohh oohh....When I say this, you say that." crap

Well then don't go. Because every concert does that...

leonche64 said:

skywalker said:

"Cream" and "Bang a Gong" by T. Rex

"3 Chains O' Gold" and "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

"The Work Pt. 1" and 3/4 of James Brown's catalog

"Delirious" and "Don't be Cruel" by Elvis Presley

"Jack U Off & Horny Toad" and "Rock this Town" by the Stray Cats (who are copying Carl Perkins and Buddy Holly themselves)

"4ever in My Life" is almost exactly the drum/bass of "Everyday People" by Sly Stone simply at a slower tempo.

"Walk Don't Walk" and "Sing a Simple Song" by Sly Stone (listen to the drums nearly identical)

"Space" and "Do the Funky Penguin" by Rufus Thomas (bassline and drums)

"Dreamer" and "Voodoo Child" by Jimi Hendrix

Bottom line: Do I think Prince is ripping people off? No more than any other artist. There is a comon langauge and phrasing in popular music. Prince is very fluent in it and, like always, translates it into his own way of speaking musically.

[Edited 8/11/12 8:46am]

I see the point you are trying to make, but this list does not do it. A song in the same genre is not the same as a cover, sound alike, or parody. The songs in question, "Quit it" and "Colonized Mind", have more in common than just chord progression. They share the same melody, vocal arrangement, instrumentation and theme. It is entirely possible that "Colonized mind" was conceived entirely independent of, and with out knowledge of "Quit it", we will never know. But the fact remains that these songs can be interlaced with out significant variation in tempo or pitch. The ones you listed do not have that same relationship. Opinions vary, some say it sounds the same, some say it sounds different. The Fact remains they have the same key signature, start in D and fall to open A, use the same modulation on lead, and use almost identical fills.

Your examples may elicit a feeling of, or pay homage to certain types of music, but none will fit the above criteria. No one listened to "3 Chains of Gold" and thought he was covering "Bohemian Rhapsody". Many thought he copied the concept, but it is obviously not the same song.

Glad someone pointed that out. I too could see the point but it was way off the discussion. As for Colonised Mind being made without knowledge of Quit It? Who knows, as you rightly say. It could be that it was a subconscious mistake, could be theft, could be completely original just unfortunate. Until someone takes him to court and they decide the jury is out.

PS: Is KCool Prince? The lack of modesty shown by him over the years could suggest he was capable of such nonsense. KCool, if I ever need to form a Prince terrorist group can I count you in?

I remember other threads where "rip off" was used in the title and caused a similar drizzle in a teacup - I guess some fans forget that Prince has LONG been known as a magpie of pop.

Nothing is new, everything comes from somewhere - it isn't about what picture you paint, but the colours you use and how you frame it.

It's not that big a deal, but I'm having a really boing day so....

The reason that this is more of a rip off than other efforts IMO isn'y just the chord progression, it's because the style, rhythm and delivery of message couldn't be much tighter together and the lyrical timing and placement are bang on the money too.

I love both songs by the way, but really loving 'quit it' after this thread

NouveauDance said:

I remember other threads where "rip off" was used in the title and caused a similar drizzle in a teacup - I guess some fans forget that Prince has LONG been known as a magpie of pop.

Nothing is new, everything comes from somewhere - it isn't about what picture you paint, but the colours you use and how you frame it.

Great point.

skywalker said:Inspired by? Perhaps

The lifting of the "no responsibility" line renders such uncertainty moot.

novabrkr said:

Let's not forget, however, that a big part of the appeal of "Colonized Mind" lies on the chorus.

I don't know. I kinda dig it when musicians use other people's material to build new songs from. That's just essentially what music was about for several thousand years before somebody invented laws to prevent it.

Yes, some composers acquired fame due to the transcriptions of their original work.

However, it's interesting because Prince pays lawyers to intimidate people, if they 'use' his songs, lyrics, images etc. He protects his own work, however, doesn't apply the same standard when it comes to using the work of other musicians.

dJJ said:

So quick to call someone a "swagger jacker"...

ludwig said:

skywalker said:

Here's what some people are missing:

"Quit it" features a chord progression/structure/instrumentation that was very prevalent in the late 60's early 70's. Especially with "social" or "message" songs. Prince is/was a child from this era. Do you suspect that, like most of his music, he simply drew upon what came before him and turned it into his own thing?

Can you name another song of that era that sounds like that? Just one example, please.

Yes, just one example please!!!

Because I know A LOT of songs from that era (60's early 70's) and i cant remember a single song that sounds so much the same...

If the whole structure was indeed so prevalent like you claim, then there should be dozens of songs that sound like "Quit It".

[Edited 9/2/12 1:10am]

Still waiting for just one example of the many songs that allegedly sound so much like "quit it"...

Lawd, whenever Prince asks for audience participation, this is how I feel though.

I hate those, "clap yo hands.....ohh oohh....When I say this, you say that." crap

Yeah...me too...i am not gonna go to these hits-shows anymore for the same reason....it feels like a semi aerobics class for 40+ years old....''put your hands up''...pffff....