The Flaming Lips — Fight Test
Album: Yoshimi Battles The Pink RobotsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 985
Length: 4:14
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(The test begins...now)
I thought I was smart, I thought I was right
I thought it better not to fight
I thought there was a virtue, in always being cool
So it came time to fight, I thought I'll just step aside
And that the time would prove you wrong
And that you would be the fool
I don't know where the sunbeams end
And the starlights begin, it's all a mystery
Oh, to fight is to defend if it's not now then tell me when
Would be the time that you
Would stand up and be a man
For to lose I could accept but to surrender
I just wept and regretted this moment
Oh that I, was the fool
I don't know where the sunbeams end
And the starlights begin, it's all a mystery
And I don't know how a man decides
What's right for his own life, it's all a mystery
'Cause I'm a man, not a boy
And there are things you can't avoid, you have to face them
When you're not prepared to face them
If I could I would but you're with him, now I'd do no good
I should've fought him but instead I let him
I let him take you
I don't know where the sunbeams end
And the starlights begin, it's all a mystery
And I don't know how a man decides
What's right for his own life, it's all a mystery
I don't know where the sunbeams end
And the starlights begin, it's all a mystery
And I don't know how a man decides
What's right for his own life, it's all a mystery
I don't know where the sunbeams end
And the starlights begin, it's all a mystery
And I don't know how a man decides
What's right for his own life, it's all a mystery
(The test is over...now)
I thought I was smart, I thought I was right
I thought it better not to fight
I thought there was a virtue, in always being cool
So it came time to fight, I thought I'll just step aside
And that the time would prove you wrong
And that you would be the fool
I don't know where the sunbeams end
And the starlights begin, it's all a mystery
Oh, to fight is to defend if it's not now then tell me when
Would be the time that you
Would stand up and be a man
For to lose I could accept but to surrender
I just wept and regretted this moment
Oh that I, was the fool
I don't know where the sunbeams end
And the starlights begin, it's all a mystery
And I don't know how a man decides
What's right for his own life, it's all a mystery
'Cause I'm a man, not a boy
And there are things you can't avoid, you have to face them
When you're not prepared to face them
If I could I would but you're with him, now I'd do no good
I should've fought him but instead I let him
I let him take you
I don't know where the sunbeams end
And the starlights begin, it's all a mystery
And I don't know how a man decides
What's right for his own life, it's all a mystery
I don't know where the sunbeams end
And the starlights begin, it's all a mystery
And I don't know how a man decides
What's right for his own life, it's all a mystery
I don't know where the sunbeams end
And the starlights begin, it's all a mystery
And I don't know how a man decides
What's right for his own life, it's all a mystery
(The test is over...now)
Comments (126)add comment
Wow Cat Stevens original is so much better than this.
bkrans9 wrote:
5 from me for the same reason.
I rated it 7. Not bad for a cover of Father and Son.
5 from me for the same reason.
Proclivities wrote:
Good point. However, Chuck Berry did not sue John Lennon. That lawsuit was filed by the notorious gangster and federally-convicted extortionist Morris Levy, who had swindled Berry out of the publishing rights to most of his material some years earlier.
actually, not a lawsuit. Moishe Levy called Allen Klein and told him he was gonna have John's legs broken. OF course John replied "tell em to go F*&K himself" . Klein told John "you don't know who we're dealing with. He means it" They then "settled" No lawsuit but John was then indebted to Levy to do that crap Rock and Roll record packed with his talent and Levy got the Royalties for all the Levy artists on that album.
Good point. However, Chuck Berry did not sue John Lennon. That lawsuit was filed by the notorious gangster and federally-convicted extortionist Morris Levy, who had swindled Berry out of the publishing rights to most of his material some years earlier.
actually, not a lawsuit. Moishe Levy called Allen Klein and told him he was gonna have John's legs broken. OF course John replied "tell em to go F*&K himself" . Klein told John "you don't know who we're dealing with. He means it" They then "settled" No lawsuit but John was then indebted to Levy to do that crap Rock and Roll record packed with his talent and Levy got the Royalties for all the Levy artists on that album.
jukes1 wrote:
Problem is that it *is* a Cat Stevens ripoff and there’s no way that you can write it without knowing that.
“Immature artists borrow; mature artists steal”
-- Various
Problem is that it *is* a Cat Stevens ripoff and there’s no way that you can write it without knowing that.
“Immature artists borrow; mature artists steal”
-- Various
m_logie wrote:
Problem is that it *is* a Cat Stevens ripoff and there’s no way that you can write it without knowing that.
Must everyone just talk about the dumb Cat Stevens lawsuit thing. Yes this song is incredibly similar, to the point that the lawsuit was justified from a legal standpoint, but it was bad for both parties. Neither Cat nor Wayne came out of it looking good. If they'd just settled their differences personally out of court it would've been better, and maybe we could all just enjoy the song.
I really actually quite like this song. The cross-harmony in the closing verse is especially enjoyable to listen to, and the sound as well as the lyrics (if a bit cliché) intriguing.
It's not just a Cat Stevens rip off to me.
Problem is that it *is* a Cat Stevens ripoff and there’s no way that you can write it without knowing that.
I rated it 7. Not bad for a cover of Father and Son.
Must everyone just talk about the dumb Cat Stevens lawsuit thing. Yes this song is incredibly similar, to the point that the lawsuit was justified from a legal standpoint, but it was bad for both parties. Neither Cat nor Wayne came out of it looking good. If they'd just settled their differences personally out of court it would've been better, and maybe we could all just enjoy the song.
I really actually quite like this song. The cross-harmony in the closing verse is especially enjoyable to listen to, and the sound as well as the lyrics (if a bit cliché) intriguing.
It's not just a Cat Stevens rip off to me.
I really actually quite like this song. The cross-harmony in the closing verse is especially enjoyable to listen to, and the sound as well as the lyrics (if a bit cliché) intriguing.
It's not just a Cat Stevens rip off to me.
Father and Son from Cat Stevens done most crappily.
A rubbish Cat Stevens rip off. Dude, have fun on tour with Miley Cyrus,where ya belong.
How can I try to explain a plagio like this?
WonderLizard wrote:
To quote Warren Zevon, "lawyers, guns, and money" seem to be at the root of an awful lot of plagiarism plague. Note that it was Stevens's/Islam's label that sued the Lips' label. And it was the Chiffon's label that sued Harrison's label over the resemblance of the opening bars of "He's So Fine" to "My Sweet Lord." I'm not sure that the artists themselves cared all that much. Perhaps they did. Tell you this: if I wrote a killer vamp and someone copped it into another killer song, I'd be happy that someone found something to like, indeed imitate, for their own work. Then again there are the exceptions, like Chuck Berry suing Lennon over the lyric "Here come old flattop." Really? Dude paid you homage, and you sue his ass? That's messed up.
Who knows? Maybe Stevens/Islam was down on his luck. Been known to happen.
Good point. However, Chuck Berry did not sue John Lennon. That lawsuit was filed by the notorious gangster and federally-convicted extortionist Morris Levy, who had swindled Berry out of the publishing rights to most of his material some years earlier.
To quote Warren Zevon, "lawyers, guns, and money" seem to be at the root of an awful lot of plagiarism plague. Note that it was Stevens's/Islam's label that sued the Lips' label. And it was the Chiffon's label that sued Harrison's label over the resemblance of the opening bars of "He's So Fine" to "My Sweet Lord." I'm not sure that the artists themselves cared all that much. Perhaps they did. Tell you this: if I wrote a killer vamp and someone copped it into another killer song, I'd be happy that someone found something to like, indeed imitate, for their own work. Then again there are the exceptions, like Chuck Berry suing Lennon over the lyric "Here come old flattop." Really? Dude paid you homage, and you sue his ass? That's messed up.
Who knows? Maybe Stevens/Islam was down on his luck. Been known to happen.
Good point. However, Chuck Berry did not sue John Lennon. That lawsuit was filed by the notorious gangster and federally-convicted extortionist Morris Levy, who had swindled Berry out of the publishing rights to most of his material some years earlier.
gjeeg wrote:
It does. And even then I actually like it.
Yeah but it sounds like John Lennon too!!!!!!!!!
It does. And even then I actually like it.
A band with good reviews - and tons of shitty music!
Didnt sam smith and tom petty just have a great solution for this type of "creative anomaly"
Proclivities wrote:
"...I am really sorry that Cat Stevens thinks I'm purposefully plagiarizing his work. I am ashamed. There is obviously a fine line between being inspired and stealing. But if anyone wanted to borrow part of a Flaming Lips song, I don't think I'd bother pursuing it. I've got better things to do. Anyway, Cat Stevens is never going to make much money out of us."
- Wayne Coyne, June 2003, The Guardian
To quote Warren Zevon, "lawyers, guns, and money" seem to be at the root of an awful lot of plagiarism plague. Note that it was Stevens's/Islam's label that sued the Lips' label. And it was the Chiffon's label that sued Harrison's label over the resemblance of the opening bars of "He's So Fine" to "My Sweet Lord." I'm not sure that the artists themselves cared all that much. Perhaps they did. Tell you this: if I wrote a killer vamp and someone copped it into another killer song, I'd be happy that someone found something to like, indeed imitate, for their own work. Then again there are the exceptions, like Chuck Berry suing Lennon over the lyric "Here come old flattop." Really? Dude paid you homage, and you sue his ass? That's messed up.
Who knows? Maybe Stevens/Islam was down on his luck. Been known to happen.
"...I am really sorry that Cat Stevens thinks I'm purposefully plagiarizing his work. I am ashamed. There is obviously a fine line between being inspired and stealing. But if anyone wanted to borrow part of a Flaming Lips song, I don't think I'd bother pursuing it. I've got better things to do. Anyway, Cat Stevens is never going to make much money out of us."
- Wayne Coyne, June 2003, The Guardian
To quote Warren Zevon, "lawyers, guns, and money" seem to be at the root of an awful lot of plagiarism plague. Note that it was Stevens's/Islam's label that sued the Lips' label. And it was the Chiffon's label that sued Harrison's label over the resemblance of the opening bars of "He's So Fine" to "My Sweet Lord." I'm not sure that the artists themselves cared all that much. Perhaps they did. Tell you this: if I wrote a killer vamp and someone copped it into another killer song, I'd be happy that someone found something to like, indeed imitate, for their own work. Then again there are the exceptions, like Chuck Berry suing Lennon over the lyric "Here come old flattop." Really? Dude paid you homage, and you sue his ass? That's messed up.
Who knows? Maybe Stevens/Islam was down on his luck. Been known to happen.
JeriF wrote:
LOL... guess I should have read a few of the other comments first
This sounds like an old Cat Stevens tune... can't remember the name but, it was well known "back in the day". Different lyrics but the melody is definitely Cat Stevens'.
LOL... guess I should have read a few of the other comments first
This sounds like an old Cat Stevens tune... can't remember the name but, it was well known "back in the day". Different lyrics but the melody is definitely Cat Stevens'.
Don't like stolen music. Less than 1.
My favorite band of weirdos from the OKC suburbs! 
Also, just want to echo this sentiment:
Originally Posted by mperry: If the LIPS come anywhere near your town (I traveled 120 miles for their show last Saturday) GO. You will have a BLAST. Laughter, joy, bouncing balls and dancing bunnies. A good trip.
Also, just want to echo this sentiment:
Originally Posted by mperry: If the LIPS come anywhere near your town (I traveled 120 miles for their show last Saturday) GO. You will have a BLAST. Laughter, joy, bouncing balls and dancing bunnies. A good trip.
Yeah but it sounds like John Lennon too!!!!!!!!!
I don't like Cat Stevens music, so this is not "fair use" but a significant improvement. I'm not an attorney, but I'd argue that Mr. Stevens owes Flaming Lips some compensation.
rdo wrote:
I do hear that Cat song in this song. I still like it, and I think it's "fair use". It never really occurred to me before. I am sad to report that The Lips output since this wonderful CD has been pretty bad.
This is pretty bad plagiarizing and you FAILED
I do hear that Cat song in this song. I still like it, and I think it's "fair use". It never really occurred to me before. I am sad to report that The Lips output since this wonderful CD has been pretty bad.
This is pretty bad plagiarizing and you FAILED
Completely Cat Stevens
For some reason, I always think of the cartoon 'Scooby Doo' when I hear this song. Shaggy is listening to it while driving the Mystery Machine.
Proclivities wrote:
"...I am really sorry that Cat Stevens thinks I'm purposefully plagiarizing his work. I am ashamed. There is obviously a fine line between being inspired and stealing. But if anyone wanted to borrow part of a Flaming Lips song, I don't think I'd bother pursuing it. I've got better things to do. Anyway, Cat Stevens is never going to make much money out of us."
- Wayne Coyne, June 2003, The Guardian
I do hear that Cat song in this song. I still like it, and I think it's "fair use". It never really occurred to me before. I am sad to report that The Lips output since this wonderful CD has been pretty bad.
"...I am really sorry that Cat Stevens thinks I'm purposefully plagiarizing his work. I am ashamed. There is obviously a fine line between being inspired and stealing. But if anyone wanted to borrow part of a Flaming Lips song, I don't think I'd bother pursuing it. I've got better things to do. Anyway, Cat Stevens is never going to make much money out of us."
- Wayne Coyne, June 2003, The Guardian
I do hear that Cat song in this song. I still like it, and I think it's "fair use". It never really occurred to me before. I am sad to report that The Lips output since this wonderful CD has been pretty bad.
sukilau wrote:
"...I am really sorry that Cat Stevens thinks I'm purposefully plagiarizing his work. I am ashamed. There is obviously a fine line between being inspired and stealing. But if anyone wanted to borrow part of a Flaming Lips song, I don't think I'd bother pursuing it. I've got better things to do. Anyway, Cat Stevens is never going to make much money out of us."
- Wayne Coyne, June 2003, The Guardian
cat called- he wants his song back
"...I am really sorry that Cat Stevens thinks I'm purposefully plagiarizing his work. I am ashamed. There is obviously a fine line between being inspired and stealing. But if anyone wanted to borrow part of a Flaming Lips song, I don't think I'd bother pursuing it. I've got better things to do. Anyway, Cat Stevens is never going to make much money out of us."
- Wayne Coyne, June 2003, The Guardian
Wow, most comments refer to similarities between this song and Cat St... errr ... Yusuf Islam.
Was my very first thought, too. :-)
Was my very first thought, too. :-)
"Find a girl, settle down..."
No_Where_Man wrote:
Exactly! I was just browsing the commentaries to get the confirmation
Definitely lifted from Father to Son from Cat Stevens
Exactly! I was just browsing the commentaries to get the confirmation
This is a concept album - it really plays well in toto
Definitely lifted from Father to Son from Cat Stevens
Sounds like father and son but more boring
I like their drummer.
Or a new Dandy Warhols song.
Erie-T30 wrote:
Erie-T30 wrote:
This sounds like an old cat stevens song
like
Borderline irritating..
Father and son (Cat Stevens).
Irony at it's finest then. You Go RP!
flaming lips have to split royalties with cat stevens on this song for that very reason:
article here:
Flaming Lips Nailed For Cat Stevens Song Similarity
.
Erie-T30 wrote:
article here:
Flaming Lips Nailed For Cat Stevens Song Similarity
.
Erie-T30 wrote:
This sounds like an old cat stevens song
I love this whole album.
Sure, Father and Son.
In fact, I hope the Lips give props to Yusef for 'sampling' his work.
Erie-T30 wrote:
In fact, I hope the Lips give props to Yusef for 'sampling' his work.
Erie-T30 wrote:
This sounds like an old cat stevens song
This sounds like an old cat stevens song
Aegean wrote:
Have you listened to the words? Have you read the lyrics? Where do you find this drek? I hate to even tune in anymore, especially on weekends!!! 
Great. Bye bye. 
My favorite FL song! Oh and no I haven't listened to the lyrics, I don't generally even care about lyrics seeing how this is music, not poetry.
Excellent tune by a diverse and imaginative group!
thanks! 
FL always make me smile. Saw them twice last year, looking forward to this year. hands-down the best, most entertaining and humanistic show you will ever see. one of the nicest bands ever, too. 
FL always make me smile. Saw them twice last year, looking forward to this year. hands-down the best, most entertaining and humanistic show you will ever see. one of the nicest bands ever, too. Juano wrote:
you got this right juano! the FL are by no means my most favorite band, but i DO believe that everyone would benefit from seeing them live before they leave this life. just gives you a whole new take on the universe, even without drugs... :)
I watched FL this summer on the Virgin Festival. They were the most entertaining set that I have ever seen in my life (teletubbies, big bubbles, fully naked ladies on stage, etc). Sadly, the crowd was a bunch of rednecks just waiting for the main event. I am just hoping to watch them on a solo tour.
you got this right juano! the FL are by no means my most favorite band, but i DO believe that everyone would benefit from seeing them live before they leave this life. just gives you a whole new take on the universe, even without drugs... :)
SURE sounds like Cat Stevens. From reading below, did he sue them?
I had it down really low and for a moment I thought it was a remake of 'father and son' cat stevens. go figure.
Welly wrote:
Yeah! Lennon (. . . .only the good stuff though).
They kind of reminded me of PF and Thunderlap Newman too - great stuff. They got me excited about music again.
Is it just me or did that sound like latter John Lennon material?
Yeah! Lennon (. . . .only the good stuff though).
They kind of reminded me of PF and Thunderlap Newman too - great stuff. They got me excited about music again.
He's channeling John.
I watched FL this summer on the Virgin Festival. They were the most entertaining set that I have ever seen in my life (teletubbies, big bubbles, fully naked ladies on stage, etc). Sadly, the crowd was a bunch of rednecks just waiting for the main event. I am just hoping to watch them on a solo tour.
Is it just me or did that sound like latter John Lennon material?
Laptopdog wrote:
well spoken, couldnt agree more
alanb wrote:
I discovered them by pure accident, and now they are one of my all-time favorite bands. So much creativity, and so well-produced. They've made leaps and bounds of progress since their early days. I would rate them right up there with Pink Floyd in the headphone-music-appreciation department. Sure, they go off on some weird tangents (the title/theme of this album is beyond bizarre), but at least they're never boring.
This is actually the first time I've heard them played on RP, and I've been listening now for at least a year.
Thanks, RP!
Flaming Lips are one of those RadioParadise bands for me. I've never heard them anywhere else, and I hear them a lot on RP.
But I must confess, I haven't heard much FL on RP lately...
But I must confess, I haven't heard much FL on RP lately...
I discovered them by pure accident, and now they are one of my all-time favorite bands. So much creativity, and so well-produced. They've made leaps and bounds of progress since their early days. I would rate them right up there with Pink Floyd in the headphone-music-appreciation department. Sure, they go off on some weird tangents (the title/theme of this album is beyond bizarre), but at least they're never boring.
This is actually the first time I've heard them played on RP, and I've been listening now for at least a year.
Thanks, RP!
well spoken, couldnt agree more
alanb wrote:
I discovered them by pure accident, and now they are one of my all-time favorite bands. So much creativity, and so well-produced. They've made leaps and bounds of progress since their early days. I would rate them right up there with Pink Floyd in the headphone-music-appreciation department. Sure, they go off on some weird tangents (the title/theme of this album is beyond bizarre), but at least they're never boring.
This is actually the first time I've heard them played on RP, and I've been listening now for at least a year.
Thanks, RP!
Flaming Lips are one of those RadioParadise bands for me. I've never heard them anywhere else, and I hear them a lot on RP.
But I must confess, I haven't heard much FL on RP lately...
But I must confess, I haven't heard much FL on RP lately...
I discovered them by pure accident, and now they are one of my all-time favorite bands. So much creativity, and so well-produced. They've made leaps and bounds of progress since their early days. I would rate them right up there with Pink Floyd in the headphone-music-appreciation department. Sure, they go off on some weird tangents (the title/theme of this album is beyond bizarre), but at least they're never boring.
This is actually the first time I've heard them played on RP, and I've been listening now for at least a year.
Thanks, RP!
Don't be hating.
thewiseking wrote:
this sounds like a retarded child covering a Cat Stevens song.
I wholeheartedly agree.
Flaming Lips are one of those RadioParadise bands for me. I've never heard them anywhere else, and I hear them a lot on RP.
But I must confess, I haven't heard much FL on RP lately...
thewiseking wrote:
this sounds like a retarded child covering a Cat Stevens song.
I'm starting to think you might be physicsgenius reborn. So much negativity.
OK, slight revision written later. Looking at your song comments I see that you don't have quite the penchant for negative comments that the old troll PG had when he was around. Still, to use your own words, you might want to lighten up.
thewiseking wrote:
this sounds like a retarded child covering a Cat Stevens song.
I don't mind it much, but THAT was funny!
This song hurts
this sounds like a retarded child covering a Cat Stevens song.
RP made me buy this album
As much as I adore every note that Cat wrote for Harold and Maude, and as much as I idolized him when I was a kid- I tell you honestly this was one of the first times in my life that I felt personally betrayed by someone and it was an eye opening experience that felt like a gut punch.
How anyone could denounce/deny writing the song Peace Train is still bewildering to me. What could ever be bad about that song?
To accuse the Lips of ripping him off is absurd. He doesn't exist anymore by his own prior claims.
(plus he could never get the hang of robot songs...)
no flames from me my friend 
I adore the Lips- they are just trying to bring some fun and a sense of wonder back into our idiotic formatted dismal lives 
Love these guys!
I adore the Lips- they are just trying to bring some fun and a sense of wonder back into our idiotic formatted dismal lives Love these guys!I'm with Vulch down there...
I have no idea what a few people are going off about. Everybody borrows from everbody else. This is an excellent song, great feeling and completely different from the norm. An awesome band live. So if there is anybody out there that has passion for music give these guys a try.
I saw these guys live (with Ween and Sonic Youth) aboot a year and a half ago or so, and thought they were great. As a fan of both Cat Stevens and the Lips... go cry. Again, it's not a straight up rip off. When Yusef Islam starts doing theme albums about robots, or using this type of percussion, THEN call it a rip-off. Glad to hear it on the playlist. Then again, I just joined about 20 mins. ago, so I'm waiting for the flames.
-Incarnadine
Every time this gets played I hesitate - because I just can't help hearing "Father and Son" in this. And for me there's just way too much FX on the vocals. Maybe to kindly cover up that quite a couple of notes weren't really in tune? No, thanks...
Sorry, but I could not say it in English
Sorry I could not respond in Spanish- I don't know the language.
This is sort of a wierd theme album. Cat can say what he wants but these guys are writing songs about robot invasions. I'm pretty sure he wasn't writing about that.
As much as I used to respect him as an artist- he really screwed America over and flat out gave us the finger to our faces. I'll take the Lips word over his anyday. He forfeighted his right to complain about American music when he signed up with Osama. Frankly if the Lips write a song called "Robot Train" or "I'm Being Chased by a Robotshadow" or "Shine Robot Shine" I could care less if it makes him cry. He is a total turncoat.
cat called- he wants his song back
Odd to post highly critical negative and accusatory comments then ask nobody to critically dissect them. lol
biggeorge wrote:
God, I have never seen such a rip-off of a song such as this one. No wonder they got sued. It sounds like someone wished to do another version, but opted to disguise the effort. Terrible! I wonder if the Flaming Lips ever accepted they had taken more than a few bars from Cat Stevens. Then again, Stevens decided to retire and not have anything else to do with his pre-Islamic life, right? So why bother sueing someone if he's not interested in the western, material world?
Please don't bash me if the facts are not 100% accurate. Thank you in advance.
No Doubt
I have no idea what a few people are going off about. Everybody borrows from everbody else. This is an excellent song, great feeling and completely different from the norm. An awesome band live. So if there is anybody out there that has passion for music give these guys a try.
I agree on the sueing but........
faith doesn't need an angle or a region
it's a state of mind
This is the first thing I've ever heard from this band that I didn't want to turn off immediately, and it turns out to be a rip on a Cat Stevens song. Figures.
Totalmente de acuerdo, es un timo absoluto ¿No tiene nada que decir el moderador?
Sorry, but I could not say it in English
biggeorge wrote:
God, I have never seen such a rip-off of a song such as this one. No wonder they got sued. It sounds like someone wished to do another version, but opted to disguise the effort. Terrible! I wonder if the Flaming Lips ever accepted they had taken more than a few bars from Cat Stevens. Then again, Stevens decided to retire and not have anything else to do with his pre-Islamic life, right? So why bother sueing someone if he's not interested in the western, material world?
Please don't bash me if the facts are not 100% accurate. Thank you in advance.
No Doubt
God, I have never seen such a rip-off of a song such as this one. No wonder they got sued. It sounds like someone wished to do another version, but opted to disguise the effort. Terrible! I wonder if the Flaming Lips ever accepted they had taken more than a few bars from Cat Stevens. Then again, Stevens decided to retire and not have anything else to do with his pre-Islamic life, right? So why bother sueing someone if he's not interested in the western, material world?
Please don't bash me if the facts are not 100% accurate. Thank you in advance.
biggeorge wrote:
interesting cover of Cat
No Doubt
borderlessworld wrote:
jeez, i just like these guys ... although I'll probably never understand on which planet they live
Yeah, they're like visitors from the year 3032, inexplicably drawn to 1970s retro riffs...
interesting cover of Cat
deadfdr wrote:
These guys sound like kids and experienced gurus at the same time. Love 'em.
Perfect....see Fearless Freaks. It's a great insight into the band.
These guys sound like kids and experienced gurus at the same time. Love 'em.
jeez, i just like these guys ... although I'll probably never understand on which planet they live
dont know the story about the cat stevens deal, but i like cat and i like this song
I's so excited to see these guys play this weekend! Maybe I do love this song so much because I love Cat Stevens so much too, but whatever the reason is; this is a great tune and I'm ready to JAM!
God, I have never seen such a rip-off of a song such as this one. No wonder they got sued. It sounds like someone wished to do another version, but opted to disguise the effort. Terrible! I wonder if the Flaming Lips ever accepted they had taken more than a few bars from Cat Stevens. Then again, Stevens decided to retire and not have anything else to do with his pre-Islamic life, right? So why bother sueing someone if he's not interested in the western, material world?
Please don't bash me if the facts are not 100% accurate. Thank you in advance.
PattonFever wrote:
good until that nasty fade at the end. wahh.
Absolutely right! Not a great song anyway (downright bad in fact), but the ending ruined whatever chance the song had for a rating higher than 1.
PattonFever wrote:
good until that nasty fade at the end. wahh.
yep.
stinkycheese wrote:
has anybody heard the Kleptones' mix of this against 50 Cent's "In the club"? It's amazing--and I don't even like 50 Cent.
The Kleptones did a re-mix of the entire Yoshimi album. Really good stuff overall, and I don't listen to much modern rap at all.
good until that nasty fade at the end. wahh.
Well, I was glad to see some other comments hear that this sounded like a Cat Stevens song. I use to listen to this album a lot when I was younger and it sure does sound like Father and Son. Still a great tune. I still like the original song.
From June 2003:
https://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1924255
Lips Nailed For Cat Stevens Song Similarity
By Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
The Flaming Lips have been forced to turn over publishing royalties to Cat Stevens as part of a settlement in which Stevens (real name: Yusuf Islam) alleged that the Lips' song "Fight Test" bore a very close resemblance to his early '70s track "Father and Son."
"It was confirmed today that an agreement has been reached between Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Yusuf Islam) and EMI Music Publishing (Flaming Lips) over the single 'Fight Test' and its close resemblance to the Cat Stevens classic, 'Father and Son,'" reads a June 13 post on Islam's official Web site. Royalties from the sale of 'Fight Test' will now be divided between both parties according to the agreed settlement."
Most Excellent
has anybody heard the Kleptones' mix of this against 50 Cent's "In the club"? It's amazing--and I don't even like 50 Cent.
Rosseau wrote:"How can I try to explain, when I do he turns away again.
It's always been the same, same old story.
From the moment I could talk I was ordered to listen.
Now there's a way and I know that I have to go away.
I know I have to go."
I'm sure there's a Cat Steven's song in there trying to get out
Came on over to say the same thing.
black321 wrote:
OK, not a fan of these blokes at all. Out of tune vocals, phrasing is terrible, lyrics silly, no emotional content whatsoever...and I would charecterize most of the material I've heard from them this way. Overall, their attempt to use gimmick as their creative driving force subdues any musical substance they are able to produce. Blah.
i can't fault your preference about the vocals, but as to the lyrics being "silly" and lacking emotional content, i really don't think you're listening closely enough.
Rousseau wrote:
I'm sure there's a Cat Steven's song in there trying to get out
Ol' Cat's whirling dirvishley in his duvet on this one! :P
black321 wrote:
OK, not a fan of these blokes at all. Out of tune vocals, phrasing is terrible, lyrics silly, no emotional content whatsoever...and I would charecterize most of the material I've heard from them this way. Overall, their attempt to use gimmick as their creative driving force subdues any musical substance they are able to produce. Blah.
Nirvana's use of pop structures: gimmick.
Elvis Costello's glasses: gimmick.
George Harrison's sitar: gimmick.
Every single thing No Doubt has ever done: gimmick.
The way Thom Yorke sits at a piano: gimmick.
I think you're selling gimmick way short, brother. Everyone uses it to some degree, and I don't see why someone shouldn't be able to craft a compelling sound out of gimmick as a creative driving force.
But, you're articulate and honest, so your opinion is worthy of respect. I like you, even. Let's grab a beer later.
OK, not a fan of these blokes at all. Out of tune vocals, phrasing is terrible, lyrics silly, no emotional content whatsoever...and I would charecterize most of the material I've heard from them this way. Overall, their attempt to use gimmick as their creative driving force subdues any musical substance they are able to produce. Blah.
Do you have any eclectic taste at all? Want to find out?
The test begins..... NOW.
My fave
'10'
Air guitar? Not this time!
George Harrison got sued for less obvious theft than this...
good tune though...
rgj13 wrote:
I really have to assume it's intentional...weird to me too, at first, but then I started hearing it as a kind of updating of the Cat Stevens tune, or, if you will, a sequel.
The basic tune is quite similar too...though I feel that Does He Love You by Rilo Kiley also shares the same tune with Father Son...give it a listen
Rousseau wrote:
:nodhead:
I'm sure there's a Cat Steven's song in there trying to get out
:nodhead:
Great song from a great record.
I can't believe how different the tunes off Yoshimi are compared to what I've heard from Fight Test. I love this stuff and can't stand the other. Were they the same people for both albums??
"And I don't know how a man decides
What's right for his own life
It's all a mystery"
-sure is
one of the best albums of last year, gotta listen to the whole thing through!
:)
Simon & Garfunkle, Radiohead, REM and the Lips in the last 20 minutes!
Bill, I\'m not getting any work done here!
Bill, I\'m not getting any work done here!Awesome song. I think I gave it the highest rating of any song I've ever given on RP (8). Can't beat that virgin listen to a great P!O!P! tune. I had a girlfriend who loved the FL but I wasn't always so into them. Anyhow, this definiely made my day. :D
Originally Posted by mperry:
I saw the cool video for this on the MTV2 show that replaced "120 Minutes" - "Subterranean", billed as their "underground" show, airs at 11pm Central on Fridays and features the best music that channel has to offer.
If the LIPS come anywhere near your town (I traveled 120 miles for their show last Saturday) GO. You will have a BLAST. Laughter, joy, bouncing balls and dancing bunnies. A good trip.
Agree completely. I saw them open for Beck and I was just floored. Unlike any show I've seen. I like Beck a lot and all, but I almost wished he was sick, stayed home and let the Lips play a full show.
Originally Posted by Mot:
The ending sucked. Why do artists think they need some gimic at the end? Ruins all the good that may have come before.
You really have to listen to the full album to appreciate it.
Originally Posted by TwinEngine:
A hopeful song, for those well within our shells, that maybe soon our spirit will find out what it wants to fight for.
I saw the cool video for this on the MTV2 show that replaced "120 Minutes" - "Subterranean", billed as their "underground" show, airs at 11pm Central on Fridays and features the best music that channel has to offer.
If the LIPS come anywhere near your town (I traveled 120 miles for their show last Saturday) GO. You will have a BLAST. Laughter, joy, bouncing balls and dancing bunnies. A good trip.
More! More! I like this one!
Originally Posted by mr.selfdestruct:
I thought it was a different version of Father and Son until I checked. Uncanny.
I really have to assume it's intentional...weird to me too, at first, but then I started hearing it as a kind of updating of the Cat Stevens tune, or, if you will, a sequel.
The ending sucked. Why do artists think they need some gimic at the end? Ruins all the good that may have come before.
Redundant, re: done that. :roll:
Originally Posted by Rousseau:
I'm sure there's a Cat Steven's song in there trying to get out
I was just about to mwrite the same thing--sounds a lot--from lyrics to chords--like one in particular, called--I'm trying to remember--"Father and Son"?
This isn't quite a cover, of course, but is close enough I'd call it a good updating.
A great song from an intriguing album!