by dorothy snarker

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Avril’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week

Dorothy Snarker

Avril Lavigne has probably had better weeks. By now you’ve probably heard about the 22-year-old’s “Girlfriend” troubles. The ~~punk~~ pop singer is being sued for plagiarism by the '70s band The Rubinoos.

The group claims Lavigne lifted the chorus from its 1979 song “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” off its Back to the Drawing Board album. The songs share a similar refrain of “Hey, hey. You, you”… “I want to/wanna be your boyfriend/girlfriend.” Let’s take a listen to both, shall we?

DailyMotion

Undeniably, the two share the call-response chorus, but the rest of the songs bear no resemblance. Plus, “Hey” and “You” aren’t uncommon lyrics. Just try getting on the Rolling Stones’ cloud and find out. To bolster their claim, the Rubinoos posted two other samples of authorized covers of “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” on their website. The Lush version is particularly interesting because it both pops up and flips the gender of the song.

Avril has responded on her website (ah, online flame wars on personal websites; the 2000s equivalent of Krystle throwing Alexis into the lily pond). She, of course, adamantly denied any thievery.

“I had never heard this song in my life and their claim is based on 5 words! All songs share similar lyrics and emotions. As humans we speak one language.”

In a continuation of her headaches, last week Avril also got called out by fellow Canuck singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk in an interview with the magazine Performing Songwriter. Chantal worked with Lavigne on her 2003 release “Under My Skin.” They have since parted ways and Chantal publicly scoffed at Lavigne’s songwriting skills, saying, “I mean, Avril, songwriter? Avril doesn't really sit and write songs by herself or anything.” Oh, snap.

Chantal went on to grumble that she had sent Avril a song two years ago called “Contagious” and that she saw a track by the same name on Best Damn Thing without her name on it. Chantal has since acknowledged that she had not heard Lavigne’s version and that the songs do not sound alike.

Avril also addressed Chantal’s claims on her website and, interestingly, gave them twice as much ink (fine, virtual ink) as the Rubinoos’ allegations. Funny how people feel more free to talk when litigation isn’t involved :

“Chantal has also made false accusations about my writing skills. I am so over this topic. This letter is not about this. I am not going to sit here and defend my writing skills. I don't have to prove anything to anyone. I know who I am and what I have done and accomplished and no one can take that away from me.”

“I am so over this topic”? Well, that certainly sounds like a perfect example of Avril’s writing skills.

She goes on to say that Chantal emailed her to apologize and that she has forgiven her. But, if that’s true, why did she threaten to send her own couriers carrying subpoenas Chantal’s way?

“Chantal's comments are damaging to my reputation and a clear defamation of my character and I am considering taking legal action.”

Is she hoping one lawsuit will cancel out the other? Because I don’t think it works that way. So, what do you think? Is she Avril Lavigne the song burglar or Avril Lavigne the coincidence princess? Discuss.

dorothy snarker's blog

Submitted by

Dorothy Snarker

on July 9, 2007 - 4:00pm.

TAGS ::

Bad Unlyrical Crap

Submitted by

jennifer from p... (1256 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 4:19pm.

At first I liked Avril, with her first release. Then, not so much, and now not at all. Maybe I'm being a cranky Yank, but I expect more from a Canadian. Blame Sarah McLachlan, blame my Toronto friend Morgan who is always, unfailingly, the voice of reason in the disonnance (sp) of an argument, or just blame me for expecting people to be better than what people actually are. Either or any way, Avril and that suckass Girlfriend song should both go away for awhile. God, I hate that song. When I was younger and angrier and I would've suggested someone shoot her. But now I'm old and apathetic, so eh. I just change the radio station when it comes on.

Apples and Oranges

Submitted by

MsWoo, Moderator (408 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 4:31pm.

Personally, I think Avril's song sounds more like The Ramones "I Want to Be Your Girlfriend." I couldn't find their version, but this is Jayne County's: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qo6IljGMe7w

(The Ramones always sound like they are plagarizing themselves).

But my favorite is a mash-up of Avril's Girlfriend and The Ramone's "I Wanna Be Sedated"

http://youtube.com/watch?v=95An62R9YKk

Damn, that is good! Avril should always rip off the Ramones :D

Woo

Submitted by

jennifer from p... (1256 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 7:03pm.

Woo, you almost, ALMOST, got me to hate on Avril less. But she had nothing to do with ths ingenius mash up, so bugger her.

LOL! Jennifer, I know what you mean.

Submitted by

MsWoo, Moderator (408 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 7:21am.

I listen to that mash up and think "that is a pretty cool song!" Then I realize - THATS BECAUSE IT IS THE RAMONES!

Nothing like it!

Submitted by

Erin (13 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 4:36pm.

the Rubinoos' song is totally slower...they are just way desperated for money and they finally found a song with lyrically, maybe the same words...they are losers!

If anyone should be pissed, it should be The Ramones...that band sounds like them...well one Ramone is still living...

www.myspace.com/radioranchero

Someone should tell Avril

Submitted by

pecola (1034 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 4:53pm.

I just wish someone would remind Avril that she's almost 23 years old.

She sounds like a small child.

Thank you

Submitted by

Laura (125 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 5:48pm.

For this: The ~~punk~~ pop singer

I have never been able to take the child seriously since she "burst on to the scene" with her self-proclaimed punk-ness. She's about as punk as Up with People. Well, maybe slightly more, but if they start wearing the establishment-threatening dark eyeliner too, they're gonna give her a run for her money...

Just what we need, another

Submitted by

newbie (258 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 5:49pm.

Just what we need, another whiney, 20-something with dark blochy mascara and a squeaky voice. Avril, uh Advil..huh, who?

I immediately thought of the Ramones too.

proud of my canadian music...

Submitted by

Renee (136 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 5:54pm.

every music loving canadian knows that avril lavigne can't hold a candle to the unbelievably talented chantal kreviazuk and her equally wonderful musician husband raine maida.

i agree with you dorothy - seeing the childish language she used to post something on her website is indicative enough of her impossible songwriting skills.

then again, she's never been one for deep, meaningful lyrics or music.

for all of you who haven't heard chantal kreviazuk - i HIGHLY suggest you check out any one of her four amazing albums. i'm not sure if you can get them all in the u.s....but they're probably available on iTunes.

if she ever swings by your area on a concert date - spend the 20 bucks and go see her. you will not regret it. at her last sold out concert here in ottawa, she received a ten minute standing ovation at the end of the show.

haha sorry to rant...but chantal is the real canadian deal. avril's just some poser who wishes she had half the talent.

Whaat?

Submitted by

Gobias Somecoffee (251 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 5:57pm.

Why would anyone want to steal that? The lyrics are so idiotic and annoying as well as the way the "Hey hey, you you" part is sung. Her songwriting "skills" are horrible. I am so over her.

Personally I don't like her,

Submitted by

Wicked1 (49 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:04pm.

Personally I don't like her, or I don't really care about her. I don't like how she presents herself, like she's so punk rock. She's not punk rock, never has been. Then her verbal hatred toward Britney and Christina. She was suppose to be the "Anti-Britney", by her own words. Her music sure sounds Pop to me, especially with the choreographed dancing.

As for her stealing the song I have no idea, she probably did. Some artists always try to steal lyrics or beats from artists from the past, who maybe weren't that popular. But what do they think? That the person that wrote the song, or produced the beat isn't gonna recognize it when they hear it on the radio or watch the video?

As for Avril's songwriting skills.....Hahahaha. And being compared, Chantal Kreviazuk is definitely the better song writer.

Ungh

Submitted by

Harpy, Moderator (9127 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:13pm.

God, I hate that Girlfriends song so much. I'd rather listen to Ace of Base. The thought of listening to either is truly upsetting and depressing though.

Of course, in posting this I now have that horrific "I Saw the Sign" song stuck in my head. Joy. BUT! For a great laugh, I advise folks to watch the video for the song. Seriously, what are the two dudes doing in it? Trying to look badass and failing miserably I guess. Especially the heavier guy. There's more to videos then walking toward the camera and pointing at things. Worst video ever.

Avril is Talentless

Submitted by

MandaLeah (58 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:46pm.

If anyone's telling the truth it's Chantel. Any Canadian who knows their music knows that Chantel actually has some musical gifts and actually writes her own and others music. I've always found it surprising how little sucess she's seems to have in the States, even though you find her music on numerous tv soundtracks.

take her to the bank

Submitted by

Ruth (37 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 6:55pm.

I hope Avril Lavigne gets sued for all she is worth, money wise. 'Cause i know in any other way she isn't worth much.

.....Can you tell I'm not a big fan of hers?...Just a little?

She's young, beautiful, can

Submitted by

ArtsyAmy (38 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 10:19pm.

She's young, beautiful, can kinda-sing (well, bettah than me at any rate), and fun to watch. . . .But, evah since she claimed to be influenced by (as she pronounced it): "David Bow-ee" I can't quite bring myself to take her very seriously. Seriously, committing rock religion blasphemy; the sort that might even be grounds for excommunication.

That's actually how David Bowie pronounces his name

Submitted by

HallyB (78 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 2:15am.

I have seen this in a few places and I had to reply. David Bowie actually pronounces his own last name with the short 'ow', like "Ow, I cut my hand." The Bowie that everyone uses (like Bowie knife) is actually the Americanized version.

I agree with ArtsyAmy, though, that Avril is beautiful and can sing pretty well. And she has a knack for putting out some catchy songs.

Uh actually...

Submitted by

not only but also (287 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 6:06am.

Little Davey Jones changed his name to David Bowie after the Bowie knife. So it would sound American. And because of the Monkees.

But Avril Lavigne sucks major ass. As Americans might say. And Canadians. We Australians should simply remain silent on the topic because we inflicted Kylie Minogue on the world. Although it was the English who truly realised her horror.

Not Only But Also

Hey Wait!

Submitted by

MsWoo, Moderator (408 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 7:23am.

I like Kylie Minogue! No one here in America really knows much about her, so it is like I have my own personal Kylie :D

yes, but

Submitted by

HallyB (78 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 1:38pm.

yeah, no, you're right about the origins of the stage name, but the British pronounce it with the short 'ow,' which is why Davd Bowie says it like that, which is why (so she has said) Avril says it like that. The bowie knife is pronounced with the short 'ow' in England, too.

Can we Canadians disown her?

Submitted by

notshane (236 posts)

on July 9, 2007 - 11:20pm.

Avril...oh god, cringe maker of the first order. She is SO FAKE. There's not an ounce of authenticity about her. The corporate music industry LOVE HER. She's sold her soul (if she ever had one) to the money makers. I guess given there's not much talent - either as a singer or songwriter,- that's really all she can do.

She's a 2010 Spokesperson

Submitted by

LetsDoCoffee (not verified)

on July 10, 2007 - 1:24am.

when I saw her perform in Torino I think I vomited a little. Ugh...of all the artists to pick... they got her to represent Vancouver 2010. GrrRrrr.

Oh and Raine Maida and Our Lady Peace, love love love.

Now Avril vs. Peaches?

Submitted by

Dorothy Snarker (1504 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 3:33am.

Oh Avril, when it rains it pours. Another song-by-song comparison. This time it’s similar intros to Avril’s “I Don’t Have To Try” from her latest album and Peaches’ “I’m The Kinda” from 2003. Give 'em a listen:

Peaches and Avril Lavigne's songs
Uploaded by skyllo

---------------------------------------------------
Why I Don't Sleep Much: Dorothy Surrenders

Peaches seems like the type

Submitted by

Katie (18 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 5:26am.

Peaches seems like the type who wouldn't bother witha lawsuit, she'd just come kick your ass.

I might pay to see that.

Oh please!!

Submitted by

not only but also (287 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 6:10am.

Please God, please-oh-please-oh-please let Peaches kick Lavigne's arse. I would pay for tickets.

Not Only But Also

Oh Avril. "I wear the

Submitted by

MrsLahbib (25 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 4:34pm.

Oh Avril.

"I wear the pants"??? God if she has any sense she will say she stole that off someone and not claim to have penned it herself.

Well, darn, I had no idea he

Submitted by

ArtsyAmy (38 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 9:13am.

Well, darn, I had no idea he actually pronounced it that way. Crap. I should hide in a hole for no knowing that.

Chantel is worth 1000 Avrils

Submitted by

NorthernStar (160 posts)

on July 10, 2007 - 9:24am.

Sorry, but I recently attended a Chatal Kreviazuk concert and met the woman behind the music that captured me. She is a talented, sensitive artist, and may I also add articulate unlike one Mr. Lavigne... I'm ashamed people look at Avril Lavigne and think this is CANADIAN music.

Dear Ms. Lavigne...

Submitted by

charlotte1188 (not verified)

on July 11, 2007 - 5:11am.

You are not punk and never will be. Your pathetic attempts at creativity and orignality are an insult to whole genre itself. And must we bring up that little comparison you made between yourself and Sid Vicious a few years ago? "I'm like a Sid Vicious for a new generation." Are you kidding me? Look in a mirror. You're a poser in every meaning of the term.

Keep telling yourself that you're a good musician, maybe people will actually become as convinced as you are.

AHHHH

Submitted by

StarFire (136 posts)

on July 11, 2007 - 6:32am.

This board is stressing me out. A lot of hate towards Avril *sigh*. I admit that I've been to two of her concerts and own all of her albums. I wasn't excited over her recent one because Girlfriend wasn't a very good song but her songs are addictive and truly express how it feels to be a teenager. I was also a big fan of Chantel Kreviazuk before Avril arrived on the music scene and like her music as well. The two cannot be compared to each other because they both have completely different styles. I won't say more on the topic.

Rubinoos trying to swindel Avril to get money for there old band

Submitted by

Kira_me (18 posts)

on July 12, 2007 - 2:21am.

I love Avril and her song! i loved it the first time i heard it!! it is just so fun and energetic!! i love the remix even better Avril is fabulous!! all this stupid stuff about it being plagiarized is bull!! every musician steals from every other. everry rap song sounds the same it is stuped to think that Avrils song and the rubinoos are the same just because they say "hay hay you you, i wana be your boy friend"...i mean come on. how many times in different songs have you heard people yell "put your hands in the air like you just dont cair" i mean most danc songs from the 90s used that but it is stuped for them to sue each other over it... LAIM. the rubinoos are old there band is over. Avril is hot and making heas of money the rubinoos just wana cash in to a song they wrote years ago with the same general premis and make some extra money. they are laim laim laim. but Aril rox and so does her music!!

Now THAT is grounds for a lawsuit

Submitted by

LauraLovesYou (145 posts)

on July 18, 2007 - 3:15am.

Those two songs are extremely similar, not that other crap by the rubinoos I actually happen to like Avril Lavigne's music. I don't necessarily believe that this is "canadian" music, I just tend to think of it and catchy pop. I also like Chantal, although I don't agree when musicians start celebrity fueds in light of the press.

Potato

Submitted by

Property (2 posts)

on August 6, 2007 - 6:31am.

Obviously im incredibly shallow....screw avrils image...I never stared at her face bcuz of her lack of "punk rock" or such n such....I always found her incredibly stunning.... and that girlfreind song incredibly hilariouse...so whatever...sued or not...she caused me humorfull lust.....I applaude....

She was cool once

Submitted by

Neverose (4 posts)

on August 16, 2007 - 6:22pm.

About two years ago when she was first famous, I really liked good ole Avril. But then after about two years she completely sold out to commertialism. She deserves to be sued for that alone as far as I'm concerned. When I was twelve she was my role model. Now she just annoys me.

xXx

~~I wanna hurt you just to hear you screaming my name~~

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