Abba won't "take a chance" on McCain

He battled the Vietcong but now John McCain has apparently come a-cropper against the Swedes.

The Republican candidate, who had already been banned by John Mellencamp, the American rocker, from using his hits 'Our Country' and 'Pink Houses', found out that he has few fans in Scandinavia when he tried to adopt Abba's "Take a chance on me" as his campaign song. After running into difficulties with the Swedish supergroup, McCain lamented to reporters on board his plane that it wasn't as easy to play the song as he thought.

“It gets expensive in a big hurry and if you’re not careful you can alienate some Swedes,” he joked.“If word gets out to Stockholm that we’re using Abba music, then there’ll be a
worsening in U.S.-Swedish relations.”

He'll just have to pray that the conservative wing of the Republican party doesn't similarly reject his advances...

But McCain's not the only candidate whose choices of campaign song have proved problematic:

Hillary Clinton held an online contest to choose her anthem - and proved that the democratic system has its failings when she got landed with the schmaltzy Celine Dion ballad "You and I". After a thorough panning - the Huffington Post declared it the worst campaign theme song - she ditched the Canadian songstress' tune for Big Head Todd and the Monsters' "Blue Sky".

Barack Obama likes to play DJ at his campaign events and reportedly flicks through his iPod for his favourite Stevie Wonder or Aretha Franklin tune before handing it to a junior staffer to play. But his micromanagement failed to prevent a rather unfortunate gaffe at his New Hampshire primary night rally when, convinced by the polls he was headed for victory, he cued up Stevie Wonder's "Signed, sealed, delivered." And we all know the rest.

(Obama's also picked a few unofficial campaign songs along the way: the surprise YouTube hit "I got a crush on Obama" by Obama Girl - including the catchy line "I saw you float onto the floor at the Democratic Convention 2004, I never wanted you more" - and Will.i.am's slightly more intellectual effort "Yes We Can".)

Mike Huckabee got a public dressing-down from Tom Scholtz of rock band Boston after he played their hit "More than a feeling" at campaign events. Scholtz left no one in any doubt of his feelings about Huckabee, who, he said was "the polar opposite of most everything Boston stands for." Adding that he was supporting Barack Obama, Scholtz complained: "By using my song, and my band's name Boston, you have taken something of mine and used it to promote ideas to which I am opposed. In other words, I think I've been ripped off, dude!"

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Comments

[Dave C]

For a campaign song, "Take a Chance On Me" is a pathetic choice.

[Bill]

Its sad and sick that some rock and roller idiot like mr midle age crisis John Mellencamp would ban John Mcain a great american hero from using his tunes. I tell you what first of all that jerk John Mellencamp CAN'T BAN anyone from playing his songs. But it just shows John Mellencamp is a pinko communist who hates America, I can't wait to run into that jerk. I live in Las Vegas, (DJ capitol) we'd love to throw him into the ring and show him the meaning of America.

[Gregg Barr]

What complete and utter twits! Just because a candidate wants to play your music it doesn't mean you have to endorse them. That is just crazy. I loath some musicians politics but I still buy their albums because I like the music, not the message. All of these cry baby artists need to GROW UP!

[Bobarian]

I don't think Ted Nugent would object to McCain using one his songs. I suggest "Kiss My Ass."

http://www.lyricsdownload.com/ted-nugent-kiss-my-ass-lyrics.html

[fred]

Stick with John Philip Sousa, a real American who wrote real American music and not the modern day garbage of the world.

[Jerry]

Has it ever occurred to any of these politicians to commission an original theme song?

Nostalgia and change do not go well together.

[C.Handel]

Ted Nugent is a conservative.

There's no way he would want to be associated with a RINO liberal like John "Don't call it amnesty" McCain!

How sad the state of affairs is when President's must resort to popular music to bolster their "brand." These people are failures of the worst kind, groveling in the dirst for scraps of meat to be tossed by passers by. Go get em' kids. There's a presidency at stake. You would be SOOOOOOOOOO powerful. What important people you could be. FAILURES. FAILURES. FAILURES. It saddens me that these three are so pathetic, I must for the first time in my life, abstain from voting, whilst they play legal games with musicians.

[Del Frosh]

"We have been lied to and terrorized by our own government, and it is time to take action." (Wisdom from John & Elaine, circa 10/22/03....uh, yeah.)

http://www.commondreams.org/views03/1022-13.htm

[mark]

most prophetic?

Baba O'Reilly(Teenage Wasteland).

In 04 I heard it would be the youth vote that delivered Kerry. I'm hearing the same echoes of 'the youth vote' for Obama.

Yes, he is doing well at winning those who are willing to vote in primaries, but when the time comes for the general election...

they're all wasted.

[prudence eely bond mcguire]

I ALWAYS REMEMBER, SHIRLEY MACLAINE, SINGING 'IT'S NOT WHERE YOU START, IT'S WHERE YOU FINISH', AT A TV CONCERT, FOR JIMMY CARTER, TO CELELBRATE, HIS NEW PRESIDENCY.
JUST HOW SPOOKY WAS THAT, IN RETROSPECT?

[Monte Haun]

"I live in Las Vegas, (DJ capitol) we'd love to throw him into the ring and show him the meaning of America"

You bad a_s rimjob redneck a__holes already did that to the Spice Girls.

Monte Haun mchaun@hotmail.com

[Keats]

In a way I can understand how these musicians feel. BUT most people understand THEIR music is part of OUR collective American culture (it's our music too) and that playing the music doesn't mean the band is endorsing the politician. They would do better to keep silent. By contrast when they open their mouths, I never want to hear Mellencamp or Boston again because their protests make them into the worst thing - radicals with an attitude - and I am no longer a fan.

[Billy Jack]

Mr. Mellencamp and Mr. Scholtz,
Thanks for making the right decision in protecting the integrity of your work. It's a shame that a few fellow citizens who do not understand the meaning of America will now try to discredit and tarnish your artistic merits. I also agree with Gregg that a song from Ted (Shame of the Midwest)Nugent is a good choice for McCain because his lyrical structures are easily understood by low grade morons. My personal choice would be the Imperial March from Star Wars. However, hey may have to wrestle that one away from Cheney.

[RobC]

John McCain might be a great American, but he is a lousy politician. He curtailed the 1st Amendment, i.e. McCain-Feingold Act. He activley tried to close the close the so called "gun show loophole", which to me sounds like a strike to the 2nd Amendment. He voted against Bush's tax cuts, which tells me that he is for bigger government and more control over us. He also voted for the Patriot Act, which allows the government to go into anyones house and take items and not have to tell. That's a direct violation of the 4th Amendment. A terrible, terrible choice for a president, not that either of the democrats would be any better.

[Doug Torrez]

Dave C, Hitler perhaps ?
Typical response from someone in the falling M-pyre.
If they don't do it the M-pyre way ? Kill'em.
That attitude is why " they" ( the whole damned world) Hate You and why America is finished.
Good riddance !

[John]

Well John Mellencamp is a mediocre performer. How many name changes has he done? First was John Cougar. Shows how shallow he is as a person.

I suspect John McCain will have problems with many popular musicians due to their political leanings. Unfortunately in the entertainment media most have to swing one way or be ostracized. So much for individuality and tolerance. To get ahead you must show hate against a certain group or keep it bottled up so no one will know.

[JG NY]

the fun will be when the lefties these people endorse stiffles they music with censorship and more lables (Tipper anyone). It would seem they have attached there opinions to the wrong side of the Isle.

[James]

No true conservative would want their song being used by a RINO stooge like McCain. Just like no true conservative will vote for him; he's the third liberal in the presidential contest. No thanks Repubs. Kiss your party goodbye.

[Ariel]

Yes, but.

Intellectual property is touchy here-- just because a candidate legally could use any song doesn't mean they should, and musicians maintain the right to protest. To the majority of people who will be exposed to the campaign song, the line between "borrowing" and endorsement is so fine.

If John Mellencamp maintains the rights to his songs, then yes, he can ban McCain from using them. And if he does not maintain the licenses and disagrees with their usage, he is completely within his rights to say so. And the McCain campaign should avoid the bad press and not try to license the song without the blessing (legal or otherwise) of Mellencamp.

[harper]

Try Merle Haggard's "Rainbow Stew"

[deaddemocrats]

Hey Tom Scholtz, now you know what it feels like when the rest of have to pay for all those failed programs you love so much that none of us voted for.

[Rod]

Typical Republican attitude...Steal it and screw the professional who wrote it. GW song should be little cardboard slums for you and me.

[Dave, Pretoria, South Africa]

Amazing about Tom Sholtz. What an arse! As if he speaks for Boston. How about NOT! Idiots like these prove one thing...they are not at all entertainers and artists but activists and as such ought to be conducting themselves under those rules. How about everytime one of them endorses a liberal we demand equal time by another artist?

[Shank Dizzle]

Only a true conservative like Dave C would respond to this article by not only threatening John Mellencamp with physical violence but basically saying that unprovoked assault and battery is "the meaning of America."

GG

[Jerry]

Who wants to sing anyway?

[Garrett]

What are Republicans to do??? Most every music artist is a bleeding heart liberal, and just because they are liberal a Republican can't use their music?? They (musicians) don't seem to have a problem with Republicans BUYING their music. I thought they created music for everyone's enjoyment, but just like a liberal if there is nothing in it for them then they are willing to alienate people just because they have opposing views.

[Don Schofield]

How 'bout this Mr. War Hero...be a man, play anything you dam well please and if these sissy boy Rock singers don't like it tell them "too bad" you're gonna play it. Who cares what they think? they're liberal Dem's anyhow, what have you got to loose....man, what a bunch of loosers they've all become...

[Mikeg]

the dude from Boston takes the cake! What a cry baby! Perhaps he doesn't realize that his music is enjoyed by people of all political stripes and even the apolitical. Yet, he hasn't got the grace to keep from insulting members of his own fan-base.

Well, time for some honesty then, from an aging rock and roller: Dude, Boston only had one good album anyway. Don't take yourself so seriously.

[Dobosh Scalarii]

Bill, though I agree with you that John Mellencamp is lame, I'm pretty sure he can still prevent/prohibit (BAN is strong language that doesn't make sense in context here) anyone from using his song as advertising. Not sure about at campaign rallies but it wouldn't look good for a candidate to be playing music against the will of the artist. "This Is Our Country" is horrible, horrible...I love how they have the Canadian version too, sell-out.

All these pols are a joke, Ron Paul doesn't need a rock song because the tune of liberty will always suffice!

[anonymous coward]

Title this article "Washed-Up Artists from the 70's Struggling for Relevance"

[Jeff Miller]

If I were the musician, I would be happy that someone would consider my song good enough to be used as their campaign theme. I wouldn't care if it was the Dems or the Reps. I would think it would be an honor. These musicians are totally insane.

[Ryan Jones]

"But it just shows John Mellencamp is a pinko communist who hates America" -Dave C.

So Dave, you're proposing that someone's work, their own sweat, produced as a musical work, be given freely to be used by anyone without any say by the creator? Who's making the communist argument again? It sounds like you, my friend, are the communist.

Forcing someone to provide their work for someone they disagree with, simply because they created it is the very essence of communism.

And Melloncamp, if he owns the copyright to his work or recording CAN prevent someone else from using it. The Copyright Act of 1976 says so very clearly.

What makes America great is that people own their labor. Forcing people to support your beliefs with his or her labor sounds very UnAmerican to me, but what do I know.

[Proud of my country]

Since we now know that Ms. Obama has never in her adult life been proud of the U.S., it seems to me that the McCain camp should adopt "Proud to be an American" as its official campaign song. To quote Sen. Obama (or was it Deval Patrick?), "Words matter."

[SpiderBaby]

LOL! What is Tom Scholtz of rock band Boston opposed to, lower taxes, less government, and fighting terrorism? These "stars", and I use that term real loosely with Tom (what's his name?) from Boston, are living on a cloud.

I think after McCain wipes up Hillary or Obama he should use Queen's "Another one Bites the Dust"

[W]

If Barney Frank runs for president, will he use ABBA's "Dancing Queen" as a campaign song?

W

[MAJHAM]

I like Gregg's idea. John Mellencamp sees himself as a modern day Woodie Guthrie. "This is our Country is simply a reworked "This land is our Land". Poorly reworked at that.

[Dennis Doetsch]

ABBA is still alive???

[joshgates dc]

Obama and Hillary need go no further that a Barbara Strisand liberal tune, Give them yours, I'm keeping mine. Or if the song goes right, for the entitlement crowd and the taxpayers, They got the gold mine, taxpayers got the shaft. We could go on and on but of course the greedy song writers want their share also.

[Natw]

Charlie Daniels or Ted Nugent? Those are the only guys that'll get behind any Republican candidate.

[Tom Scholtz]

My Grandfathers name is Tom Scholtz. He is 83 years young and the senior and original.He resents the musician using his name.And I don't know how the people of Boston, Mass. feel about Scholtz using the name of their fair city

[John B]

Maybe Mr. Mellencamp and Mr. Scholtz should give the Dixie Chicks a ring before throwing themselves into the political arena.

Lest they forget the country is divided fairly down the middle, and I would imagine their fans are as well. Heck, I disagree with the politics of 90% of the bands I love.

As someone once said "shut up and sing".

[Terry Hamel]

Considering all these candidates have taken special interest lobby money that protect and monopolized the special interest cause at the cost of the free market and American people, it's no surprise they would co-opt the talent, effort and skill put forth by these musician's work. See www.opensecrets.org

There's one candidate that wasn't mentioned here and is still in the race. He's never taken special interest money and works to restore the free market where competition creates quality at lower cost - Ron Paul.

[Dr BLT]

Here John, you'll never be denied the use of this one:

The Maverick
(A Tribute to John McCain)
Dr BLT
words and music by Dr BLT copyright 2008
http://www.drblt.net/music/MaverickDemo2.mp3

[Darren]

Mellenball should change his song title to "Little Pinko Houses", that ungrateful little dweeb.

[BP]

How about just NOT playing music at these freakfests? Or just hire John Tesh to write something for you to play which has no words and no end to the tune (like all his other stuff)? Then nobody will know who wrote it, what is it or what it means but they will be humming the damn thing for a week afterward.

[JDC]

Elton John said that Hillary can use one of his songs. The Bitch is back.

[Prospector]

Sad day when even music becomes a partisan wedge. It's no longer just about the music, it's about politics. Screw ABBA, Mellencamp, Boston (when are they gonna come out with their third album?). Love the final Nugent recommendation.

[Schopenhauer]

I adore ABBA. "Take A Chance On Me" is my favorite. [I lived on the Texas/New Mexico border when "Fernando" came out - it was played every 15 minutes - the stations caused us all to overdose on that one.]

HOWEVER; I am an American FIRST and if they put on a pissant contest and refuse to even allow an American candidate to play their music, then, my ABBA albums are put away for a good long time.

Why do ancient pop stars, who have few actual life experiences, all become so dang Lefty? The years they were practicing their teenage rockathing, to audiences and applause; he was starving and being beaten in a Vietnamese prison cage!!!

They have all the money in the world; never have to work again in their lives - Oh, that's right, the Swedish government TOOK IT ALL, so they had to keep working.

These dolts should be honored; wanna bet that if HUGO CHAVEZ wanted their music, they would be thrilled!

They will probably regroup for Fidel's funeral!

[Paladin]

After Mellencamp complained about McCain using his songs. I worte to Chevy to tell them I would never buy their trucks cuz of Mellencamp's politics.

[Rory Miller]

I think it's great that Mellencamp wouldn't let McCain use his song...

It's just one more thing McCain has in common with Ronald Reagan!
(Mellencamp hated Reagan too- - so that tells you how out of touch Mellencrap is with both American politics and modern music listeners!)

[Barbara]

Gosh Bill did you have your Wheaties for breakfast or just forget to take your pill?

[millard]

BOSTON ???
seriously....
BOSTON ???
Still workin on a second album DUDE ?
You should be glad anybody's playing your stuff.

[John Driedger]

Hey Bill, the candidate can play the tune, their is no law against it. Just like there is no law saying the creator of the tune can't tell off Republicans what they think of them and their party using it. Free speech, grow up Bill.

[Jorge T.]

I'd like to know what Tom Sholtz's and Boston's crass 1970's "corporate sound" with all those syrupy guitars stands for? Does he and John Melloncamp really think they are creating art? Their music is as bland and boring, and corporate as seeing Wal-Greens and Starbucks on every street corner.
These hacks have America to thank for every bit of success they have.

its clear that Dave C is just as clueless as McCain. "Pinko Communist who hates America" cause he doesnt want McCain playing his music...ARE YOU KIDDING ME. That just means he doesnt like McCain (or he may even likes him as a person but just doesnt want him playing his song)...are you saying that you have to like ol John to be American. These people have every right to do what they please regarding THEIR music. Would you want a song of yours being used to represent something you dont believe in. Yes, I concede that the musician could relax but you have to remember that this is their lifes work. Would you want something that defines you and your beliefs to be used to endorse something you do not believe in. This is one of the most important elections in a long time and candidates are even looking for an edge when it comes to their music...thus the musicians will want THEIR music to ally with their candidate of choice. also, copyrights clearly mean nothing to you.

And of course by Dave C. I meant Bill!!

[sup]

How about "The Great Pretender" for both Hillary AND Obama.

[Bob]

Hey millionaire artist

Your politics sicken me. Your songs inspire me. Figure that one out!!!

You get to be a millionaire, but you dont get to tell me how to think.

Whether you like it or not, your music is used everywhere - get used to it!

[Thea in VT]

Oh give me a break!

Chrissy Hynde and the Pretenders are OK with RUSH LIMBAUGH using their song "Ohio" on his show - all. the. time.

Mellencamp and ABBA need to take the stick out.

[Don B.]

McCain is using "TAKE A CHANCE ON ME?" Gosh, if a child molestor asked to babysit my kids and was playing that song, should I take a chance on him? Or if Bill Clinton wanted to spend some alone time with my wife or daughter and was playing that song, should I trust him? If any politician is asking us to "take a chance" with him I think we need to run as far away from the creep as possible! Take a chance on the economy? Take a chance on national security? Take a chance on education, medical care, social security, energy policy, gas prices???? That has to be the stupidest message anyone could use!

[natb1]

These half wit musicians are so full of themselves. Its a crying shame that good American men and women fight and die, so these punks can live large and free. They use their success to bash people who secure opportunity for them to obtain glory.
Not to mention how intolerant they are to other opinions.

PS
millions of people have musical talent equal to them...they just didnt get "discovered".

[Joe EuroAmerican]

I suggest a Beatles song for Obama: Taxman. For Hillary, Tears for Fears: Everybody Wants to Rule the World.

[Russ in Seattle USA]

Most rockers are liberal. They will not want their music promoting a hated RePuke-lican. Besides, the whole idea of a 71 yr old geezer rockin' out to XTC or Radiohead is just silly and invites unseemly mockery. A serious candidate for the office of President should maintain some dignity. McCain needs to act his age. I suggest as a Campaign Theme Song something from pre-history like Frank Sinatra: "I Did It My Way".

[Su]

These are the first ones out there screaming censorship....

Limousine liberal hypocrites one and all.

I stopped buying Mellencamp's music years ago. I wonder how Brad Delph feels about this. Oh, right he offed himself...Hopefully he left word of how he wants his fans to vote.

[Sully]

To the contrary, the artists can claim compensation for public airing of their music.

If the artist doesn't agree to waive their royalties, the candidate gets stuck w/ a big bill.

Tell McCain not to worry about Swedes in general....they are a peaceful lot.

[divad41]

Bill - Only a few folks in America think America is defined by who can overcome whom "in the ring".

What really defines America is that folks like "that jerk" can speak as they please, without the fear of being thrown "into the ring".

You might like Afghanistan better in its current state.

divad41

[RobertMD900]

Suggested theme songs:

Huckabee - "Now and Then There's a Fool Such as I"

Clinton - "Stand by your man"

Obama - "I Did It My Way"

McCain - "Five Hundred Miles"

[blonde]

As my Norwegian grandmother always said.."It only took one Norwegian to rid Norway of the Swedes". Good riddance to Abba.

[M.S.]

I agree ... Nugent ... but "Lock and Load" should be his themesong!

[You don't understand US law, songs are copywritten]

McCain can't use the songs without permission. Using songs at a televised campaign rally is little different from using the music in a TV commercial. He needs permission for either.

The author of a song, like the producer of a movie has the rights to public performances of his work. Here in the US, you can't just show major motion pictures to huge crowds of people. Before doing that, you need to get permission from the film company and usually have to pay a public-performance fee.

It is Exactly the same with music. Any public performance of copywritten music requires permission and a fee. Even shop owners in the US have to pay these fees if they want to play popular, copywritten music in their stores. They can't even pipe the radio over their in-store sound system without paying the fee. That's why a lot of stores play elevator music. Elevator music is often a one-time buyout with no continual payments or permissions necessary.

But if anyone wants to play copywritten music at a public function in the US, they have to pay, and the author of the music has the right to refuse permission. After all, the author owns the song. Copyright collectives like the ASCAP and BMI sue a lot of businesses over this. They almost always win.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broadcast_Music_Incorporated
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASCAP

[AFSGTSAM]

Typical Hollywood leftists all, why dont they refuse to sell their records to Republicans too. The fact is McCain is a hero and idiots like Mellencamp would not have their rights to spout their leftist garbage and make money playing crappy music without the sacrafices of men like McCain. Screw the Hollywood Left !

[jColes]

All sorts of silly things happen during political campaigns...and the silly Left carries their self-righteous, snottier-than-thou activism to outrageously silly extremes...Me-thinks many of our beloved popular artists, both current and has-been, need full-time adult supervision.

[GenRach]

Bobarian..that comment was the best I have read on any new site in a long time! BRAVO!

[Rick LaBonte]

McCain needs something by the Grateful Dead, since he's so close to being there himself. Instead of trying to be hip, which is impossible, he should stick with his own genre - easy listening,something by Eddie Fisher, Julius LaRosa, Bobby Vinton, the McGuire Sisters, Perry Como. Yeah, that's it - put me in a coma, with Perry Como.

[ONTIME]

I WONDER IF McCAIN KNOWS THAT ONE CALLED "TRUST BUT VERIFY"?

[Eric Evans]

As a musician, I certainly wouldn't want someone playing my tune if I were vehemently opposed to their opinions and stances on issues. Good for Tom Scholz for standing up for his music, and his rights!

[Aldo]

Everyone else has to pay royalties to play these people songs in public (bars, etc). It's time for these political campaigns to STOP freeloading. As long as they pay, the artist cannot stop them from using the songs.

BTW, some artist expressing a negative view about your favorite candidate does NOT make them unpatriotic OR "a communist". Grow up - grade school name calling should have ended for you a long time ago.

[Miami hockey]

McCain should use "American Bad Ass". I'm sure Kid Rock would approve.

[Aldo]

Everyone else has to pay royalties to play these people songs in public (bars, etc). It's time for these political campaigns to STOP freeloading. As long as they pay, the artist cannot stop them from using the songs.

BTW, some artist expressing a negative view about your favorite candidate does NOT make them unpatriotic OR "a communist". Grow up - grade school name calling should have ended for you a long time ago.

[Pat]

I live in Las Vegas, as well, and would just like to reassure the world that not everyone in our city is an Archie Bunker clone.

[Dan]

Bill, you are the typical mouth-foaming hate-spewing right wing nut job that everyone is sick of. You can only retort with over-played hyperbole and the threat of violence. How very boring you have become.

[Dave]

I'd love to see Obama using New World Coming by Nina Simone

There's a new world commin'
And it's just around the bend
There's a brand new mornin'
That belongs to you and me
A new world commin'

The one we had vision of
And its commin' in peace
Is commin in joy
and commin in love
There's a new world commin'
And its just around the bend
There's a new day dawning
the one that's for you and me

[Rich]

John McCain is a hopelessly stiff, unimaginative, stuck in the past, trophy wife marrying, W Bush backing, wishy washy, Keating 5 member, humorless, opportunist grandpa character who is not worthy to bask in the genius inspired tunes of Mellencamp or even ABBA ! He's going down against Obama or Clinton. This country knows that it does not want 4-8 more yrs of W !!

[Retort]

Quote
"the polar opposite of most everything Boston stands for."

Well blow me down! Boston actually "stands" for something? Who knew?

[S. Britchky]

I wonder if Tom Scholtz objects to customers with whom he has strong political disagreements paying for his songs at Wal-Mart?

[mouthbreather]

Sorry songstresses

[Alan]

All the mad, rage-mongers need to grow up & get a life. Your violent thoughts & actions are so childish. "The bigger the war (hatred, etc.), the smaller the penis."

Not to worry. All the loyalist, establishment types are against change - change they are so paranoid about. Are we having peace yet? (...or the "experience" of Dick Cheney & the like?) At least we have the so-called, self-named, "liberal media" to thank that lies & supports the lies that gets the Christian, sic., nations to murder the enemy nation du jour. "The bigger the war (hatred, etc.), the smaller the penis."

[Andy]

If I could keep Huckabee's sweaty hands off my song, I'd definitely try.

[Bob Nevins]

The Beatles "I'm a Loser" (and I'm not what I appear to be) . This song should be the Obama theme song. PS, it could have worked for Fidel when he was coming up through the ranks many years ago too.

[Yankee Doodle]

John Cougar is such a tool.

[tim]

Yeah I seem to recall Mellencamp bad-mouthing Phil Collins back in the 80s for selling out when Collins' "Tonight" took off after being featured in a beer commercial.

And now good ole John Boy is selling trucks.

[killerbee]

No way, I though ABBA was a Saturday morning cartoon, sort of like Scooby Doo with songs. Or like when the Brady kids sang "Sunshine Day". You mean those Clowns (ABBA) is a real band? Who actually would buy and listen to that crap? Oh right! Europe and Sweden. That explains it.

[Uncle Ted's Nephew]

I don't think Ted Nugent would allow a gun grabber like McCain to play any of his music.

[Rich LaRocco]

I've bought a lot of music put out by musicians who don't share my morals or political views -- people such as Barbra Streisand, John Lennon, etc. I don't think I'll do that anymore.

[Robbie]

Bill@12:49pm,
Wow, anytime somebody does something a republican doesn't like, then they are labeled as a "pinko communist"? That is the same line of thought that wouldn't allow for any discussion about invading Iraq. Nice going.

[mike h]

right on Dave C

[Larry]

Oh sad old world, why don't you go and hate some other country for a while? BETTER YET, don't hate anyone at all. Did you ever think of that?
Your damned old countries and your damned old histories of uttermost brutality and cruelty and war -- pray tell, where did you get leave to condemn America or anyone else? Really, it's laughable.

[john smith]

Perhaps Abba and John M and any others who want to pick a candidate and snub others may end up with a drop in sales to conservatives. Much as I like 'em I don't have to have the drivel. I do without dropping my hard earned pesos on their stuff.

[Barack van de Kamp]

Man, Mellencamp was soooo right! I wouldn't want my songs either to become linked to thousands of death soldiers, especially when some have been your friends and you knew their mothers.
So, what, Mellencamp is supposed to shrug this off? someone he hates is using his brainchild to kill more of Mellencamps friends? Damn straight he should protest.
And us-Swedish relationships are already strained after the Piratebay fiasco. Swedes don't like to be used as rentacops for the RIAA

[stevgillamos]

Sweden's full of lefty liberals anyway who have watched their country be taken over by the usual mad Marxist socialist policies. We're doing the same thing in the UK. Actually, these days I think The Times too has been taken over by this disease as everything seems very 'politically correct' in a lefty liberal sort of way if you know what I mean. Doesn't matter anyway as this letter won't get published. Just wanted to get it off my chest!

[divad41]

ALDO - We appreciate your reassurance. Hope you don't have to experience too much involuntary interaction with Bill.

divad41

[Jimmy L]

I found this story via drudgetracker.com

It's not right for McCain to just use songs without getting copyright permissions. It's the same as illegally downloading a song. What kind of precedent does that set for voters?

[Charles G. Morphy]

I say to Boston that there "music" does not have the intellect or the charisma that the Boston Pops under the late and great Arthur Fiedler or John Williams (Star Wars music composer)has as well as Seiji Ozawa and the Boston Symphony, and the Boston Red sox, Celtics, Bruins, or New England Patriots have even though I am a loyal SF-Oakland-San Jose fan. the "Boston" rock group is parasitically riding the coat-tails of the legendary icons true to Boston. John McCain, though he may be a RINO to some conservatives, served our country at great sacrifice and is to be lauded. I am a vet and a member of the Fraternal Knights of Columbus myself. It is time that the entertainers festering with sour grapes "Shut up and Sing" and perform and support the USA and the Judeo-Christian ethic. God Bless America and the Free World and the people that are under the Islamo-fascist sharia oppression. CGM from Martinez, CA.

[Matt from California]

McCain needs to get allies like Charlie Daniels to make an anthem for him.

Also there are some metal musicians like Stuck Mojo who would probally wouldnt mind allowing mccain to play their songs like "I'm American".