Quote:
Originally Posted by ree-Xi
Disclaimer* - I don't know the specific laws, but have an idea why the "students" are performing older music.
I know that some more modern performers' songs have allowed GLEE! to use their music (and I am amazed at their musical arrangements with Rap and R&B, because I haven't seen that done before), but when it comes to real-life high schools, they are usually working off songbooks/collections of songs with rights that are more accessible. After a certain time, songs fall under a "fair use" rule that allows the music, lyrics, etc. to be used. In this case, the performances are not-for-profit, but for exhibition.
The fact that the cast is re-recording these songs is a entirely other issue, but there are laws allowing a cover song to be produced/sold/performed, even if they are relatively new.
The Journey songs that New Directions performed were from the early 80s. Vocal Adrenaline did a Queen song from the mid-70s. This makes sense to me. For example, when I was in HS (mid-late 80s), our choir did a 7-8-minute medley of the Beach Boys. Granted, the BB had one or two "later" hits, but the stuff we performed in choir was mostly from the 60s and 70s (outside of widely-used/classical pieces like "El Shaddai", "Canon in D", etc). I remember that we had done one "current" piece (one-time performance) and I remember going through a lot to be able to do it. We performed "When the Children Cry," backing up one of the guys in our class who had a rock band. Back then, it was pretty edgy for a Catholic high school.
I have to say that although our choir didn't enter competitions, GLEE brings back many memories for the 4 years I performed in high school Choir. We were lucky enough to take it as an elective, so I got to sing 3-4 days a week. Amazing way to keep your voice healthy if you are also doing musical theater!!
*If anyone here understands music copyright law, feel free to provide accurate and specific info.
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If it were a real school, I'd totally be on board with it, but this is a network, so I guess I just expected more? Haha, I'm ok with the show being a little less realistic if it means a better performance.
Plus, I think with Don't Stop, it's played EVERYWHERE. Wedding receptions, wedding socials, graduations, parties, sporting events, etc. It's quickly losing any pump up factor for me.